The Riverbird is the result of the development of the popular Thunderbird bass boat into a more general purpose, all-species craft. Boat Review by Ant Williams of The African Fisherman magazine - Designed by Fibrecraft as a purpose-built boat the hull and handling characteristics are seen as ideal for an all-species application. While still maintaining much of the decking of the original Thunderbird, internal cockpit space has been increased by shortening the decks. The original hull was based on a popular racing and skiing hull which made its mark in the heyday of Zimbabwe’s powerboat racing, and offers a stable, performance platform for general purpose angling. Construction and Finish – Hull and deck is constructed using fibreglass mats, coremats, and high-density foam. The shortened decks have eliminated some of the overall weight, without compromising the under-deck storage or other facilities originally designed into the bass boat. Quality gel coat work in up to five colours is offered as standard. The Riverbird features the high backed, padded swivel seats for both pilot and co-pilot. With the improved cockpit space, the seats easily swivel through 360* and when facing backwards (as would be used when fishing the river), there is ample leg room to sit comfortably. The high profiled consol acts as a windshield while providing large dash space for those who like easy to see instrumentation. The fore and aft deck are linked by a strip of deck which runs down both sides of the boat along the gunnel. These make a comfortable arm rest, and in this version is mounted with drink holders, but also provides ideal rod rests, keeping the deck tidy. The trailer is neatly finished complete with Pro-White rims, spare wheel, and winch, incorporating many of the modern features which make trailering, launching and retrieving simple, it tows easily behind a light pick-up or sedan. Fishability – The Thunderbird was originally designed as the ultimate bass boat for two anglers, giving the space needed to accomplish this, rather than cramming more into less space offered by smaller boats. The Riverbird once again has this as its most prominent feature. The increased cockpit space gives extra room for the all-species angler, and would easily accommodate keep nets, cooler boxes or worm boxes and water buckets. As an all-species angler, I have learned that to be comfortable one needs quite a bit more space than when specifically bass fishing. Anchored, one can have the worms in easy reach, a bucket of water to wash hands, and plenty of room to set up additional rods. Because of the under-floor storage (which happily accommodates tackle boxes etc,) one’s personal fishing space is maximised. For convenience sake too (and still to cater to the typical tournament bass angler) the live well arrangement has been maintained, although combined into one 70I well with a divider, all aerated with timer operated pumps. The original two rod boxes have been maintained and will store more than 30 rods of up to 9”. As a fishing platform, the Riverbird is spacious, comfortable and because of its wide beam, extremely stable. The low profile not only reduced wind resistance (when anchored), but also reduces overall visibility. Important when targeting skittish bream. Dual pedestal seat positions on the foredeck are a good idea, and when used for all-species fishing, could be used to great advantage. With the Mariner 115 fitted with a standard 17” aluminium prop, she jumped out of the water in less than two seconds and reached a (brief) top end speed of 50mph at 5000rpm. Once run in, the motor would easily rev to 5300rpm and generate a lot more speed. While it cannot be classed as being over-powered (the hull is rated up to 200hp), in today’s difficult economic climate, the Riverbird would easily handle much less horsepower, with a 90hp being quite adequate for general use. Please Note : Price is exclusive of motor
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