The weather is starting to heat up and Summer is not too far away. If boating around your local estuary system in search of a fishy feed. Or wanting to reach your own secluded paradise to let the family run free and swim. Sounds like a great option to beat the heat. Then keep reading !!
Sea Jay Aluminium Boats have again lifted the bar with the release of the 538 Avenger Sports. Providing die hard fisho’s and families alike another great boating package to consider if you are in the market.
Overview
The 538 Avenger Sports is available with a painted or non-painted hull, with models ranging in size from 4.25m and up. When you read the word ‘sports’ in any Sea Jay boat description, it is code for side console. Which, in the case of the Avenger series, really sets the boat up nicely. All the Avenger Sports models feature Sea Jay’s Adrenalin hull which incorporates a reverse chine.
And it would be about here, that I need to highlight the Adrenaline hull’s performance. Adrenaline Rush? Or Rocket Ship? Seriously, this boat moves.
The Adrenaline Hull
The adrenaline hull features a slightly deeper V than what you would expect from a boat of this size. Which in turn provides for sharper entry into the water. This helps the boat in providing a great ride and very good control while turning. However, it also provides the boat with a slightly wider beam. 2.35m to be exact, which when you compare the Avenger Sports specs against other boats of similar size is a notable difference.
‘Big Deal’ I hear you say. Well, it is the wider beam which provides a larger amount of water displacement. And hence enables the horsepower rating of this boat to be increased beyond that which you would usually expect for a boat of this size. So, if you a fan of moving quickly between point A and B or you are simply a bit of a speed freak? Then this boat is sure to impress.
Built Tough
With a 3mm bottom and 3mm plate sides the 538 Avenger Sports is built Sea Jay tough. I have reviewed several Sea Jay boats in the last year and their tough build is without doubt a standout feature of the entire Sea Jay range. I honestly believe it is one of the key reasons, underpinning why Sea Jay are one of the top selling boat brands in Australia.
Before I get into the practical aspects of the Sea Jay 538 Avenger Sports, if you are into your techs and specs. Then you are best visiting http://www.seajayboats.com.au/ to find these.
The combined weight of the boat, plus weight of the max rated 115hp motor and weight of the trailer itself comes in well under 1000kg. Meaning most large sized family cars, SUV’s etc will find towing the Avenger Sports easy.
On The Water
Launching the 538 Avenger Sports on your own is very achievable. If your local boat ramp is gifted with nice pontoons etc. Then you will have no difficulty launching and retrieving this boat. If your local boat ramp needs some TLC then I feel the 538 Avenger Sports is at the upper end of size and weight to be manhandled by a single person.
Once on the water the 538 Avenger Sports is very stable and looks very sleek. The wide beam of the boat and generous freeboard presents plenty of room to move around the inside of the boat. On testing day, we had 3 full grown adult males on board, some of us, carrying a little more weight than others. But, at no time did the boat feel crowded nor the boat sluggish due to the weight. A family of four, or a couple of lads with camping gear, would be very comfortable in this boat.
Power
Fitted to our test boat was a shiny new Yamaha F115 16-Valve DOHC, In-Line 4, the maximum rated hp for the 538 Avenger Sports. The Yamaha boys had already been out on the water and run the figures for us. Which saw the sweet spot at 3500 rpm. At which time the 538 Avenger Sports achieved on average 40km/h or 20 knots burning 9.8 litres per hour while achieving on average 3km/s per litre. When you consider the underfloor fuel tank capacity of 115 litres. This provides you with a tremendous amount of range.
Sitting behind the side console and screen there is absolutely no issue with visibility. The side console also provides plenty of room for electronics to be mounted. It also features a handy glove box which is great for keeping important items out of the direct sunlight.
Who Would Use This Boat ?
The 538 Avenger Sports comes with an electric motor plate. In fact when you look over this boat, it really is ready to rock and roll for the avid sports fisher. Simply fit your preferred electronics, whack on the electric motor and get fishing. I really would be wasting your time if I wrote down all the standard features. Put simply, we as boaties and fishers have come to expect boat manufacturers to install certain features. And, Sea Jay in true fashion provide them.
My Honest Opinion
So, let’s get to the pointy end. How did the boat handle? Well, for any of you who follow my Fish That Snag adventures on YouTube and Facebook. You will know, I am a bit conservative when it comes to going fast on the water. Some say I drive like Miss Daisy, but, crikey did I have fun with this boat.
It felt like we were flying. The Yamaha F115 saw us rocket out of the hole and onto the plane. Cornering produced a little drift as you would expect when hammering along at full noise. All things considered, I was extremely impressed with how the 538 Avenger Sports performed.
Final Thoughts
My final thoughts on the Sea Jay 538 Avenger Sports. Sea Jay have added a larger model to their existing Avenger series of boats. With that added size comes added capability to extend your trip outside of the estuary. And, to explore short offshore trips when the weather suits. The additional size of the 538 Avenger also means more room for camping and fishing gear. If your enjoying a lads fishing expedition or simply more comfort for the family while enjoying a day out on the water.
The extra water displacement and higher hp rating of the 538 Avenger Sports means this boat can cover some serious ground, very quickly. The build of the boat as you would expect, is Sea Jay tough and the boat features as standard everything you need to get on the water quickly.
Aussie boat manufacturers seem to be really pushing hard to make boating choices super easy for their customers and Sea Jay Aluminium Boats are right up there amongst the leaders of the Australian boating industry.
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