Fishing Monthly Magazines's video: Tested Haines Signature 640F with 200HP 4-stroke

NOTE *** Deadrise is 21 degrees at the transom *** Fibreglass hulls evolve over time. Sometimes it’s within brands and sumetimes molds get sold between companies and get re-branded. The new Haines Signature 640F has had a long evolution withinn the Haines Signature family. Its most recent iteration being the 602F, the current version boasts some hull modifications to the planing surface, but more importantly, major changes in the top deck design to make this the boat (that Haines Signature says) that can do it all. We got to go for a ride with Haines Signature Sales Manager Chris Thompson on a glamour day in Moreton Bay - they type we always seen to get while boat testing but never when we go fishing. Chris ran us through the changes. “There’s been a big redesign of the floor, which lets us fit 226L of fuel under it as well as a spacious kill tank. The cabin has been redesigned and now features plenty of room and a sliding, lockable door. There’s also plenty of storage in there,” he said. “The side pockets have been totally re-designed. We’ve got rid of the inserts and gone back to an open side pocket design that has lots of space and is easily accessible.” “Also the bowsprit has been redesigned for much more strength in that part of the boat. Part of that process allowed this hull to measure in at 6.4m instead of 6.02m,” Chris explained. The rig was also treated to the Haines Signature “Stealth Package”, which matches black bump rails with black powder coated, stainless steel tube work on all rails and rocket launchers. Indeed, it will turn heads at the ramp. The boat is powered by an in-line, 4-cylinder 200HP 4-stroke Suzuki outboard (DF200APX) which delivered best economy around 4,000rpm of around 1.8km/L. Drop the throttle and you’ll scoot along at 70km/h, but use nearly twice the fuel getting there (1.0km/L @ 6,300rpm). The test rig was supplied on a twin axle Dunbier trailer with electric over hydraulic brakes. You’ll need a minimum 3.0t towing capacity to haul this. Most modern twin-cab utes will do it with ease. One of the features I loved on this rig (and that’ll soon be available on many Haines Signature models) is the drop-down dash. It gives easy access to your wiring and electronics and clips back up neatly when you’re done. It’s one of those changes that you wonder why hasn’t been done that way for years. From the helm, we noticed no sliding side window on the windscreen. This is unusual. Haines have instead opted for a pop-up hard top hatch top channel air into the cabin. It felt good on a Spring test day on the bay, but a steamy midsummer ride will test it more. There wasn’t an inch of the floor that wasn’t covered in custom X-Deck, which makes it easy of the barefooted angler or family member. Also of interest to the serious offshore angler was the pocket to mount your large, offshore transducers and ensure maximum connectivity to the water. Rigged as tested, this Haianes Signature 640F looked great and came in at just under $120,000, although packages start as low as $89,000. There’s no doubting that this, Brisbane-built boat looks the part on the trailer and performs the part on the water. I suppose the question will be how long it takes to get one with the COVID boating boom in full swing? For more information, visit www.hainessignature.com.au or your local Haines Signature dealer. PERFORMANCE RPM Speed (km/h) Economy (km/L) 640 4 3.5 1000 8 2.8 2000 12 1.7 3000 16 1.2 3500 33 1.8 3750 35 1.8 4000 39 1.8 4270 43 1.8 4500 48 1.75 5000 57 1.5 6000 67 1.2 6300 70 1.0 SPECIFICATIONS Length Overall 6.62m Beam 2.43m Deadrise 21-33 degrees Fuel 226L Max HP 225 Max Outboard 290kg Hull Weight 1,285kg Approx tow weight 2.35t BMT Length 7.54m BMT Height 3.05m Capacity 8 persons