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For some years the Traveller brand has been riding along in the shadow of its more famous sibling, the Haines Signature. However no longer it seems with the launch of the all new Traveller TF200 this year. This is an impressive fishing package for the keen offshore fisherman is based upon its highly successful TC200 cuddy model that has been Traveller’s best selling model previously.

This new 2011 model bristles with great fishing features including walk-around side decks, transom door, folding rear lounge and moulded cockpit for easy washing.

A key feature is the walk-around deck side decks. Fishos love this feature in a boat because it lets them walk to the foredeck either to deploy an anchor, or even caste a line if conditions suit.

Another attraction of this new Traveller is the extra big cockpit with plenty of depth for safe, offshore fishing action. The fastback transom is also made more compact so the angler can play a fish around the stern more easily.

This package is also loaded with features the keen angler is going to love like in-floor kill tank, extra large live bait tank and raised bait station aft.

And the builders haven’t made shortcuts on this boat either. The Traveller TF200 features advanced Nexus construction. This provides advanced, weight-saving materials plus full foam buoyancy. The latter means the TF200 meets the level-flotation test under the APB (Australian Builders Plate). This is a big safety bonus especially if you are heading well offshore.

Other quality features on the TF200 include the wrap-around expensive, armour glass windscreen and non-glare driver’s side dash. A lot of work has been done on the helm dash area so it can flush-mount the large-size LCD sounder/chartplotter displays that fishermen prefer today.

Another strong selling point is the four rod holders provided are not fixed so you can have them placed exactly where you want. All this points to the Traveller TF200 being a serious contender for the estuary/offshore fishing market. It’s nicely sized package for offshore fishing and can be easily trailed home and ‘moored’ in the yard.

The basic packages start from as little as $59,500 but our test boat with bells and whistles came in about $83,500. My guess is you could put a pretty decent package together with large sounder/chartplotter for about $70,000.

DESIGN

The Traveller TF200 features a modernised deep Vee design. In effect it delivers a very deep 22.5 degree deadrise at the transom but not too much water drag as the keel bottom is flattened off by a large runner plank.

Overall length including bowsprit is 6.15m matched to a 2.5m beam. The extra wide beam and aggressive wide chine flats ensures the 750kg hull rise reasonably quickly to the plane. This, in turn, ensures fuel consumption is not as heavy a traditional deep Vee boats.

It’s interesting to note the Traveller doesn’t have the gull-wing hollow in the bilge panels like the Signature. In theory this should give the Traveller a bit more buoyancy. Our test boat certainly didn’t have problems carrying a big, heavy 175hp four-stroke on the transom.

While the bow entry is quite sharp the TF200 carries quite a bit of fullness in the bows above chine level. This ensures the boat won’t bow-bury too easily when running fast in the same direction as the waves.

It’s worth noting this is a very proven hull and Traveller has simply matched it to a more modern, and very fishing-friendly upper deck. An interesting feature is the fastback transom that has dual ‘pods’ either side of the motor. The latter give the boat more stability at rest and helps to support the bigger/heavier four-strokes that modern fishing boats tend to run.

The styling of the Traveller certainly looks eye-catching on the trailer or water. Our test boat sported the optional two-tone dark navy/white colour scheme that looked very fresh and smart on the water. However, the boat would look equally well in plain white if you wanted to save some bucks.

You might note Traveller’s 2.5m beam is bang on the maximum trailing limit for Aussie roads. This means you can tow the Traveller TF200 any time day or night and reach holiday destinations quickly and without hassle.

A total trail weight is approximately 1900kg including fuel means the Traveller TF200 does not require the more expensive hydraulic break-away trailer system. This also means the Traveller TF200 is towable behind popular mid-sized SUV vehicles like the Ford Territory, Chrysler Jeep Cherokee and Hyundai Santa Fe Diesel. The tow capacities of these vehicles are respectively 2300kg, 2250kg and 2000kg so are all suitable tow vehicles.

Stepping aboard the TF200 is made easy by the integrated transom boarding ladder on the portside landing deck. There’s also a transom door into the cockpit for easy access. The internal depth of the cockpit is also enough to ensure safe offshore fishing and safety for your kids as well.

Other attractive standard features on this new model include hydraulic steering, plus a large lockable glove box on the passenger side with 12 volt plug.

On the construction side the Traveller impresses. It also comes with an extended 10-year structural warranty so the factory is really standing behind the product. But that’s not so surprising when you consider the people behind this boat are the famous Haines family. Now run by brothers John and Greg Haines who have followed in footsteps of their late father, John Haines snr this is a brand you can rely on for good design and resale value.

PERFORMANCE

We had the remains of a strong southerly the day we took the new Traveller TF200 for a spin on Gold Coast Waters.  Knowing that there might still be a bit of bump outside we headed for the Sea Way ocean entrance.

Even before we got outside a fresh westerly had started to kick a sharp little wave chop over the enclosed Broadwater. This should have made our life uncomfortable; however wasn’t a problem for the big Traveller that just powered through this stuff like it was jelly.

As I and Greg Haines sat relaxed and comfortable behind the windscreen the big Traveller blasted through the chop at about 30 knots. It was a command performance and confirmed these deep Vee boats are hard to beat in rough waters.  Yes, catamarans are pretty good too in rough water but for all round performance these deep Vee fibreglass boats are hard to better. The fibreglass construction gives the boat a bit of weight to punch through rough water and provide a ‘settled ride.’ It also provides a quiet ride because the hull has foam buoyancy that acts like a sound barrier.

In this instance the sharp edge lifting strakes, plus down-deflecting chine flats also helps the TF200 to reduce spray wash and improve the ride.

The Traveller TF200 was just as impressive offshore. I backed the speed off to about 22 knots as we bounced over the first big swell but after that maintained same speed. With about 40 percent out-trim the TF200 sat beautifully coming level off waves and landing nicely.

Having said that, I’d be pulling the speed back further if going a long way offshore. That’s because it would be less tiring on the crew and give me better fuel range.

I found the Traveller came through turns very nicely in thoroughbred style. It feels very under control at all times and also stays quiet dry. Once coming off a particularly big wave I was caught off-balance and landed a bit harder. However, that was due to my inattention not the boat’s fault.

Overall I like the Traveller’s stability at speed. It sits very level and doesn’t seem to need trim tabs like some other deep vee hulls.

Stability in a seaway is also impressive. We got a bit of heel with all three crew on one side. However, it was still safe enough to have gaffed a big pelagic fish alongside.

POWER

The Traveller TF200 is rated for single outboards 115hp- 175hp. As part of the Haines Group the boat is generally matched to Suzuki four-stroke motors. Fishos won’t have a problem with that because Suzuki makes some very nice motors these days. The new DF series four-strokes give you multi-point sequential electronic fuel injection that delivers very smooth power plus excellent fuel economy.

We had the maximum power of a Suzuki DF175hp, which punches out a massive 2867 cubic centimetres of power. That’s also shoots the boat out of the hole like a bullet.

GPS speeds were as follows:

3500rpm           13 knots

4500rpm           20 knots

5500rpm           29 knots

6000rpm           33 knots

These speeds certainly are quick enough for most offshore fishing applications. I would expect the speeds to actually be a bit quicker once the new motor was fully run in. We also coped quite a bit of tide and wind resistance so final figures might be a bit better at top end – perhaps 35-36 knots.

 I would expect the 140hp Suzuki to be a good all round choice, but not the 115hp. I think the latter motor might struggle on this rig, though perhaps not if you didn’t have the wind age of the targa/bimini and clears.

And still on the subject of power the TF200 comes standard with wire loom, waterproof switch panel, master switch and hydraulic steering. The latter really takes the load off the steering and makes the craft a joy to drive.

The TF200 is also fitted with a poly plastic in-floor fuel tank of 150-litre capacity with sender kit. This should be quite sufficient for most offshore trips.

DECK DESIGN

The Traveller is well set up for coastal fishing with a moulded fibreglass anchor sprit with roller and Tee bollard. You also get as standard a stainless steel split bowrail, anchor locker and LCD navigation lights.

The attention to detail is impressive and includes an effective non-skid finish on the walk-around decks. There’s also self-draining gutters on the fore hatch.

I also like the way the factory gives you the option of having a Stress-Free anchor winch fitted into the anchor locker. The latter gives you a faster retrieve on the chain/rope than conventional anchor winches.

I also like the space up front to let you fish from the foredeck in calm seas. And it’s good to see a platform space under the hatch (in the cabin) to allow crew to attend to the anchor safety from the cabin. The latter is a very important safety feature when you’re offshore in bumpy waters.

Moving aft you find the wide side decks are easy to negotiate from the bows to the cockpit. You also get a strong, curved windscreen with enough height to provide really effective spray protection over the helm.

The cabin is an open-back design that gives you two comfortable bunks with padded backrests and good stowage capacity. The finish is not as flash as the Signature boats, however quite acceptable for a boat used for fishing. A toilet is also included.

You can also upgrade to Macro suede upholstery if you wanted a flasher interior.

Back at the helm you find a large dash area with enough room to fit the large size LCD sounder/plotter screens. You also get a flush-mounted throttle box, black carbon finish steering wheel and compass.

The comfortable helm/passenger seats sit atop stainless steel risers and have rotating bases. The helm seat has fore/aft sliders so you can adjust it get a more comfortable driving position.

Alternatively you can have pedestal-based seats; however the seats on the test boat give room to fit large size esky boxes under the seats.

FISHABILITY

As noted there’s lots of standard features that fishos are going to like on the TF200 including moulded side pockets, in-floor kill tank, plus folding rear lounge with backrest. There are also side cockpit lights for night fishing.

The boat comes fitted with four Talon multi-purpose bases that can be used to fit drink holders, or loads of other things like rod holders or a scuba-tank bracket.

The cockpit is not self-draining; however the moulded floor drains into a bilge sump that has an automatic pump. This should take care of any stray water coming aboard like rain or wave splash.

I might mention the rear mooring cleats are recessed and the rear folding ladder is also recessed so it won’t hook fishing either.

From a fishing perspective the Traveller is well equipped and can be further boosted by a factory-made bait preparation station. There is also a large live bait tank with plumbing plus optional overhead (folding) targa with 6-pack rod rack. Other options you might consider would be a deck wash, larger size sounder/chartplotter and EPIRB plus Fire extinguisher.

VERDICT

This is a very impressive package from the Traveller team and one that’s going to spark some interest from keen sport fishos. Especially for fishing enthusiasts making their first move to an offshore fishing boat this is a good choice. You’re getting a boat from a top brand that has all the gear sorted out so you don’t have to do any homework.

The Traveller R&D team spend countless hours testing this boat before market release so you know the gremlins have been ironed out. That’s not to say it’s perfect, but it’s going to be way ahead of boats that don’t get this same level of R&D work.

Criticisms – very little actually. I would like to see a grab rail around the inside edge of the windscreen and I think a compass and VHF radio should be standard in a boat of this calibre. However, this is otherwise an impressive package and could work as a family cruiser as well. There’s plenty of comfortable seating for up to five people and a comfy cabin with two Vee berths and toilet. All you really need to add is a privacy curtain to make this a really great overnight cruiser cum-fishing machine.