Other boats, same model

Classy

Sales of the 17L were so good Haines Hunter decided to introduce their new 5.6m series with the low profile deck — the ʻLʼ version . In the 565L, designer/ builder John Haines has probably created the perfect compromise between the cockpit space of a runabout and the creature comforts of a half-cabin cruiser. …it has all the elements one looks for in a runabout, i.e. big cockpit, low overall profile, a certain racy styling, low-set steering position and heaps of space for skis and so on. On the other hand, it also has two full length bunks with cushions, padded back rests and shelving with comfortable sitting headroom under the raised fore-deck.

Itʼs a clever design, make no mistake. Haines have used every inch of space under the foredeck to get in their full 6ʼ6” bunks without pinching more than a couple of inches from the cockpit. … most runabouts of this size usually have 5 or 6 feet of empty space under the foredeck that until now, manufacturers have claimed was “storage area”. Another feature of the 565L is the unusual “Wide-Line” cockpit. This consists of a step, or break, in the gunwhales running aft of the windscreen base. Instead of curving the coamings back in a slow arc away from the windscreen, Haines Hunter have deliberately broken the topside line and stepped out about 5” on both sides of the cockpit. This gives an extra foot or so of space at hip height, giving about 15% more usable space without actually changing the cockpit floor area.

Conclusion

The Haines 565L, on the basis of what we have previously tested and

understood to be acceptable levels of

handling, ride, performance and finish is

one of the best power boats produced in

Australia.

Trailering The Haines 565L was delivered with one of the new Tinka maxiroller Trailers- this is the best boat and trailer combination we have ever used. My wife launched the one ton 565 L off an almost level beach completely on her own, with just a one-handed shove. The 5m Tinka maxi-roller trailer incorporates the latest solid arms, galvanised sub chassis, a total of 36 rollers, plus all the usuals such as disc brakes that work, alloy wheels and sealed bearings. If launching was a cinch, retrieving it off that rotten beach was just as easy, with about half the effort normally required to drag the tail of the Haines over the sand on the trailer. The total weight of the test rig was approximately 1205kgs, including the single axle trailer. That puts it well within the limits of six cylinder cars, and some of the bigger fours.