CruiseCraft’s highly acclaimed Explorer 625 has taken home the title of Modern Boating Fishing Boat of the Year for 2006. The popular boating magazine hosts the annual awards in Sydney to celebrate the best boating products on the Australian market.

The CruiseCraft Explorer 625 has enjoyed a stunning introduction onto the marine stage since its 2005 release, with a 2005 AMIF Award for Best Trailerable Fishing Boat already on the mantle. Receiving the 2006 Modern Boating Award confirms the reputation of the Explorer 625 as a formidable blue water fishing boat.

“We are extremely delighted the Explorer 625 received the Best Fishing Boat Award from Modern Boating nearly one year after its first release,” said CruiseCraft Sales and Marketing Manager, Peter Benston.

“It is common for newly released Australian boats to be overshadowed by the number of US imports coming onto the market. This award is testament to the fact that our Explorer 625 can still hold its own as the premier trailer boat in the fishing market.”

Boasting a proud 29 year history, the 2006 Modern Boating Boat of the Year Awards is a culmination of 113 boat tests over the past 12 months. Each boat tested is placed into one of seven categories from Cruisers to Family boats and Aluminium to Fishing rigs.

Over 60 representatives, manufacturers and media identities from Australia’s marine industry converged on Spitler’s Restaurant at the d’Albora Marina to take part in proceedings. Both local and imported boats were judged on their merits, vying for seven category titles.

Five finalists contested the Fishing BOTY category which only accepted boats specifically setup for offshore fishing conditions. Fully setup transom workstations with a large Live Bait Tank and long range fuel capabilities are all hallmarks of worthy fishing boat title contenders.

“A good fishing boat comes to the fore when the offshore action heats up,” said Peter Benston. “Not only does the boat have to deliver on features but also deliver on rough water handling and safety. The Explorer 625 has again proved to be the perfect fishing package.”

CruiseCraft is a wholly family owned, third generation Australian Boat manufacturing business, operating from their Brisbane facility. CruiseCraft boats are distributed exclusively by a network of Authorised Dealers throughout Australia and selected international markets.