Edencraft is a well-established and respected boat manufacturer based in Moolap, a suburb in the Victorian city of Geelong. Its range of tough and well-designed fishing boats have served the needs of offshore fishos for years. The good news is that the lineup of Edencaft boats just got even better with the introduction of a new centre console model. I first saw Edencraft’s latest 655 Centre Console at the 2025 Sydney Boat Show. In my opinion it was the standout boat at this year’s show, and judging by the crowds and high level of interest, I wasn’t the only one who thought this!
Edencraft’s Business Development Manager, Joel Ryan, told Nautilus Marine Magazine how customers wanted a boat with the build quality and ride Edencraft are so well known for, but in a centre console design to suit the warmer regions. “After years of customers asking us to make a centre console, we’ve launched the new 655 Centre Console,” says Joel. “Our in-house design team started with our ultimate all-round model – the 6.0m Offshore – and went to town designing a brand new boat from the ground up. Utilising our 5axis CNC machine we beefed the 655 up from the 6.0m giving it more length, beam and freeboard,” he says. “The result is a true offshore centre console designed and built specifically for Australian conditions.” So, how does it stack up against other Edencraft models and other boats in similar sizes and styles?
Centre of attention
As Joel mentions above, Edencraft has built this boat from the ground up. It’s a brand new hull length and design. I met up with Grant Maher, Owner of Edencraft Boats, at Coffs Harbour in NSW for a morning boat test of the new 655. Grant and his team were on a road trip, towing three boats from the factory in Geelong up the NSW coast into Queensland before ending up in The Whitsundays for a spot of fishing. Sounds nice! The plan was to stop along the way and meet with potential buyers for a chance to test ride some of the boats. I caught up with the Edencraft team to test the 655 just before they took off for Queensland.
Performance
The 655 Centre Console was fitted with a Mercury V8 300hp four-stroke. The maximum horsepower is 300hp and buyers also have the choice of twin rig outboards. Twin rigs offer peace of mind while single outboards save some weight and are more cost effective.
The 655 Edencraft performed effortlessly. While the conditions weren’t exactly rough, we had enough swell (and many whales to avoid) and gave the 655 a good test run outside Coffs Harbour. The test boat was fitted with Seakeeper Ride, a sophisticated stabiliser system that works like an automated trim tab to keep the boat trimmed and performing at its best with little effort from the user. With or without Seakeeper Ride, the 655 was an easy and intuitive boat to drive. With little trim on the outboard, it handled the conditions with ease. It was a joy to drive and very dry.
The 22-degree deadrise provided a nice soft entry and the 2.45m beam and clever hull design gave it good stability at rest. The Mercury V8 300hp four-stroke was responsive and a good match for the 655. In these relatively calm conditions it felt smooth and safe and dry to run at 30 knots and 4720rpm. Pushing a bit further, the boat easily reached 38 knots and would probably go over 40 knots with correct engine trimming and safe conditions. Grant says the size makes it a versatile fishing boat. “Six and half metres is the perfect all-rounder; not too big and not too small,” he says. “It has nice high sides and is a very dry boat for a centre console. Everyone loves it.”
What’s onboard
The 655 is designed first and foremost for offshore fishing. According to Joel, the 655 can be built to suit how you use the water. “Go all-in with a hardcore fishing setup, or balance comfort and capability with a casting deck, a front console seat, or optional bow seating for those family days on the bay,” says Joel.
Starting from the transom, Edencraft has installed a 55l plumbed bait tank in the centre of the boat. It’s a nice clear transom area that allows fishos to move around and cast or fight fish without obstruction. There are rod holders stationed around the boat in the gunwales, along the T-top and in a rack along the side of the boat. There are also twin 2m long rod lockers under the floor. Additionally, there’s a big underfloor fish tank for keeping fish cool after capture. This storage leaves the floor area free for moving around and fishing.
The gunwales are a generous height and I found it felt safe while fishing. Edencraft has also installed padding along the sides; it’s nice and comfortable to lean against while fishing or fighting a fish. This extends all the way around the boat. Moving forward and the seat design allows it to swing back and forth and also hide an ice box underneath. It comfortably sits two people and offers good protection behind the console if the weather turns bad. The console is a generous size and features a T-top for added shade or protection from the elements.
On the console, the test boat featured two 12-inch Simrad sounders. You could change this around and fit a 16-inch sounder with ease. There’s ample room for additional gauges and accessories such as a marine radio, stereo etc. Plus, there’s plenty of storage space for bits and pieces you bring onboard and need to easily access.
Towards the bow, the test boat featured an open layout, although there is an option to have a casting platform or lounges. The open option is a good one if you want to take full advantage of available space for offshore fishing. Adding a casting platform would also make a good choice if you often throw lures from the bow.
There’s also an option to add a trolling motor to the bow. There’s storage under the gunwales, in the side pockets and under the console. The hatch under the console also offers easy access to wiring if anything needs to be installed or modified. The existing wiring looked nice and neat… always a positive sign of a quality boat.
It’s a spacious boat that has been designed for 360-degree movement with no unnecessary accessories getting in the way. Fishos choose centre consoles because they need fishing space and unimpeded movement around the boat and that’s exactly what Edencraft has delivered. The 655 Centre Console makes an ideal all-rounder offshore boat with all boxes ticked when it comes to performance and fit-out.
As Grant explains, Edencraft has designed this boat specifically for fishing and offers options to suit every fishing style. “We’ve tried to cover everything you need in a fishing boat,” he says. Each 655 Centre Console is hand-built to order and tailored to the owner’s fishing style and needs.
Words: Scott Thomas
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