Test / Pacific Craft 650 T: 6.50 m for cruising, fishing, and staying sheltered

© Yamaha Marine

The Pacific Craft 650 T prioritizes ease of movement and the cockpit. Its deck layout is well-suited for fishing, even if that means leaving certain specialized equipment on the list of optional extras.

A cockpit that lives up to its design

The self-bailing cockpit remains largely unobstructed. An optional rear bench seat can accommodate passengers during trips and then fold down when the outboard motor needs to be raised. This layout prevents the stern from being cluttered with bulky furniture.

Un cockpit qui donne le ton ©YamahaMarine
A cockpit that sets the tone ©YamahaMarine

A large compartment beneath the cockpit houses, among other things, the fuel tank. It has a considerable capacity, although the heavy cover would benefit from a system to keep it properly open during maintenance work.

L'échelle et la plateforme sont optionnelles ©YamahaMarine
The ladder and platform are optional ©YamahaMarine

Access to the aft deck is via a wide passageway on the starboard side, which leads to the swim platforms and the optional ladder.

Fishing gear to be selected based on your fishing style

Le porte canne est de série ©YamahaMarine
The rod holder comes standard ©YamahaMarine

The shipyard installs a pair of rod holders in the gunwales as standard equipment. Regular anglers should therefore check the list of options or bring their own equipment. In particular, a seawater-fed fish tank can be installed, as well as rod racks in the wheelhouse.

Des passavants sécurisants ©YamahaMarine
Safety walkways ©YamahaMarine

The 40-cm walkways make it fairly easy to move forward. A step provides access to the raised foredeck. The handrails installed on the bow provide an intermediate grip, and the upper railing then guides you all the way to the bow.

©YamahaMarine
©YamahaMarine

At the bow, there is a seat built into the wheelhouse. The anchor locker houses the bow roller and can be equipped with an electric windlass. The opening in the bow deck also makes boarding easier.

©YamahaMarine
©YamahaMarine

A simple and functional wheelhouse

Inside, the helm station is located on the starboard side and is accessible through a sliding door that opens directly onto the walkway.

Le poste de barre est facilement accessible ©YamahaMarine
The helm is easily accessible ©YamahaMarine

This allows the pilot to step away from the helm and go outside without having to cross the cockpit, making it easier to maneuver with a reduced crew. On the port side, a fold-down bench seat clears the way when not in use. The pilot?s seat is height-adjustable and swivels. The dashboard has enough space to accommodate a 12-inch multifunction display.

A small closet that can be used as storage space

Two steps lead under the forward deck. There is a small berth there, which is hardly suitable for use on a cruise. This space seems more practical as an occasional resting area and, above all, as a sheltered storage space.

©YamahaMarine
©YamahaMarine

Bags, clothing, safety gear, and fishing equipment can be stored there, keeping them dry and out of the cockpit. A toilet is also available as an optional feature.

Pas mal d'espace sous le plancher ©YamahaMarine
Plenty of space under the floor ©YamahaMarine

A boat to customize rather than a fully equipped charter boat

The Pacific Craft 650 T, therefore, doesn?t aim to pack in a multitude of features. This simplicity is actually an asset for fishing. It makes maneuvering easier and gives you the freedom to set up your electronics, rod holders, or livewell according to your fishing style.

However, this requires a careful review of the configuration before placing an order. The standard boat provides the basic structure. To turn it into a true fishing vessel or a more versatile family boat, several options quickly become worth considering. For those who spend more time with a fishing rod in hand than sitting at a table in the salon, this makes perfect sense.

©YamahaMarine
©YamahaMarine
More articles on the theme