STESSL TRI HULL TROPHY CENTRE CONSOLE - 6 METRES FOR THE PRICE OF 4.8 Garry Smith. AT 4.8 metres, the Stessl Tri Hull Trophy Centre Console is a surprisingly big boat. The beam of 2.15 metres and the one metre depth create a feel more in keeping with a six-metre craft. The big problem with deep V hulls has always been their instability, but Alf Stessl has solved this by creating flotation on the outside of the hull. The Trophy is so stable that, while underway, when I held the highest part of the centre console and rocked the boat as hard as I could, the other two guys on board didn't even notice what I was doing. Try that in a standard 4.8-metre tinny and watch the reaction of the crew. Walking around the boat, at rest, created no discernible movement. This is a great feature for those who don't respond well to that rocking/rolling sensation at anchor. The test boat, supplied by Mitchell's Marine in Cairns, was fitted with the latest model 70hp Johnson two-stroke. This provided ample power, lifting the Stessl onto the plane with ease. With a top speed of 27 knots, it's not a fast boat, but the speed trial indicated it will be economical. At 4000rpm, the Johnson pushed out 21 knots; at 4500rpm, it produced 24 knots; at 5000rpm, 25 knots; and, at 5500rpm, 27 knots. The speeds flattened out quickly, but 24 knots at 4500rpm is a very economical cruising speed. The Tri Hull has a traditional engine well, with a full height transom to reduce the chance of taking a wave over the back. The well is large enough to allow the engine to fully tilt. Wide boarding platforms either side allow for easy stern access. Padded corner seats fill the gap between the engine well and sides, and there is plenty of storage area under the seats for the oil container and battery. There is a recessed storage area under the engine well, with a hatch to access the bilge pump. The lift-out, underfloor kill pen, behind the console seat, is a great idea. There is nothing worse than having your head stuck down in the bilge, scrubbing out the kill pen, especially at sea! The floor is carpeted throughout, with a step-up in line with the front of the console. The console is massive and Cameron Mowat from Mitchell's Marine said he worked comfortably inside the console while fitting it out. It has floor level storage, along with a shelf, and a full-width glove box with a perspex lid. This dash storage area proved extremely functional, even in the short time we were doing the test. Gear can be stored in the dash, out of the weather, and is easily visible for quick retrieval. No need for me to continually try to remember where I'd left my notebook. The top of the dash has two built-in drink holders so the coldie doesn't get knocked over in the mad scramble to grab the screaming reel. The instrument panel contains trim/tilt gauge, tacho and a six-switch panel with nav lights, bilge, anchor light and three spare switches. Mounted on top of the glove compartment are a Design Series liquid dampened compass and a Humminbird Wide Optic sounder. The top half of the console folds down so the boat can be stored in areas with low clearance. There is a massive under-floor storage area in front of the console, but it has a surprisingly small access hatch. There is further storage in the good-sized side pockets. The helm seat is an extremely functional 120-litre evaKool esky with a padded lid. Unlike some esky/seat set-ups, this one is wide enough to be very stable without the need for lock-down clips, although if it were my boat I'd still fit them. Another top design idea is the moulded plastic, self-draining anchor well. No need to worry about corrosion between the hull and anchor or chain. There will also be a reduction in noise when handling ground tackle. The large cross bollard is placed on the rear of the anchor well for easier tying off. The split bow rail feeds directly into the bow roller on the end of a small bowsprit. The Trophy is well-finished, with carpeted floor throughout, and is painted inside and out, down to the chine. The wide, flat gunwale has four fitted rod holders, with room for a stack more. The Tri Hull proved to be extremely dry, with the three of us returning to the ramp without copping a single drop of spray, even after running, for some time, in a short, sharp chop across the 15- to 20-knot breeze. The Stessl has a fairly large turning circle, in keeping with its multi-hull design, and remains flat on the turn. The Trophy was incredibly stable when running across the swell and rode with the waves very well. The Trophy is sensitive to trim and, when I tried driving it into the swell, I had it trimmed in too far. This didn't allow air to get under the wings to create lift. The ride was such that I wanted to back off, which turned out to be the wrong approach. When Wayne Bayne, owner of Mitchell's Marine, took the controls, he trimmed the motor out and got up it in a situation where I would have backed off. This got the boat right up on top and allowed the air to create lift, resulting in a surprisingly soft ride for the conditions. The offshore angler looking for lots of room, exceptional stability, a great ride and fisher-friendly layout, should check out the Stessl Tri Hull at Mitchell's Marine, in Cairns, or phone on (07) 4051 3512.