The Bass Strait Offshore Pro 600 has been very popular among commercial operators, particularly abalone divers who constantly demand extreme performance from their boats, often with significant payloads.

However, the package is also popular with serious recreational fishers, who nowadays travel further and further offshore in search of their pelagic prey. Of course, the package can also be upgraded with family creature comforts if required, but this is primarily a serious boat for offshore devotees.

Bass Strait Boats 600 pro review took the mission head-on. (We call it research! LOL)

Into the Swell

Our test was held off Phillip Island in Victoria. As we passed under the San Remo Bridge and rounded the eastern entrance, we were confronted by the majestic beauty of Cape Woolamai. The high cliffs of the Cape appeared through the half-light like a medieval fortress guarding the approaches to the Bay, and from then on, this noble six-metre craft really started to show its true character.

This is where the Antarctic swell meets a fast-running outgoing tide through shallow, uneven channels. It's a battleground for lesser boats, but the Bass Strait 600 just charged on confidently, taking the lead through the sharp, uneven terrain and giving me the first insight into this hull's absolute integrity.

As we powered around the corner under the Cape to where the swell evened out without blinking an eye, no one doubted we were riding a thoroughbred! The boat was itching to be unleashed and run hard into the wonderful metre-and-a-half swell.

OA Mercury 225 OptiMax powered our demonstration package on calm water. It hurtled us along comfortably at a wide-open throttle and a very fast 86 km at only 5500 rpm. I just loved cruising at a very economical 54 km at 3850 rpm, and I must admit that the more I use OptiMax engines, the more I like them.

My business partner recently updated his Mercury 250efi with an OptiMax 250 and achieved over double the fuel efficiency of his existing model, combined with a massive increase in power throughout the rev range. That's a test of advanced technology from direct experience in proper working conditions.

The Ocean Pro 600s leave other boats wallowing in their wake.

Performance

Our Ocean Pro 600 test boat has the performance to match the engine and vice versa. It was hard to find fault with the hull at all. The big deep vee bursts out of the hole and onto the plane with the confidence you need for dangerous bar crossings. Once on the plane, it cuts smoothly through even the worst chop without banging or crashing, and the simplicity of the fit-out means you're not worried about loose items coming unstuck.

The hull has no bad habits and reflects all the traditional benefits of its 22° deadrise and its original Haines Hunter V19 DNA. It's slightly rounded and variable at the keel and has three hard strakes with a slight reverse chine approximately 75mm wide. These lift and track the package comfortably through all conditions, while the sharp forefoot and entry cuts through chop like a swipe from a broadsword.

It's a very strong boat with considerable hull weight and integrity that still flirts with a playful attitude! Not only does it like to run like a thoroughbred, but it turns as surely and boldly as a high country stallion. It feels light and comfortable through turns, with no hint of cavitation or slippage. The package comes in single- and twin-engine configurations, and while I enjoyed the single-engine performance, many hardened offshore adventurers may prefer the added security of twin engines.

Here's the difference in build quality: The Bass Strait has a strong synthetic underfloor construction and is foam-filled.

Built Tough

Every model is hand-built to commercial survey standards, and the manufacturer deliberately supplies a minimal finish with no flash moulding, creature comforts, or upholstered trims. The Offshore 600 is simply a hard-core workboat!

Ground tackle shows off the commercial pedigree. There are big, strong cross bollards and a one-piece stainless bowrail.

Bass Strait Boats fits varying bowsprit configurations according to customer preferences, ranging from manual ground tackle to SARCA-style fittings and all of the different forms of capstan or cotton reel-style electric winches.

The anchor hatch is large enough to allow suitable drop on the rope or chain without bunching, although there's no access to the bow from the cabin, so an electric winch is a preferred option. There's a non-skid walkway around the cabin, but you wouldn't get me out in adverse conditions!

The windscreen is big and strong, utilising an aluminium frame and 6mm safety glass. A big and strong Jesus bar is standard, and a wind deflector is recommended. One of my criticisms is that I nearly lost my sunglasses from the windage over the top of the windscreen at high speeds without the deflector. One tends to stand up while driving a boat of this nature, and I guess it's not often that you travel at 86kmh on the water! It's a very dry boat, and we have no spray back through the helm, even in rougher offshore conditions.

Let's go fishing!

Electronics

The Ocean Pro 600 has an extensive and straightforward dashboard angled in front of the helm, with all instruments within easy view of the driver. This type of layout is particularly effective in that it's always essential for instruments to remain visible at a glance.

I liked the adjustable steering column and stainless-spoke wheel that drove the Seastar hydraulic steering. However, I don't like pedestal seats in any boat built for rough water, and I would prefer to see the strength of more functional fibreglass seat boxes.

You'd have trouble flush-fitting larger GPS/sounder units, but the dashboard has an expansive flat surface where these can be top-mounted. Our demonstration boat was fitted with an impressive Humminbird 1197c combination colour side-scanning sonar/GPS/plotter unit with a 10.4-inch display, and its display was nothing short of sensational.

Other instruments included a six-gang waterproof switch panel, key start, Mercury SmartCraft digital and analogue displays, multifunction gauges, and a GME VHF radio.

Our test boat was also fitted with a premium-quality bimini cover and a stainless-steel rocket launcher combination.

Whether flying through the swell or sitting at rest, the Ocean Pro 600 is right on the money.

Layout

The Offshore Pro 600 is a dedicated, seaworthy workboat with a matching interior layout. The short, cuddy-style bunks are fully enclosed to aid the compartmentalised flotation but don't allow full-length sleeping. The cabin's storage only.

The package provides ample storage through its side pockets and fantastic underfloor room. Up to four fish boxes can be stored under the floor with an access point in the cabin step. This keeps the load low in the keel and central in the boat. It acts as ballast, aiding performance and stability, and there's a separate wet storage area under the floor toward the rear.

The transom has storage compartments on both sides that house the battery systems and oil bottle, if required. Our demo boat was also fitted with a large, strong cutting board extending out over the large enginewell, with custom-stainless rod racks. It also had a live bait tank with a straightforward inspection port.

Dive doors are becoming very popular among recreational users, and this boat has a large door that pivots off strong stainless hinges. All deck areas felt extremely solid and were simply speckle-coat finished.

Another feature of this boat is that it can be towed with a large family sedan, despite being a big, powerful, offshore-capable package. The loaded towing weight, when fitted to a Dunbier aluminium trailer, is under 2000kg, and this also saves on expensive breakaway brakes, although if my budget permitted, I'd consider this.

Having fun in the Bass Strait Ocean Pro 600 at far from cruising speed

The Moment of Truth

We took the Ocean Pro 600 out to sea to face its namesake, Bass Strait, to prove its abilities in real conditions—and let me tell you, the package really excelled in the slop.

Our photographers demanded plenty of air to raise the excitement for a DVD we were filming, and time and time again, we launched the boat off the top of swells. It mattered not whether we ran into the swell or back into a following sea; the Offshore 600 took it all in its stride with a confident and very predictable attitude. If the hull had any faults, we certainly would have found them - there were none!

To add to the exceptional performance, the ride was as soft as I've experienced in the six-metre class. Indeed, on many occasions, we launched the hull up to a couple of metres out of the water. It's stupid stuff, I know, but I couldn't believe just how soft the ride was, and even the boat landed.

The Ocean Pro 600 has the right formula to be a clear winner in its field/category.

What We Liked

  • Great performance

  • Powerful and predictable

  • Soft dry ride

  • No frills finish

  • Big dashboard

What We Didn't Like

No cabin hatch

  • Wind in the face (standing)

  • Pedestal seats

Performance

Powered by a Mercury 225 OptiMax with three passengers and 19in Enertia S/S propeller

15kts @ 2850rpm

20kts @ 3000rpm

24kts @ 3200rpm

26kts @ 3500rpm

29kts @ 3850rpm

32kts @ 4000rpm

38kts @ 4500rpm

42kts @ 5000rpm

47kts @ 5600rpm (WOT)

Bass Strait Ocean Pro 600 Specifications

Options fitted: Mercury OptiMax 225, Dunbier aluminium trailer, registration, safety gear, Humminbird 1197c sounder/GPS/plotter, GME marine radio, bait board, snapper racks, bimini/rocket launcher, bow rail

General

Type: Monohull with 22° deep-vee

Material: GRP hull

LOA: 6.6m (incl. bowsprit and engine)

Beam: 2.3m

Deadrise: 22°

Loaded towing weight: Approx 1950kg

Capacities

Fuel: 215 lt

People (day): 7 adults

Rec. min HP: 150

Rec. max HP: 250

Hull weight: Approx 1000kg

Engine

Make/Model: Mercury OptiMax 225 outboard motor

Type: Direct fuel-injected 60° V6

Rated HP: 225

Displacement: 3032cc

Weight: Approx 104kg

Gearbox ratio: 1.75:1

Propeller: 19in Enertia S/S Propeller

SUPPLIED BY: Phillip Island Marine, Rhyll, Victoria, 3923

Originally published in TrailerBoat #255, April 2010.

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John "Bear" Willis wrote this article, and photos were provided by Michael Ellem (Off-Road Images). They previously appeared at TradeaBoat.com.au, now powered by Only Boats.


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