Founded by Good Times Marine dealer principal Derek Rodway and his son Samson, the current Oceanworx range includes the Squadron pressed-aluminium line for bay and light offshore work, and a premium range crafted from high-tensile plate aluminium.
We tested the Axcess 5.3 Centre Console (CC), a coastal fishing boat powered by a 115hp Mercury ProXS outboard and transported on a Dunbier single-axle trailer.
This model is only 5.6m (18.4ft) long, but it handles and rides like a much bigger boat. The 4mm-thick plate alloy hull has a 45-degree vee entry that tapers to a modest 17 degrees at the transom, delivering a smooth ride with excellent stability.
When you gun the throttle, the whole boat seems to lift out of the water and runs high and dry, thanks to the wide, reverse-angled chines. The Axcess is much softer than a similar-sized pressed-alloy boat, comparable I’d say to a very good fibreglass boat.
The boat is rated for a single extra-longshaft outboard engine between 75 and 115hp – we had the maximum power fitted, gaining ample power and acceleration from idle, and up through the rpm range to 35 knots (65km/h).
The test boat proved to be most economical when cruising at 17.5 knots (32.4km/h) with the engine coasting along at 3500rpm.
The Axcess 5.3 CC is stacked with standard equipment, including two transom livebait tanks, a killtank/livewell under the casting deck and multiple rod holders.
Options include soft-feel U-Dek flooring throughout, a bow-mount MotorGuide Xi5 Pinpoint 24V 80lb thrust electric trolling motor, a Simrad NSS16 evo3 with 1kW through-hull transducer, a Roswell stereo, removable bait board, interior lighting, and more.
The test boat was fitted with a high, two-person-wide centre console that proved ideal for this size of boat. It allows two people to stand or sit comfortably, especially as the steering wheel and throttle have been offset to port.
The helm fascia takes a 16in multifunction display and still leaves room for engine gauges and switching.
The cockpit stretches 2.6m from the casting deck to the transom. It’s 2m wide and up to 690mm deep with foot/toerails beneath the full-length side pockets, so anglers can stand securely braced.
Key features aft include twin plumbed livebait tanks in the transom corners, portside boarding ladder, enclosed battery storage compartments beneath each of the bait tanks, and a centre transom hatch to access the bilge and steering gear.
Price correct as of 23 February 2024
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