Tested: Horizon 5.25 Scorpion

Horizon Boats has ticked all the right boxes for fishos wanting an affordable yet versatile fishing cuddy. KRIS SWERES reports.

THERE’S definitely something appealing about packing up the fishing and camping gear and heading out with mates or the family for an overnighter. Some of my fondest fishing memories are based around exactly this sort of activity.

Having a comfortable, safe and affordable boat to access these locations is paramount. Gold Coast-based Horizon Boats has been in the business of building aluminum boats for more than a decade now. The company’s new 5.25 Scorpion Cuddy Cabin, coupled with Yamaha’s diminutive yet gutsy F70A four-stroke, is typical of the sort of boat package that’s ideal for fishing and camping adventures. 

Fit-out
This little boat boasts features you’d expect to see only in a larger vessel. Somehow the guys at Horizon have managed to cram a lot of boat into what is essentially a pretty compact package. Comfortable seating, plenty of rod holders and clever use of available space combine to make this rig a winner for the keen fisho. Also included is a 110 litre fuel tank (which would provide massive range thanks to the fuel miserly Yammie), self-draining anchor well, transducer bracket and plenty of deck space. An optional elevated cutting board with dual rod holders on the test boat had light line snapper sessions written all over it!

At the helm, the controls of this rig were user friendly with everything at hand, including a little Humminbird 585c FishFinder and dual digital gauges for the Yammie. Two little “PWK” (phone, wallet, keys) shelves are situated right near the throttle and there’s also one for the passenger.

An optional bimini top had been included in the test boat. While these canopies can restrict fishing activities, they are ideal for the boatie who likes “cheese and crackers” days out with the missus as well as more serious fishing missions. 

Twin cabin bunk beds provide room for overnight stays, especially for kids. When not being used as a dedicated sleeping area, this space could double as a handy storage bay. This boat is squarely aimed at the family fisherman who wants quality at an affordable price. Carpeted floor, bow rails and navigation lights are all included with the base boat, making it pretty much ready to go.

On the water
The test runs out on Brisbane’s Moreton Bay were easily handled by the boat. The ride felt solid and comfortable, no doubt influenced by the solid 3mm alloy bottom sheets and 2mm sides. The sharpish bow cut through the chop on the bay and the overall ride and stability was well up to standard.

Getting out of the hole and onto the plane was effortless thanks to the punchy Yamaha F70A. This torquey little motor delivered an ultra smooth lift and good general performance. 

Performance data courtesy of Yamaha revealed an ideal cruising speed of about  20 knots at 4500 RPM with top speed registering at about 30 knots and 6300 RPM. It’s also very quiet! At idle I needed to check if the key was turned on, because, honestly, I couldn’t hear the motor. The lack of engine noise inherent to modern four-strokes like the Yammie is very useful for anglers who fish close in bommies and reefs and want to leave the engine idling for safety’s sake. With a modern donk, you can chuck jigs and slugs at the suds all day without fear of spooking nervous fish. 

After testing this rig, I'd suggest the F70A is an ideal powerplant for the 5.25 Scorpion. It’s rated to a 90, but with the 70 providing solid performance, why 
go bigger?

As an all-round boat for fishing and families, Horizon’s 5.25 Scorpion, which in base form retails for around the $30,000 mark, provides plenty of boat for your buck and  offers opportunities for years of fun and adventure on the water.

http://www.fishingworld.com.au/news/small-wonder-horizon-5-25-scorpion