Haines Hunter 535 SPORT FISH – Can It Be Used As A Family Boat Of Choice?

Haines Hunter 535 SPORT FISH Review

Price: from $59,574

Type: Bay Boat

Weight: 650 kgs (net weight)

Seats: 5

What we like about it: Comfortable cabins, a beautiful and solid hull, and a spacious stern.

What we didn’t like about it: The touchscreen with the main functions on the console isn’t very large or cheap.

Rating (4.8/5)

When planning a memorable fishing trip on the water with your family, the choice of boat often determines the success of your adventure. Bay boats, with their blend of performance, versatility, and comfort, are a perfect choice for family water entertainment!

The Haines Hunter 535 SPORT FISH is one such perfect choice that can become a dynamic part of your family. Its size makes it easy to tow and comfortably accommodates four adults or a family planning water activities. Furthermore, it optimizes every space available. Its rich performance can meet all your needs on the water.

Next, let’s analyze the driving experience, passenger comfort, specifications, and other versions of the Haines Hunter 535 SPORT FISH.

If you’re looking for the right boat for your trip, be sure to follow our homepage. We’ll continue updating blogs on various boat types. If you’re interested in purchasing a boat directly, feel free to contact us for more detailed information. Your inquiries are always welcome!

Overall Impression

My kids, Jrue and Silas, just started their summer vacation last week. To celebrate the start of their break, my wife and I decided to organize a family activity on a boat in Brigantine Bay. After careful consideration, we found that a bay boat was the best choice for us. Its rental cost wasn’t as high, and it came equipped with the center console layout I prefer. In the end, we rented a Haines Hunter 535 SPORT FISH for our fishing activity.

To surprise the kids, we didn’t tell them anything about the Haines Hunter 535 SPORT FISH in advance. When we reached the coast and Jrue and Silas saw the boat, they were amazed by its smooth fiberglass hull. It was our first time using a fiberglass boat, and I have to say, its stylish appearance on the water is truly captivating. My jon boat couldn’t even compare.

When Jrue and Silas stepped onto the Haines Hunter 535 SPORT FISH, they were excited, especially Jrue, who couldn’t help but bounce around. Initially, I was worried that this might make the boat unstable, but in reality, the boat remained steady.

For safety, however, I sternly required them to put on life jackets and sit in the designated seating area at the stern until we reached our fishing spot. Fortunately, the high sides of the Haines Hunter 535 SPORT FISH’s hull provided additional reassurance to me and my wife.

Driving Experience

This was indeed my first time driving a bay boat. Even though the rental company provided me with a boating guidebook before boarding, the moment I looked at the console, I realized that understanding it on the boat was quite different from learning from a manual.

The cockpit of the Haines Hunter 535 SPORT FISH is incredibly spacious. When I sat in the driver’s seat with its thick backrest, I could feel my back and lower back relaxing. I immediately had my wife sit in the passenger seat beside me to experience it. She also found the space to be roomy, and the seats felt very comfortable.

The console design of the Haines Hunter 535 SPORT FISH is quite straightforward, with its main functions accessible on a touchscreen right in front of me. Unfortunately, the screen isn’t very large, which isn’t too friendly for someone with my nearsightedness.

Seeing Jrue and Silas excitedly holding onto the gunwales behind me with smiles on their faces, I knew they were eagerly anticipating the upcoming fishing adventure. I quickly turned the throttle and turned the sporty steering wheel to start our journey.

Seating Experience

The Haines Hunter 535 SPORT FISH we rented came with a Yamaha 90HP four-stroke outboard, which performed exceptionally well on the water. While driving, we couldn’t hear the engine running at all, and it effortlessly cut through the waves, providing us with a stable and comfortable ride. Jrue and Silas were delighted by the beauty of the sea, and my wife captured this fun fishing trip on her phone.

Before long, we reached the perfect fishing spot, and the sun was getting stronger. My wife and I raised the stainless steel bimini top that we had set up in the boat. The thick fabric instantly provided us with much-needed shade. I had Jrue and Silas rests in the cabin at the bow for a while. Meanwhile, I organized the fishing rods and baits to ensure a smooth fishing experience.

After getting everything ready, I noticed that both of them had fallen asleep in the cabin. Indeed, we had started our day quite early. Fortunately, the cabin of the Haines Hunter 535 SPORT FISH is not only spacious but also equipped with comfortable cushions, so they were sleeping soundly. I demonstrated my fishing skills to my wife on the stern deck. She watched my perfect casting motion and kept complimenting me, finding it quite impressive. Without a doubt, I was grateful for the boat’s assistance at that moment, earning me the admiration of my wife.

Specifications

The Haines Hunter 535 SPORT FISH includes everything you need for fishing activities on the water. With its classic 21-degree deep V hull, the boat can effortlessly cut through waves and keep spray to a minimum, providing a dry boating experience.

The Haines Hunter 535 SPORT FISH can also be equipped with a maximum of 130hp motor, helping anglers reach fishing spots faster. Additionally, the stern of the Haines Hunter 535 SPORT FISH has ample live-well capacity and rod holders, boosting anglers’ confidence for successful fishing.

Other Versions

If you frequently go fishing with your sweet family, you must consider the Haines Hunter 495 SPORT FISH.

With a length of 4.95 meters and a maximum engine power of 90hp, it’s an ideal choice for families not seeking high-end features. You don’t have to worry about its smaller size compromising cabin space or rear seat configurations. Its layout is largely consistent with that of the Haines Hunter 535 SPORT FISH.

Most importantly, the Haines Hunter 495 SPORT FISH comes with a more affordable price tag. This is good news for small groups of consumers who appreciate this type of boat.

What do we like about it

• The wraparound windshield shields against strong winds on the water.
• The easy-to-open and thick bimini top.
• The fiberglass hull is not only sturdy but also stylish.
• The spacious stern provides an excellent fishing platform.
• The bow features a roomy cabin with storage compartments.

What we don’t like about it

• A larger touchscreen embedded in the console would make it even more perfect.
• The price may be a bit steep for some.

FAQ

1. What is the difference between a bay boat and an offshore boat?

Bay boats and offshore boats differ in their hull sizes, with bay boats typically having smaller lengths and widths. This means they are lighter and more agile than offshore boats, and they also consume less fuel.

• Are bay boats good for lakes?

Bay boats are ideal for most water bodies. Unlike boats restricted to specific water types, bay boats usually have hull lengths ranging from 17 to 25 feet, making them perfect for fishing in lakes, rivers, and nearshore areas.

• Are there any disadvantages to bay boats?

Firstly, bay boats are not designed for harsh offshore conditions, and you shouldn’t take them too far from the coastline. Secondly, compared to larger vessels, they offer fewer amenities and are usually better suited for fishing activities. Therefore, they are not ideal for large groups or extended trips. Lastly, their shallow draft characteristic affects stability in rough waters.

Haines Hunter 535 SPORT FISH SPECS

Length Overall	5.35M
Beam	2.2M
Height	1.92M
Weight	650KG
Fuel Capacity	120L
Horsepower	130HP
Transom Height Single	25″

Video

Comparison Table

Boats	Deck Lengths	Maximum Horsepower	Maximum person capacity
Stabicraft 1850 Fisher	5.69m	140HP	6 persons
Mako 184 CC	18’4″	150HP	5 persons
Sea Hunt Ultra 196	19’7″	150HP	6 persons

Haines Hunter 535 SPORT FISH vs Stabicraft 1850 Fisher

Compared to the Haines Hunter 535 SPORT FISH, the Stabicraft 1850 Fisher caters to a broader range of consumers. It’s not only suitable for family outings but also perfect for inviting more friends to join fishing trips.

The Stabicraft 1850 Fisher features a more innovative full windshield design than the Haines Hunter 535 SPORT FISH. Not only does it almost occupy the entire bow, but it also provides an unobstructed driving experience for the operator. Moreover, when anchored or during gear loading/unloading or accessing the shore, you can easily step onto the bow if you open it up.

The more spacious body of the Stabicraft 1850 Fisher offers ample room for setting up a lounge area. Your friends or family will surely have their own designated relaxation space.

The Stabicraft 1850 Fisher also boasts superior fishing features. It’s equipped with enough rod holders at both the bow and stern, ensuring each crew member can have 2-3 fishing rods within easy reach. The spacious and cushioned gunwales also provide a comfortable seating area for resting while fishing. Therefore, owning such a fishing boat will likely make all your friends eagerly anticipate joining your fishing outings.

Haines Hunter 535 SPORT FISH vs Mako 184 CC

The Mako 184 CC features a central console layout with standard bay boat characteristics. It’s also designed specifically for anglers.

The Mako 184 CC is a fully welded aluminum boat. This means it’s a more budget-friendly option compared to the Haines Hunter 535 SPORT FISH. The Mako 184 CC dedicates nearly the entire hull as a casting platform, with storage only below the bow deck for storing more valuable items. Serious anglers often find themselves enthusiastic about this boat’s layout because it provides ample space for battling large fish.

However, the Mako 184 CC has a livewell capacity of only 21 gallons. Honestly, for a fishing boat of its size that can accommodate up to 5 passengers, this isn’t quite sufficient. Of course, if you don’t mind, you can bring your fish cooler and place it on its spacious deck. All in all, despite not having extensive features, purchasing it for just over thirty thousand dollars is still a worthwhile investment.

Haines Hunter 535 SPORT FISH vs Sea Hunt Ultra 196

The Sea Hunt Ultra 196 boasts a layout entirely different from the Haines Hunter 535 SPORT FISH. This provides you with more freedom for activities on this boat.

The Sea Hunt Ultra 196 features a practical central console with comfortable seating. There’s also a rear bench seat with backrest, allowing four people to sit comfortably in the helm area. I reckon the driver of this boat won’t feel bored while maneuvering.

Furthermore, the Sea Hunt Ultra 196’s spacious bow area provides more room for fishing with your family or friends, ensuring that even simultaneous casting won’t lead to collisions. The Sea Hunt Ultra 196 offers many considerate features that the 535 SPORT FISH lacks, though all of this comes at a higher starting price.

Summary

If you and your family frequently explore diverse fishing spots, then the Haines Hunter 535 SPORT FISH will undoubtedly be your best companion in unlocking more waters. It boasts a perfectly convenient size for your travels, while providing a spacious fishing platform on water. Additionally, its neat helm and cabin guarantee your privacy and comfort. If your family isn’t too large, don’t miss out on it!

If the Haines Hunter 535 SPORT FISH isn’t quite captivating for you, you can also consider other boats on our homepage. Feel free to contact us directly for personalized recommendations. If you find our content helpful, don’t hesitate to share it with your friends! Thanks for your support!