Yellowfin YF-76 Extended Cabin boat test

Determined to improve power, performance and add features to its extended cabin model range, the Gold Coast’s Yellowfin Plate Boats has launched new two models – the YF-70 and the YF-76.

After testing the range-topping Yellowfin YF-76 paired with a 300hp Mercury extra-longshaft outboard engine, I can tell you that this model is better than its predecessor in every way. Our test boat was fitted with the optional Fishing Edition package, and included a larger 300hp outboard, Garmin electronics suite and electric trolling motor.

The Yellowfin YF-76 Extended Cabin is the same size as its predecessor, the 7600 Southerner, and the bottom shape remains largely unchanged. But the addition of a new running strake to each side of the keel results in improved handling and efficiency.

Wide chine flats at the stern combine with the new running strakes to stiffen the hull at rest and underway, while the sharp bow entry shape cuts nicely through short chop.

On our test run off the Gold Coast, the boat’s handling and performance were impressive – well balanced, forgiving, fun to drive and easy to trim thanks to the Zipwake trim tabs. The hydraulic steering and engine controls also worked a treat.

Flat-out, the boat-and-engine combination can reach a top speed of 41 knots (75.9km/h). You can run the boat comfortably and efficiently with engines in the 225 to 250hp power range, but the drive becomes a little more fun when powered by the 300hp Mercury V8.

Included in the design refresh is a wider, taller hardtop and wheelhouse that provide more space and shelter from the elements. The interior has also been modernised with a massive, full-width angled helm fascia that can accommodate two multifunction units  – a 48cm (19in) and a 41cm (16in)  – mounted side-by-side.

To port, there is a large glovebox and grabhandle, and another well-placed grabhandle/rail runs overhead from fore to aft. Heading forward, behind a lockable roller door, you’ll find a V-berth cabin with a pair of 2m side berths that can be configured into a double bed with the included infill.

The YF-76 is a fishing boat first and foremost, but it has sufficient seating and storage to double as a family day boat or overnighter. There is seating under the hardtop for four, as the deluxe bucket helm chairs are mounted on big storage boxes with aft-facing cushion seats. Add optional suspension seat bases to further cushion the ride.

A fold-out transom bench seat in the aft cockpit provides seating for two, and there is plenty of storage – in the massive helm seat boxes, at the helm and flanking the huge aft cockpit.

The aft cockpit and transom is expertly designed for coastal offshore fishing. The large self-draining rear deck is uncluttered, and there is ample freeboard for anglers to stand securely and fish from the side and rear of the boat.

Instead of treadplate alloy or carpet, the big Yellowfin is floored with U-Dek foam rubber, which trims the cockpit side decks and coaming tops too.

The Fishing Edition package included a deluxe bait station, raw-water deck wash, dual suspension helm seats, an Icey-Tek 75lt pull-out cooler, underwater lighting, dual windscreen wipers, dual phone chargers, steel grey U-Dek flooring and trim, and a set of Exploding Fish rodholders.

The Yellowfin YF-76 could be mistaken for a full custom plate alloy boat, such is the care and attention to detail (and features) that has gone into its redesign.

All of it makes this a terrific new Aussie-made trailerboat that can be purchased fully rigged for offshore sport and game fishing.

Priced from: $169,000

Price correct as of October 2024

LOA: 7.48m

Beam: 2.4m

Depth: 1.15m

Hull weight: 1457kg

Fuel capacity: 380lt

Power (as tested): Mercury 300hp V8 XL

A FULL REVIEW OF THE YELLOWFIN YF-76 EXTENDED CABIN RAN IN THE OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2024 (VOLUME 39.5) ISSUE OF CLUB MARINE MAGAZINE.

VISIT YELLOWFIN PLATE FOR MORE INFORMATION.