MCLAY BOATS’ NEW 651 SPORTSMAN BRINGS BACK SOME OF THE HERITAGE OF THE BEST-SELLING 591 XL BUT IN A NEW GUISE PITCHED FIRMLY AT THE FISHING MARKET.
BY BARRY THOMPSON
When you look at any McLay boat, you see an obvious fishing slant, and over the years, they have proven to be one of the most popular brands in that sector. Martin McLay who is now part owner of Mclay boats come up with the idea and did most of the designing with Steve McLay having some input from his 35 years’ experience in the industry. We are constantly tweaking the lineup of boats, with the 651 Sportsman the latest addition to the Sportsman Series.
The Sportsman Series has most of the usual McLay features, offering large cockpits and excellent offshore handling and has been McLay’s biggest seller for some years. Seven models are in the range, from the 5.21m cuddy to the new 651.
While the difference between the length of the 571 and the 591 is only 300mm (both have the same 2.20m beam), the 651 increases over the 591 by a further 650mm and when you add the extra 100mm beam, you are getting a lot bigger boat.
Externally the 651 looks like a stretched 591 with the same hardtop and cabin lines, albeit extended. The cockpit is also noticeably longer, with the foredeck design and window lines remaining the same as the 591.
“We wanted to achieve a high quality, super affordable 6.5m hardtop that offers massive cockpit space for fishing yet still provides enough comforts for family boating. At a little over $100,000 for a complete boat/motor/trailer package, I think we have the best value for money boat of its size on the market”, says Steve.
The basis of the new 651 Sportsman is the well-proven 651 CrossXover hull which was retired last year and replaced by the updated 661. However, Martin felt that the 651 CrossXover hull was too good to scrap and brought it back to life as the 651 Sportsman.
If you are going to keep costs down at the retail level, you have first make sure your manufacturing process is as slick and efficient as possible. The first thing to do was build the boat with two flat safety glass windscreen panels and a central mullion rather than the expensive curved screen. It doesn’t come standard with wipers, but they are an option.
The layout is minimalistic but functional and practical for fishing and family boating. It’s a boat you can add plenty of extras to, but you aren’t going to put it in the water for $100k if you start ticking a lot of boxes in the options list.
MASSIVE COCKPIT
If you design a boat with a serious fishing bent, you need to ensure the cockpit and transom areas are designed for the job. Kiwis love their fishing, and none more so than from a boat that caters perfectly for their needs. The 651 is one of those boats, and designers Martin & Steve McLay, a keen fisherman, knows what bits should go where and what is required.
The coamings are at a good height (730mm) to lean against when stand-up fishing and have deep toe kicks under the pair of full-length shelves. You get a good purchase when hooked onto something big. The flat coamings are great for sitting on, and there is ample space to fit four rod holders (2 are standard) on either side and in the overhead rocket launcher.
The cockpit has to be one of the roomiest deck area spaces of any 6.5m boat. Measuring 2.340mm of gunnel fishing room down each side an 6.2 sqm of deck is big enough for a full-size snooker table. Not that you would ever put one in, but it gives you an idea of the massive space.
This is a full cabin boat, and while not set up as an overnighter, it could be with a few extras. Although aimed at the serious fisherman, it can still be dressed up to suit the family without breaking the bank. For a start, the cabin offers sitting headroom for two plus twin 1.2m squabs with infills. A provision is made for a chemical head with the option of a courtesy curtain. The two berths can be extended by another .5m with an infill on either side, and when you add another centre cushion, you have one large berth. There’s storage under the squabs, plus fabric lined side trays. In boat #1, the rest of the cabin is kept natural alloy, but a fully lined interior is available.
The forward alloy hatch is large, with plenty of space if you need to stand for anchoring duties. The deep anchor locker has provision already made to mount a Sav drum winch, so then there is never any need to go forward.The cockpit has to be one of the roomiest deck area spaces of any 6.5m boat. Measuring 2.340mm of gunnel fishing room down each side an 6.2 sqm of deck is big enough for a full-size snooker table. Not that you would ever put one in, but it gives you an idea of the massive space.
This is a full cabin boat, and while not set up as an overnighter, it could be with a few extras. Although aimed at the serious fisherman, it can still be dressed up to suit the family without breaking the bank. For a start, the cabin offers sitting headroom for two plus twin 1.2m squabs with infills. A provision is made for a chemical head with the option of a courtesy curtain. The two berths can be extended by another .5m with an infill on either side, and when you add another centre cushion, you have one large berth. There’s storage under the squabs, plus fabric lined side trays. In boat #1, the rest of the cabin is kept natural alloy, but a fully lined interior is available.
The forward alloy hatch is large, with plenty of space if you need to stand for anchoring duties. The deep anchor locker has provision already made to mount a Sav drum winch, so then there is never any need to go forward.
SIMPLE LAYOUT
The utilitarian cockpit space works well, leaving flat unimpeded floor space for 4-6 fishermen. Your choice is a 4mm tread plate of U-dek flooring. The U-dek, also available for the gunnels and platforms, adds a nice touch to the boat’s finish and is extremely practical. The tread plate sole has no built-in storage lockers, with the centre section covering a 175-litre fuel tank and the rest buoyancy. Rods can be stowed on two shelves (2m & 2.5m long) on either side.
The helm was simple and functional with a pair of Smartcraft gauges and a Lowrance Hook 9 MFD, and that’s it. While our boat had fewer switches and dials, you could add what you wanted, and there was room to do it.
There are a few short side shelves for your phone, car keys and sunnies, and a lockable glove box. There is almost 2m headroom under the alloy hardtop, with a telescopic shade canopy extending 800mm into the cockpit. Sliding side windows are an option.
Across the transom, the 651 provides a central bait station, twin storage lockers with hatches and a port side step through to the transom platforms. Obviously, the boat would not be complete without a live bait tank.
The standard boat comes with a pair of adjustable bucket seats, with small bench seats cantilevered aft. A cooler bin seat with a cushion is also available. There is storage in the bases, with forward access and removing the squab extensions allows you to fit a footrest on either side of the forward seats.
POWER OPTIONS
To keep the price down, Mclay has chosen a Mercury 150 XL EFI to power boat #1, and it is a perfect match. I thought when saw the 150 it wouldn’t be enough but I was wrong. In the choppy water off Gulf Harbour is ran sweet and was extremely responsive and quick to plane. I tossed the boat into some full lock turns and it hangs on. There is a wide forward lifting strake that holds the boat up in corners and as much as we thrash around we got no water on the deck or screens.
Into a 1/2m chop I ran around 25-28 knots and then in the following sea around 32 knots. Both ways it was a pleasure to drive, didn’t have any ‘tinnie rattle’ and felt tight and solid.
Top speed was a respectable 36 knots at 5320, running a 17″ Enertia. Change the prop and get a few hundred more rpm and the 651 should easily top 40 knots.
You can upgrade to a 200hp or 225hp but I wonder if it is worth the extra investment. The 150 for me is just right. Mind you I am sure the hull will handle the extra power comfortably.
I have driven a number of the McLay Hardtop boats on everything from a mirror-smooth Lake Wanaka to the raging waters of Fouveaux Strait, and driving for the conditions I had at the time, I have always felt safe and never had an anxious moment.
It is easy to see why the McLay brand is so popular amongst fishermen, and the new
651 Sportsman is a perfect addition to the fleet. While it is fundamental in its standard form, it delivers where it should, and that’s what counts.
Performance Data : Mercury 150 XL EFI
| rpm | Knots | L/h | L/NM | Range (NM) |
| 1000 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 78 |
| 1500 | 2.5 | 6 | 2.4 | 65 |
| 2000 | 3.5 | 9 | 2.6 | 60 |
| 2500 | 8 | 13.5 | 1.7 | 92 |
| 3000 | 13.5 | 14.5 | 1.1 | 140 |
| 3500 | 20 | 21 | 1.1 | 140 |
| 4000 | 25 | 29.5 | 1.2 | 130 |
| 4500 | 28 | 37 | 1.4 | 110 |
| 5000 | 33 | 52 | 1.6 | 98 |
| 5320 | 36 | 62 | 1.8 | 87 |
Nautical Miles is based on 10% reserve of 175 litres.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Design Name McLay 651 Sportsman
- Price as Tested $NZ102,361
- Year Launched 2023
- Builder McLay
- Designer Martin McLay
- Hull Type Hardtop
- LOA 6.60m
- Beam 2.30m
- Trailerable Wght 2.5 tonne
- Max Speed 6 knots
- Construction 5mm/4mm aluminium
- Fuel Cap 175 litres
- Engine Mercury 150 XL EFI
- Propeller Enertia 17”
- MFD Lowrance Hook 9
