Stejcraft Krakin 570 Bay boat test

Gold Coast boat manufacturer Stejcraft has launched the Krakin 570 Bay, a centre-console fishing boat designed to rival similar but more expensive imports.

Designed for bay, harbour, inshore and impoundment use, this new model has low topsides and elevated fishing decks to give anglers improved sightlines when fishing sand flats, mangroves and riverbanks.

The Krakin is solidly built. The hull is constructed from fibreglass and composite materials, so there’s no wood that can deteriorate over time. Its 13-degree deadrise hull prioritises excellent handling and stability above ride comfort – that said, the vee at the stem is sharp enough to tame bay and harbour chop, and the hull’s 900kg weight helps soften the ride.

Our test boat was rigged with a maximum-power 150hp Mercury extra-longshaft outboard engine, giving it more than enough grunt to double as a social water ski or towsports boat.

At speed, the Krakin handles well, accelerating quickly onto the plane and carving easily through turns and figure-eight manoeuvres. We recorded a top speed of 42.2 knots (78.2km/h) while, economically, the Stejcraft hull and Mercury engine combination runs best at 3000rpm, burning 14lt/hr at 18 knots (33.3km/h).

The centre-console helm station is positioned amidships between two very large, elevated casting decks. While the console is not quite wide enough to shelter two people at the helm, it is wider than a single-width console. To reduce storage height, the console can be folded back over the cockpit.

Features include a tinted windshield, and a dash with fascia large enough to accommodate a 305mm multifunction display and the engine gauges and switches. Our test boat had a Lowrance Elite FS 9 unit.

The Krakin can be optioned with several different helm seats and layouts. Our test boat sported an icebox that doubles as a helm seat in lieu of a regular pedestal chair, and was flanked by two cushioned passenger seats with fold-down backrests.

Key features include the moulded fibreglass fishing decks at the bow and stern, and a deep central cockpit that has between 530 and 550mm of standing freeboard. The side coamings are super wide at 200mm plus, so you can perch on them quite comfortably while fishing or lounging about.

The anchorwell is recessed and can be fitted with an optional electric winch, and is covered with a hinged, reinforced, stand-on hatch. Alongside to starboard, a telescopic ladder unfolds off the bow for easy boarding from the beach or boat ramp.

The stern platform is equally practical, with clever features including a half-circle fibreglass board that slots into place in front of the outboard engine, increasing the standing room. The board is easily removed so you can tilt the outboard for trailering.

I can’t think of another locally made, full-featured fibreglass centre-console boat with such a terrific inshore fishing layout. This boat is well designed, sturdily built, and affordable.

Package pricing starts at $79,990 when paired with an entry-sized 115hp Mercury four-stroke outboard and a Dunbier single-axle drive-on/off trailer. The test boat was priced at $87,900.

Price as tested $87,900

Pricing correct as of January 2025

A FULL REVIEW OF THE STEJCRAFT KRAKIN 570 BAY RAN IN THE DECEMBER-JANUARY 2025 (VOLUME 39.6) ISSUE OF CLUB MARINE MAGAZINE. 

VISIT STEJCRAFT BOATS FOR MORE INFORMATION.