The hardtop cabin is a sensible solution for offshore fishermen especially when the weather gets cold and the seas get ordinary. And you only have to look at local trawler fleets to see how the wily professional fishos love wheelhouses. We amateur fishos have taken a little longer to adopt the hardtop concept with our boats. Part of the reason is you need a fairly big boat to accommodate the bulk of a hardtop cabin and builders prepared to do such boats! Well, finally we are starting to see some really nice hardtop trailer boats.

Northbank of Adelaide is a good example of the trend. It’s a fibreglass builder that specialises in tough, practical, deep Vee boats for offshore fishing. With the fish-rich waters of Gulf St Vincent on their doorsteps, it’s no surprise Adelaide fishos go for these true blue, offshore boats with plenty of enthusiasm.

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