Three years since its resurgence onto the market and another new model for Lazercraft, this South Island manufacturer is a brand on the move. Freddy Foote checks out the latest addition to the range, new 700 HT.
The new Lazercraft 700 HT is based off the 650 which came onto the market as a new model a little over 18-months ago. The 700 comes in two configurations, the more highly spec’d HT model, and a more basic Sportfisher. I’ve been lucky enough to test every new model to come off the Lazercraft production line, and I’ve been suitably impressed with all of them.
Luxury Finish
I have always liked the Lazercraft design and build. It combines the best attributes of both GRP and aluminium into one stylish, well finished and great performing boat.
As on other Lazercraft models, the 700 HT has a 19-degree aluminium hull, with a fibreglass deck and gunnels. The gunnels and top decks are glued and screwed onto the alloy hull. With the GRP top decks, combined with the carpet and upholstery finish throughout, it’s quite easy to think that you are in a full GRP boat/ It is also one of the quietest alloy boats I’ve ever been on.
Forward in the very roomy cabin, you’ll find velour squab upholstery and good sized side shelves for extra storage. Further storage space is located under the vee berth squabs, and a toilet can be fitted as an option.
Back at the helm, there is a comfortable bucket seat mounted on a GRP base with storage underneath. Opposite is a similar King/Queen arrangement, with more storage space available underneath.
At the helm itself, the Yamaha engine instruments are mounted into the fibreglass dash section as well as a Garmin multi-function display below. The Maxwell RC6 auto windlass controls and Lenco trim tab controls are alongside with a Garmin VHF fitted below.
The cockpit is very spacious and has generous painted side shelves running the length of the cockpit. The cockpit floor is carpeted as an option, though there is still access to a sizeable underfloor storage locker which is situated forward between the seats.
The carpet is easily removed if you plan on getting out and killing some fish. Beneath you’ll find an easy to wash-down tread plate floor. Four-rod holders adorn the coamings, which are fitted with a non-skid rubber finish, while above a rocket launcher provides storage for a further six rods. Our test boat came fitted with a bait board in the centre of the transom, complete with five-rod holders.
A walk through is fitted into the starboard corner where there is a sizeable extendable T-bar boarding ladder. The walkthrough comes complete with a drop-in door to close it off. In the port corner is a sizeable live bait tank, fully plumbed with a viewing window facing into the cockpit.
Also, aft is two cavernous storage compartments underneath the transom that runs right into the far corners of the boat. All of the onboard systems, such as batteries, switches, wash down pump, are housed inside the transom and can be accessed via hatches.
Underway
The helm seat is well positioned so that there is adequate room to stand to drive and is easily ventilated via the large sliding windows on each side. The seat itself is also adjustable and can slide forward and back – same for passenger side seat also.
Our test boat came fitted with a Yamaha 200hp and has an outboard range of 175hp to 225hp. Â The 700 HT achieved 40.0 knots at wide-open throttle @ 6100 rpm and was uses 75.7lph. the sweet spot for me was 3500rpm which sees around 23 knots using 21.0lph.
The Yamaha 200hp performed well and would be more than adequate for most purposes. If you feel you don’t need that much power, you can opt for the 175hp option, but if you want a bit more of a hot rod on the water, go for the 225hp. Traditionally, Lazercraft hulls have always liked horsepower and are the kinds of boats that like to be pushed hard – the faster you go, the better they perform, and the 700HT, in this case, was no different.
Underneath, the 700HT gets a 5mm alloy hull and runs a series of full-height stringers to the floor, which stiffens the whole boat – eliminating all that banging that traditionally is received with an alloy boat.
We experienced some mixed conditions during our test day on Auckland’s harbour. It dealt with the harbour chop with ease and only needed minor adjustments with the trim tabs to keep the hull running true.
Stability at rest was superb –Â we had three onboard, and as we transferred passengers to our camera boat there was very little lean.
Summary
The cockpit is spacious and will provide enough room for four anglers to fish in relative comfort and would be an excellent boat for a family to head out for a day’s boating.
Our Lazercraft 700HT test boat was priced at $129,995 with packages starting from $119,995 for the more basic Sportfisher version, with a 175hp Yamaha.
Easily one of the best-looking hardtop models on the market, and certainly one of the best performing too. Great looks, well appointed, good performer and reasonably priced. The perfect combination of aluminium and fibreglass.
Specifications
- Model & Model:Â Lazercraft 700 HT
- Priced from: $119,995 (Sportfisher with 175hp outboard)Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
- Price as tested: $129,995 (Special)
- Type: Hardtop        Â
- Construction: Aluminium/GRP
- LOA: 7.00mÂ
- Beam: 2.25m           Â
- Deadrise: 19 degree           Â
- Height on trailer: 3.10m
- Trailerable weight: 2000kg
- Test Power: 200hp
- Propeller: ?????
- Max Speed:   40 knots                   Â
- Power options: Outboard  Â
- HP Range: 175-200hpÂ
- Fuel Capacity: 225LÂ
- Trailer: Tandem Alloy
- Boat Supplied by: Family Boats
- http://www.familyboats.co.nz
- Phone: 09 274 0511
- Email: sales@familyboats.co.nz
- Contact:Â Southern Boats
- Ph:Â 0800 SOUTHERN
Performance & Fuel
RPM | Knots | L/h | L/NM | Range (NM) |
1000 | 5.0 | 4.4 | 0.880 | 230 |
1500 | 7.0 | 6.9 | 0.990 | 200 |
2000 | 9.0 | 10.5 | 1.200 | 160 |
2500 | 12.0 | 14.3 | 1.200 | 160 |
3000 | 18.0 | 18.1 | 1.100 | 180 |
3500 | 23.0 | 21 | 0.920 | 220 |
4000 | 27.0 | 29.4 | 1.100 | 180 |
4500 | 30.0 | 38.5 | 1.300 | 150 |
5000 | 33.0 | 46.2 | 1.400 | 140 |
5500 | 36.0 | 59.9 | 1.700 | 110 |
6100 | 40.0 | 75.7 | 1.900 | 100 |
