Bar Crusher 670HT boat test

There is a touch of Russell Crowe’s armour-clad Roman general Maximus Decimus Meridius about the Bar Crusher 670HT when you see it in the flesh. Rugged, handsome, pragmatic, in a charismatic kind of way.

To that you could add a splash of Master and Commander when it comes to offshore capabilities, as Bar Crushers are the alpha of their species in many ways.

Surprisingly though, the 670HT and its sisters have sometimes drawn a disparate amount of attention for their ride softness, with endless comparisons to fibreglass boats.

Bar Crushers will only win some cross-code battles in that regard, not all. But here’s the thing – the 670HT is a plate alloy boat, and that’s enough said because it would slay a fibreglass rival in the durability stakes.

The hull’s raked forefoot is designed to confront swells and foam on ocean bars. Wide chines assist by deflecting spray and creating lift, also improving the all-important acceleration between wave sets.

The slapping sound of water, which then echoes in the cabin, could be curbed by subfloor foam insulation and/or carpet, but Bar Crusher won’t use these soft materials because they retain moisture, whereas metal and air don’t when well ventilated.

Underfloor buoyancy is achieved by sealing the checker-plate floor, which sits over a structural grid comprising full-length and full-height stringers, all cross braced. Once the bungs are tightened, twin self-contained buoyancy chambers are created either side of the fuel tank.

The hull is rated to 200hp and, in the test boat’s case, that meant a silky Suzuki 200 6-cylinder outboard. With the chop on Port Phillip being hostile to high-speed runs, it wasn’t so much about available power as being able to use it comfortably.

At 5000 rpm, burning fuel at 42lt/hr, we maxed out at 35 knots (65km/h) with the hull getting airborne. A sensible cruise rate was 24 knots (45km/h), pulling 4000 rpm at 26lt/hr of fuel. For trolling, 1500 rpm achieved six knots (11km/h) at 5lt/hr.

The 670HT has been a consistent seller since appearing around 2010, and there are a host of refinements in its 2024 guise. Boarding, you notice a walk-through transom, plumbed livebait tank with viewing window, and a rear filling point.

Fuel capacity has been increased and the tank positioned further aft, using space freed up by removing the kill tanks. A deluxe baitboard showed ample thought, boasting drawers, a cutting tray, drainage to the berley pot, three drink holders and four rod holders.

Additionally, there are three aluminium billeted rod holders on each coaming and a further eight on the rocket launcher. We had the optional side-mount seat frames with tackle storage and 75-litre split-lid iceboxes beneath.

Dashboard-wise, you can fit twin 10in or 12in (depending on brand) or a single 16in multifunction screen, while a VHF radio and Fusion entertainment unit come standard.

The enclosed hardtop has exceptional headroom and good ventilation from sliding side windows, a centre-opening window and wiper being options. Carpet lines the ceiling and side pillars in a rare nod to luxury.

In our case the forward cabin was enclosed with an optional lockable roller door, while still allowing for a glovebox and drink holders. Inside is a 1.7m vee-berth with an infill for overnighting, and an adjustable cabin light.

These are the factors that Bar Crusher should crow about, as the 670HT is practically unbeatable as a purpose-built fishing weapon. Just ask the anglers who line up in their many hundreds each year to buy them.

• Priced from: $110,000
  
• Price as tested: $113,000*

*Engine brand and ekectronics packaging vary among dealers. Delivery costs not included. Price correct as of 17 July 2024.

• LOA: 6.70m
• Beam: 2.35m
• Tow weight (dry): 1880kg
• Fuel capacity: 230lt
• Power as tested: 200hp Suzuki V6

A FULL REVIEW OF THE BAR CRUSHER 670HT RAN IN THE JUNE-JULY (VOLUME 39.3) ISSUE OF CLUB MARINE MAGAZINE.

VISIT BAR CRUSHER FOR MORE INFORMATION.