Bonito 485 Sprint

While you would probably do most of your driving seated, there is still plenty of space to stand, with both the wheel and throttle controls well placed. Seated, you have the protection of the acrylic screen and a generously sized fascia with instruments at the right level. In the test boat we had just the necessary gauges, such as speedo and tacho, and there was still space in the centre for a small flush mounted sounder. There is little space above the helm although plenty of room on the port side for a bracket mounted unit. A recessed area on the port side has a non-skid carpet infill that I used to stow the keys, mobile phone and portable GPS.

The cockpit layout is not unlike the 485 Chico, with the same pedestal moulded seat bases with swivelling buckets, wide side trays and central storage bins. Back to backs could be fitted but I would be conscious of the amount of space they would take up. Underfloor storage is exceptional with the volume to take skis, wakeboards and fishing rods. You could fit a 45-litre underfloor fuel tank if required, but in a boat this size it’s probably not really necessary. Upholstered foam coaming pads are ideal for bracing your thighs against when stand-up fishing and it’s not too far to lean over the side with the net or gaff.

The transom has been altered from the 485 Chico and gone are the twin moulded steps, replaced with a single step either side. Twin rear removable seats take the place of bin seats, so there’s an increase in cockpit space over the cabin version. Ideally you remove both the cushions when you’re out fishing to maximise the workable cockpit area. If you don’t like getting your carpet covered in fish guts, then being only clipped-in you can also leave that behind. This is a boat that takes kindly to a serious hosedown.

The area under the transom is too low to take the tote tanks so these are stowed forward under the deck area in side storage bins. The battery and oil tanks have their own moulded platform below the engine well and above the deep bilge. You’ll need to take out the central floor panel if you want to remove either. Any water that gets into the boat is quickly and easily channelled to the bilge pump for a quick exit.

The Bonito 485 Sprint has full bulkheads with recessed footrest mouldings either side and a very wide opening screen and foredeck arrangement. An opening panel in the centre of the foredeck not only gives access to the deep anchor locker, but also to the storage recesses either side. There is an  antiskid pattern on the split-level sole and it’s generously wide enough so you don’t need to struggle to get items from the storage lockers. This allows maximisation of the useable space and does away with the space wasting solid deck. In our test boat we had a 25 litre tote tank to port and our safety gear opposite and there was still loads of space left for another tote tank and extra dry gear.

This is an ideal entry-level boat for someone who wants to go down the fibreglass road. At under $30,000 tow away it’s a well-priced package and comes with the right construction and performance credentials. It’s a fun boat that offers just as much for the recreational skier as it does for the keen fisherman.