Haines Hunter 620R boat test

Behind every great boat there’s often an equally great boatbuilder. In Haines Hunter’s case, John Haber has led the way for the past 25 years, making him the longest-serving custodian of a brand founded in 1959.

Dual degrees in business and psychology, along with prior experience working in hospitality and food industries, had schooled Haber in the disciplines of manufacturing, quality control and customer service.

He bought his first Haines Hunter, a 560F, in 1992 and in 1999 came the chance to go one better and purchase the marque from then-owners OMC. Haber soon relocated the outfit to a bespoke factory in Melbourne, and the runabouts produced since have intrinsically benefitted from his earlier life skills.

Transom deadrise is a uniform 21 degrees across the range, as is closed-cell foam-filling for the underfloor sections, but formulas vary from model to model when it comes to bow entry, planing strakes, chines and so on.

The R Series is the sleeker offering among Haines Hunter’s seven ranges, being crossover rigs with all-round inshore/offshore performance, easy handling and the ability to fit in the average garage. 

The 620R presented for our test glistened on its alloy Mackay trailer, with light-grey topsides complemented by a black gunwale rubber, black metalwork and outriggers. Moulding quality looked first rate, and the 25in transom and hull had been strengthened to host a V6 Yamaha 250hp. 

That the 20ft (6.2m) hull achieved 45.4 knots (84km/h) running down-breeze on Port Phillip Bay’s chop, drinking just 84lt/hr, speaks volumes for its ability to both handle the power and track with point-and-shoot precision. 

Equally phenomenal was how the 620R performed in the economy band between 3000 and 4000 rpm, clocking between 22.1 knots (41km/h) and 32.4 knots (60 km/h). Fuel figures hovered around 1.4km/lt, affording a 300km-plus range from the 230lt tank.

Yamaha’s electric steering maintained light and positive control at all speeds, complemented by the digital throttle. Bonus points went to the optional joystick for its responsiveness when backing up. 

Layout-wise, the 620R offers a cosy cabin with a canvas privacy blind. The dash accommodates twin multifunction screens and a Yamaha digital display, along with Lenco tab switches and optional joystick.

Hip-hugging bucket seats sit on stainless steel frames, under which you can store iceboxes. For family use, two seats is too few – it’s worth chatting to HH about a removeable or foldable rear lounge.

The clutter-free cockpit is also notable for its functionality, with high sides, padded coamings, and more rod and gaff holders than you can poke a stick at. A livebait tank and tubes reside to starboard on the stern, adjacent to the moulded bait board, while the port side houses a boarding step and ladder.

Price correct as of December 2024

620R from $135,000 | As tested $148,000

• LOA: 6.4m
• Beam: 2.4m
• Hull weight: 1200kg
• Transom height: 25in
• Fuel capacity: 230lt
• Power as tested: Yamaha 250hp
  
  

A FULL REVIEW OF THE HAINES HUNTER 620R RAN IN THE DECEMBER-JANUARY 2025 (VOLUME 39.6) ISSUE OF CLUB MARINE MAGAZINE. 

VISIT HAINES HUNTER FOR MORE INFORMATION.