Setting up for Sportfishing Ice Maiden one hot lady 122 New Zealand Fishing News December 2018
Anyone familiar with Thundercat racing will appreciate the manoeuvrability and rough water capabilities of these catamaran configured vessels. Over the years Blackdog Cat has developed this theme to create a range of recreational fishing boats. Editor Grant Dixon checked out their flagship, Ice Maiden, a Blackdog Cat 6.5 Hardtop Since their founding nine years ago, I have followed the development of Blackdog Cat s boats closely, having been impressed with their performance and fit for purpose diving and fishing demeanour. All the boats ride well and the company has raised the bar when it comes to finish and build quality. While they are catamarans, they have been designed specifically for single engine operation. In late October I went to Marsden Cove where I jumped on board the Blackdog Cat 6.5 Hardtop with Kevin Ogle. It was an early start for two reasons the fishing and the weather. The former had been fantastic in Bream Bay with the work-ups close inshore while the latter was forecast to get up to 30 knots later in the day. While it is always good to have a little rough water in which to put a boat through its paces, no-one in their right mind goes out in such conditions on purpose. Blasting down Whangarei Harbour towards the entrance and open water, the first thing that struck me was the roomy cockpit. Being a catamaran, the 6.5 Hardtop boasts an expansive work space for its length. A decent Coleman bin sat in the centre of the cockpit below the convenient work station and drawers, leaving plenty of room for four anglers to fish without getting in each other s way. I liked the gunwale height, and with good toe-room beneath them, it is possible to get solid leverage through your thighs. When fighting a decent fish, the cambered corner of the baitboard/rigging station will provide welcome back support and something to lean against. The lighting is all Hella Marine with their latest product, the Sea Hawk 470 light bar, as well as cockpit floods, featuring in the boat. Being LEDs these lights are bright and draw little power. There is a heap of storage with shelving running the full length of the cockpit, swallowing up gaffs, boat hooks and a myriad of angling paraphernalia. There is plenty of tackle storage in the two drawers beneath the bait board and I counted eight rod holders around the gunwales set up for trolling, a further five across the bait board and six more in the rocket launcher. Certainly, enough rod holders to swallow the combos of all but the worst afflicted tackleholics! There is further storage space under each pedestal seat. Kevin is keen to do overnight missions and plans to utilise one of these spaces for a drawer fridge and the other perhaps for a small freshwater tank. Batteries are kept up off the floor in their own transom compartment with a handy storage space beside it on the starboard side and the livebait tank below the step- Subscribe at nzfishingnews.co.nz 123
From left: There is some good use of space for storage, including room under the helm seat to put a small drawer fridge; Ice Maiden s helm station is a busy one, with the Simrad NSS12 EVO III taking pride of place. through on the port side. The livebait well would be capable of sustaining at least 30 good-sized jack mackerel. There is a spacious helm station where the Simrad NSS12 Evo3 chart-plotter/ sounder has pride of place. Kevin says Simrad is his electronics brand of choice for its simple operation and clear screen. Blackdog Cat has developed a sliding system which allows the transducer to be raised and lowered via a Lenco actuator on the dash to maximise sounder effectiveness. Genius! A Garmin engine management system links up to the Honda, giving the helmsman a range of information regarding trim, fuel consumption, revs and the like. A Fusion sound system is interfaced with the Simrad can t go fishing without sounds, man! The trim system is ZipWake, operating via two interceptor blades to automatically control pitch and roll. This system is one of the fastest available, reacting quickly to changing conditions without an input Trusted to protect your boating lifestyle for more than 20 years 0800 88 CLUB (2582) clubmarine.co.nz Insurance is underwritten by Allianz Australia Insurance Limited (Incorporated in Australia) trading as Club Marine. Please read the Policy Document available by phoning 0800 88 CLUB (2582) before deciding if the product is right for you. 124 New Zealand Fishing News December 2018
Easily Cut To Fit The hardtop offers great 180-degree all-round vision. from the skipper when set on auto. Manual input is another option, but it has been my experience with ZipWake that you can set and forget. The ground tackle can be deployed from the helm via a SavWinch drum system. If need be, the winch can be accessed via the forward hatch in the cuddy, but the design and operation is such that going forward is not a necessity. A Simrad VHF and a couple of switch panels, including USB charging ports, complete the helm station. The hardtop offers good 180-degree vision, from both standing and seated positions. Sliding side-windows provide good airflow on those hot summer days. Wipers aid clear vision through both the skipper s and navigator s windscreens. The king-and-queen seating arrangement includes two swivelling pedestal bases and upholstered high-backed seats facing forward with padded seats looking astern, the latter a comfortable spot from which to watch the lures. With overnighting on his agenda, Kevin has a bunk infill to create a double berth. Given the 1.83m internal beam of the vessel, it would be possible to sleep three, either conventionally, or even across the cabin. A portable toilet is located on the port side of the cuddy. Heating a meal or boiling the billy will be achieved using a portable gas cooker or boat barbecue. Ice Maiden carries 200 litres of fuel 100 a side and given the excellent economy provided by the Honda 200hp outboard, this offers the range to cover off a couple of Great Wet / Dry Traction Uv Protected Non Absorbent Foam Comfortable, Durable, Eva/pe Foam Covers Surface Imperfections 3M Peel & Stick Application Customisable The livebait tank will hold 30 or so jack mackerel with ease. 0064 6308 9337 SEADEK@batavian.co.nz www.seadek.com Subscribe at nzfishingnews.co.nz 125
The Honda 200 provides plenty of economic four stroke get up and go for the Blackdog Cat 6.5 Hard Top. The transducer height can be controlled from the helm. Behind it are the ZipWake interceptor blades. days game fishing. It is possible to extend the fuel capacity to 300 litres. The Honda 200hp is a good fit for the Blackdog Cat 6.5HT. There is no shortage of horsepower for these easily-driven hulls. The manufacturer, in conjunction with Honda s technical team, is still working on getting the best out of the combo and included in the mix is coming to terms with the capabilities of the ZipWake trim tab system. In the calm of the harbour I felt they had yet to find the sweet spot through the midrange, but once we got out into the rougher water, the hull s performance was at is best. Given a fistful off throttle, Ice Maiden Boat Monitor Easy to use ios, Android & Web Monitor key systems st like bilge, battery and more Alarm push notifications Monitor and Control CZone Systems s Remotely 126 New Zealand Fishing News December 2018
In the calm of the harbour I felt they had yet to find the sweet spot through the mid-range, but once we got out into the rougher water, the hull s performance was at is best. Specifications Length (LOA) 6.5m Recommended HP 175-225 Beam (external) 2.27m Internal (gunwale) 1.83m Internal (floor) 2.03m Transom height Gunwale height 0.75m Hull Topsides Hull weight (dry) Tow weight (trailer, boat, engine) Trailer 25 inches (0.635m) 4mm 4mm Height on trailer 3.1m Width on trailer 2.4m 1400kg approx. 2000kg approx DMW Custom (twin-axle) 2500kg rated Price as tested $125,000 Packages from $115,000 Ice Maiden, a 6.5 Hardtop, is the Blackdog Cat flagship model. POWER WITHOUT THE THIRST Enhanced top end power with outstanding fuel economy. hondamarine.co.nz/find-a-dealer Subscribe at nzfishingnews.co.nz 127
1 2 3 1)A full set of Hella lights ensure great illumination after dark; 2) There is a decent bait and rigging station that incorporates two tackle drawers and five rod holders; 3) The cuddy has an in-fill to create a double bunk for overnighting. jumped to attention, dismissing the half-metre chop with ease. Within reason, the faster we went, the more it liked it, something my dodgy knees and back appreciated! Rough water handling is one of Blackdog s selling points, whichever way you want to take the conditions on. There are other options available. These include an electric motor bracket, engine trim plate, vinyl wraps, metallic paint, stone guard and road/ overnight covers, dive bottle retainers and fold-up or clip-on seats. Being manufactured from aluminium, Blackdog cats can be fully customised to suit their owner s needs. In conclusion, I was genuinely Versatility takes you a long way! New transom layout with option of under floor fuel storage Key features wider deck space 2m internal beam 175 to 225HP engine Cabin with bunks/ storage Excellent rough water handling info@blackdogcat.co.nz 0800 430 212 www.blackdogcat.co.nz 128 New Zealand Fishing News December 2018
RAISING THE BAR A SavWinch drum system is tucked away under the foredeck hatch. impressed with Ice Maiden. Her layout reflects the fishing and diving backgrounds of the Ogle family dad Kevin and sons Jonny and Luke. They are particularly proud of the 6.5 Hard Top and it thoroughly deserves the many accolades it received from those who were aboard it during the recent Auckland On Water Boat Show. Designed & Manufactured in NZ Specifically for the Marine Environment SEA HAWK-470 LOW PROFILE - HIGH OUTPUT LIGHT BARS NEW! LED IP67 COMPLETELY SEALED UV RESISTANT 5 YR WARRANTY Available at all leading marine outlets. www.hellamarine.com MADE IN NZ Subscribe at nzfishingnews.co.nz 129