Flash Family Fishing Fun
Andrew Roger

The Southwind SF 565 Classic has been designed with the family in mind. Whether it’s dragging skiers, heading out for a spot of fishing or just a on a day cruising with the family, the SF 565 will certainly fit the bill.
The new Southwind Classic series boats are built on the same strong, soft-riding hulls as the prize-winning Southwinds that have been around for some years now. The Classics differ mainly in interiors, where quality flowcoat finish replaces the moulded interiors of the Southwind originals – resulting in a more affordable boat which still lacks nothing in amenities. The Southwind SF 565 Classic is the very latest in the Classic series – the brochure hadn’t even been printed when this model, supplied by Mike Neville and his team at Mid Coast Marine, Port Macquarie was tested on a wild February weekend on the Hastings River at Port Macquarie.
Put through its paces, hull performed well with its Yamaha Salt Water Series 115hp two-stroke bolted to its transom. It was equally happy scooting up the river or getting serious amid the chop and performed tight manoeuvres with consummate ease. This hull would be perfect for light offshore work when targeting an odd red or mackerel.
Bar conditions were fairly savage the day we tested the SF 565 Classic, preventing venturing beyond the safety of the breakwaters of the Hastings. But we tested the SF 565 Classic on the pressure waves just inside the mouth of the river, which gave great insight into how the hull would preform offshore. The hull delivered a silky-smooth ride, coping with the chop easily and gliding through some large pressure waves with no worries.
Power
The big Yammie delivered smooth, clean power right through the rev range, getting the hull on the plane easily. At 3500rpm the SF 565 Classic was cruising along nicely at 35kmh and with a flick of the throttle, the four-cylinder donk snapped to 5500rpm, pushing us along at a very respectable 70kmh.
This hull is rated to 130hp, so if you’re someone with a need for speed or the urge for the wind in your hair, this hull at full rated power would surely accommodate your fetish.
Cabin
The cabin features long, comfortable bunks and can easily accommodate up to four people when the need arises to hide from the elements. Plenty of storage space is available under the forward bunk and along cabin shelves along the sides.
The sides of the cabin are lined with carpet, creating a real ‘home’ effect and dampening exterior noise. Access to the forward deck is through a large, serviceable hatch that also harbours a fairly decent anchor well.
Helm
The seating is of the highest quality, with pedestal-type swivelling seats. The helm seat also has an adjustable fore-and-aft slide to achieve a comfortable driving position at all times. The cockpit is protected by a toughened glass screen, sheltering occupants from the elements and any stray spray that might drift aboard in a cross-wind.
Both sides of the hull have large storage areas which are just the trick for tucking flares, paddles, lifejackets and all the rest tidily out of the way.
The dash is equipped with quality Yamaha gauges and a functional padded-rim steering wheel.
Cockpit
Throughout the hull, a non-skid floor allows for secure footing even under the most wet circumstances. There is a large rear lounge which can easily be removed to accommodate some serious fishing. It certainly would be useful for the family on skiing trips or for entertaining guests on a leisurely cruise. Behind the rear seating the battery, oil supply and a standard bilge pump are tidily tucked away out of sight.
Boarding steps are also standard issue with the SF 565 Classic, providing easy access into the boat when skiing or perhaps a spot of snorkelling, not to mention access when on the trailer.
The verdict
The Southwind SF 565 is definitely, as I said in my introduction, a top boat for the family which is more than capable of handling a number of sporting alternatives.
Base price of this tidy package weighs in at a reasonable $31,000.
I would like to thank Mike and Di Neville of Mid Coast Marine for making this test possible. If you are in the market for any of the Southwind series, why not give them a call.

SPECIFICATIONS Length overall: 5.45m Beam: 2.27m Deadrise at transom: 20° Weight (approx): 580kg Fuel capacity 100 litres Transom height: UL 25" HP range: 90hp-130hp Standard features * Bow roller * Stainless steel bow eye * Stainless steel cleats, one bow, two stern * Anchor locker with hatch * Morse heavy-duty rotary steering * Sports sheering wheel * Waterproof electrical switch panel * Navigation lights * Integrated wiring harness * Batter isolator switch * Two drink holders * Utraflex protective cover of control cables at transom * Deck fuel filler * Toughened safety glass windscreen * Acrylic cabin side windows * Full cabin lining * Cabin backrest shelf (fabric-covered) * Cabin bunk cushions (fabric-covered) * Two rotating bucket seats, driver's seat on slide * Storage under front bunk cushion * Stainless steel battery tie-downs * 100-litre S/S fuel tank with sender and fuel filter * Stainless steel ski hooks * Custom striping * Upholstered cockpit storage shelves * Padded cockpit coamings * Moulded non-skid cockpit floor * Detachable split folding rear lounge * Port and starboard boarding platforms * Stainless steel ladder Options: * Stainless steel bow rail * Boarding ladder * Porta Potti toilet * Colour gelcoat band * Rear lounge with storage under transom step (Specifications subject to change without notice)