5m Hooker Side Console

[dicko1980]

Hey Ausfisher's

I just finished my 3 month project fitting out a new 5m Hooker Side Console. I water tested the boat today for the first time and would like to thank the other users of this forum for answering my questions and helping me out by reading about the peoples queries. I only took the boat out for a quick run and I have to say that I was suprised that nothing needed to be modified or adjusted, first time for everything. I went for a quick burn over to Magnetic Island this afternoon in pretty pleasent conditions, 10-15knt winds and a slight swell, no white caps but. I have to say that I very pleased with the ride and handling of the boat, and am glad that I went glass instead of a plate boat. I did manage to get some air and the landing was pleasent, a little rough sometimes when the boat was pushed hard, but most time it was gentle. With the Merc 75 held open and motor trimmed out a little, the boat was good for just over 40Mph on the speedo at about 5400-5500rpm. This was with three blokes, and 100 litres of fuel and running a 18" S/S Solas Suzuki Prop. I am still waiting for the 18" Vengence. Around 25 to 28 Mph seems to be the sweet spot. I found the boat rode a little better when pushed closer to 30Mph than low 20's. I am glad I went for the 75 as I nearly put a 50 Suzuki on it. I have to say the boat does live up to its name, and can get away from you pretty quick. I haven't been out in a boat for nearly twelve months now since I sold my 385 Quintrex Exlporer and the Hooker takes some holding on to when opened up compared to the old 25 Yammie Tiller. Its all in good fun though, just feels like I'm driving a sportscar. All I have left to do now is mount my bait board as shown below and install a chartplotter.

The boats spec's are as follows
2005 Hooker Side Console
150 litre fuel capacity
Self Draining Decks
Positive Flotation
Live Bait Tank in Stern
JRC Plot 500F Sounder
ICOM 302 VHF
Optima D34M Battery
2006 75HP Mercury 2 Stroke
Dunbier Multi Roller Trailer






Cheers and Thanks Once Again
dicko1980

[DaveSue_Fishos_Two]

Very nice looking boat Dicko!! and great report.

Cheers
Dave

[youngfisho]

I agree with dave,

nice boat

was nearly tempted to check the box that said that it was adult\porn content


very sexy lookin boat.


andrew

[isaac]

sweet rig dicko, good to see the finished product. better get some blood on it now hey cheers isaac

[Scott15]

Ahh very nice, if it rides anything like the 6m version you'll have a gret time, nice work.

[vermin]

Looks good dicko. Love the graphics.

FYI, I've found best trimmed level is around the first quarter for 4500 - 5500 rpm.

When the chop is short, give it a boot full, lots of fun.

Geoff.

[Arlon]

Beautiful rig. Keep us posted on it as you get more time behind the wheel.. The deep V of those boats surprise me a little. Arlon

[dicko1980]

I agree with dave,

nice boat

was nearly tempted to check the box that said that it was adult\porn content


very sexy lookin boat.


andrew

I'm sure the Hooker name causes havoc with a few adult content filters on the internet browsers.

[Mantaray]

what made you go for the optima?

[longtail]

nice looking rig , hope it see plenty of fish in the future.

cheers
jason

[dicko1980]

what made you go for the optima?

I didn't want to have two batteries as the boat is a side console and the space was limited and also there becomes a weight issue on one side. I wanted one battery that is totally maintenance free, could be used for cranking and as a deep cycle, but ultimately it was for reliability. I have mates that have had these batteries on their 4x4 for years. One bloke has had his for nearly 8 years. In the 4x4 scene the batteries are up there with the best. They're expensive but if I have to replace a Wet Cell every 2-3 years, plus a backup battery the cost would outweigh the initial outlay for an optima. The D34M puts out 750 Cranking Amps and has a 55 Amp Hour Capacity. Plus I can use it in my Patrol for a spare Deep Cycle to run my Trailblazer when camping.

[Kendall249]

Hey dicko going up to tattlesnake on saturday, if your not working give me a call as the grey mackeral and coral trout have been on the chew. Kendall

[cooky]

looks the go alright - will keep an eye out for you. with that 150 lt fuel tank, you;ll be able to take a quick trip to New Zealand

[dicko1980]

Hey dicko going up to tattlesnake on saturday, if your not working give me a call as the grey mackeral and coral trout have been on the chew. Kendall

Won't be able to make it Dave. I've got a party I have to go to on Saturday night, and I will probally be working also. Would love to get out, but to late. Hopefully on Sunday I might be able to chase some barras.

[Leo_N.]

Dicko, where did you get the bait board from? Cost? I have been looking for a decent one, but most of the shop-bought ones are pretty crappy.

The hooker certainly looks the goods. I will keep an eye out for it.