Chivers Hammerhead 670HT Boat Review

Boat Review Date: April 2018
Author: Mike Brown

Overview

The Chivers’ Hammerhead name has been around a while, always with 670 after it. It still has the 670, but although the overall length remains at that figure the hull length has increased by 200mm. Quite a lot else has changed in the Hammerhead’s latest incarnation.

The beam was already at the maximum for restriction- free towing, 2.5 metres, but the waterline beam has increased with benefit to stability. 150mm more width has been given to the cabin and driving area by narrowing the decks alongside them, with the additional result of making it easier to pass between the seats to reach the cabin.

The side decks aft of here are broad, with anti skid material on them. Their width makes it possible to stand fully upright at the rail.

The fore cabin is a shelter and storage spot rather than a genuine sleeping space. The bunks are carried high to increase the volume beneath them, but they still have adult headroom above them. There is also a recess here to accept a toilet; a soft bulkhead can be added for privacy.

The two swivel seats, bolster equipped and locker mounted, give comfort and good visual and tactile access to controls and electronics, standing or sitting. For the latter, there are the foot rails that some builders forget. The dash in front has large amounts of area for displays, switches and the like. There is room for a 16 inch screen.

Technically a closed hardtop as there is a full height windscreen and side glass, there is still abundant ventilation. The windscreen centre opens and the side glass slides. The hardtop itself projects forward to provide a sun visor. Headroom is increased over previous models, and the gauge of aluminium has been reduced to decrease top weight.

Like all the Sharks the Hammerhead has automatic water ballasting and de-ballasting. Stop the boat and the chines - spread a little by the increased waterline beam - instantly drop below the surface. The 240 litrefuel tank is on the centre line so the fuel will not chase a person moving to the rail. The result is a platform that feels nailed to the ocean.

Within a couple of seconds of opening the throttle the ballast disappeared. The lightened, steep deadrise hull totally mastering the sea produced by a vigorous sea breeze.

There is plenty of clear space for anglers or divers, and they have a synthetic deck cladding underfoot. This replaces the previous carpet and should be an easier cleaning job. The plumbing is in place for a deck wash but a pump is an extra; which is reasonable as some people prefer a bucket and brush.

The upper works and interior paint finish was described by Chivers as “not quite white”, which sums it up very well. Apart from ringing the changes on definitely white, this is literally easier on the eye being less reflective. The paint finish is safe. As always on Chivers boats the bits liable to wear – rubbing strips, rails, anchor well rim – are left raw.

The equipment list is comprehensive. It does not include a combo screen, and that is fair enough as individual choice varies so much. Pretty near everything else is here: side deck rod holders and rocket launchers; a pair of 140 litre kill tanks – or ice chests; tabs on the hardtop for lights or extra aerials; bait tray; substantial boarding ladder; and the all important dual battery system.

Plenty of attention has been paid to stowage. Besides the cabin and under the seats, side pockets have made it big – literally. Deep and wide they stretch down the sides aft of the seats; the starboard one even continuing partway across the transom (the transom door is to port). Alongside and ahead of the seats are short versions – a lot more practical than a glove box.

The Chivers-built trailer is rated for 3.2 tonnes, which will allow the boat to legally contain the cargo that most people take north. This is a keel roller trailer that carries all that weight where the boat is strongest – at the keel. Another useful feature is the steel mesh walkway giving good grip and dry feet when hooking on the winch wire.

Lowdown

Price as reviewed    AUD $104,202

Length overall           6.7m

Hull length                6.3m

Beam                          2.5m

Fuel capacity            240L

Motor fitted                150hp Yamaha