Coraline 750 Outsider Serries II Boat Review

Boat Review Date: April 2016
Author: Mike Brown

Overview

Most builders with a large range, and that of local builder Coraline rivals Quintrex’s, sell a very small share of it at the big end. Coraline is different: their seven to eight metre range has a sizeable following that mostly takes advantage of the builder’s willingness to extensively customise. The review 750 Outsider has a fit out that suits a whole suite of roles: Rottnest or Garden Island overnighting, river party boat, offshore fishing; even short stay caravan substitute.

It comes on an aluminium trailer built by Coraline and designed by people who know all about launching and recovery. Features include the gangway to keep your feet dry while hooking on, and mudguards made out of chequer plate aluminium to eliminate foot spin. There are also skids and rollers in exactly the right places – these made the boat self launching and almost a pleasure to winch back on.

For many the toilet would be the key feature to love in the boat itself. Located in a cabin with a solid door, it closely resembles the one at home – to flush it you just press a button. Actually, in that respect it is better: electricity causes the flush rather than thumb power. Cover the toilet with the bunk infill and you produce an acceptable occasional sleeping compartment. Despite the solid door there is no gloom in here: side windows, a clear fore hatch and LED lighting take care of that.

Like most of the larger Coralines this one has a closed hardtop. An opening centre panel of the windscreen and sliding side glass make it breezier than an open one to order. It provides first class shelter for the driver and two others. Those two sit on a fore and aft seat that allows enough room aft of it for a galley unit to also fit within shelter. This is a great deal more capable than a token cooking outfit. A stainless steel gas cook top, a sink linked to a 50 litre tank, a fridge-freezer and a locker. It would be more than equal to the average man’s kitchen skills.

All this leaves room for a huge cockpit. Space here for folding tables and deck chairs, or for a gang of fishermen. Its immense charm lies in the shade it is in, provided by a well braced canopy that stretches from the hardtop to the transom. Its only external supports are a pair of posts mid transom, so fishermen have no obstacles. A zip out panel gives access to the rank of rocket launchers on the hardtop.

The only barrier to every inch of rail is the rear lounge, which you can fold or leave at home. Mid transom is a bait tray, and below the cockpit carpet (reached via an opening panel) is the self draining catch tank. With the carpet left at home as well, clean up is easy using the venturi-powered deck wash.

The driving position faces a neat dash featuring the buyer’s choice of plotter-sounder (AUD $3,000 allowed in the price tag). Controls include those for the drum-style anchor windlass and the LED spotlight. Engine controls and wheel fall nicely to hand, as we found out under way on a morning with plenty of wind.

The 250hp Yamaha four-stroke proved a good match with the hull: plenty of power in reserve, and the 4.2 litre motor’s torque allowed only small touches of power trim to adjust attitude to suit the sea. The ride delivered by the hull with its 20 degree deadrise was as good as expected, as was the quietness – unsurprising with bottom plating thicker than a Rottnest ferry’s.

Size does matter sometimes; often, actually. More room for people and gear, better ride, more stability. The only down sides are more money and maybe more car to tow it.

Lowdown

Price, as reviewed   AUD $158,965

Length overall           8.1m

Hull length                7.5m

Beam                          2.5m

Fuel capacity            450L

Fresh water               50L

Motor fitted                250hp Yamaha four-stroke