Ready for battle: Sea trialling the new Spartancraft 690 HT Hard Top
- Angelo
- 5 days ago
- 15 min read
Updated: 18 hours ago
Can this new kid on the boating block challenge the established heavyweights of the Aussie trailer boat scene? After driving it in the rough... I reckon it already has!
This short highlight reel proves you don't need a long time to have a good time!
Boat tests are a bit like speed dating. There’s a very limited window to make a positive first impression — and an even shorter one to form a judgement.
In most cases you’re lucky to get a couple of hours together, so there’s no long courtship and no easing into things. You meet, exchange pleasantries, then skip the foreplay and get straight to the main event. Everything escalates quickly to try and compress years of ownership experiences into a single fleeting encounter.
That means harder acceleration, tighter turns, and not politely dodging the ugly water. You hit waves square on, loiter in the troughs, jump the occasional crest, often doing things you wouldn’t do with your own boat all in an effort to find the hull’s limits, and occasionally what happens just beyond them. There are no safe words, and once you’re finished it’s perfectly acceptable to leave without looking back or asking for a second date.
And it is OK to judge. It’s kind of implied… and expected. You both know you’ll be sharing the sordid details online as soon as you get the chance.
Weather or not
And sometimes, the universe decides to skip the flirtation altogether.
The day we met, Port Phillip Bay was in a shitty mood. Strong southwesterlies had stacked the tide into short, sharp, awkward slop — the kind of conditions that don’t care what the brochure claims or how big the skipper’s ego is.
The sort of day that turns speed dating into a blunt, no-nonsense interrogation.
Enter the Spartancraft 690 HT — an Aussie-designed, resin-infused fibreglass hull developed to take on the established heavyweights of the local trailer boat scene.
Spoiler alert: it nailed the brief.
Quick context: I’ve known the Ploudious brothers, Andrew and Theo, ever since they started Marine Creations, a boat outfitting and service centre in Melbourne’s south-east. Over the past 20-odd years they’ve fitted out countless boats for me and were my technical sounding board during my days as editor of TrailerBoat magazine.
So, when Andrew said, “Take our new Spartancraft 690 HT out and tell me what you really think,” that’s exactly what I did. This wasn’t a pay-to-play arrangement, but simply me accepting a long-time industry mate’s offer to take the pride of his fleet out for a run and give him my honest feedback.
Sorry... I couldn't resist.
Spartancraft who?
Built to honour a bunch of ancient Greek superheroes with a thing for bright red capes and no pants…
OK! So, I made that bit up.
But it’s worth establishing exactly what Spartancraft is, and just as importantly, what it’s not.
Somewhat miffed at me taking liberties with his Greek heritage, Andrew politely explained that Spartancraft is actually a collaborative effort between WA’s Hi Tech Marine and Marine Creations to design and develop a range of boats specifically for the Australian market that were safe, well thought out, affordable, and adaptable to a broad range of boating activities. (I still think my story’s cooler.) Interestingly, while the focus has been on establishing the brand locally, these hulls have also begun finding homes in export markets like New Zealand, Korea and Canada.
The current Spartancraft fleet comprises three bespoke hulls. The 540 WT runabout and the 630 and 690 Cuddy Cabs, which are available, in either soft-top (ST) or fully enclosed hard top (HT) configurations.
The hulls are locally designed, built in China under licence, then shipped to Australia where the critical final assembly and fit-out is handled by Marine Creations and Hi Tech Marine. Wiring, plumbing, electronics, fit-out, sea trials, and quality control are all completed in-house using quality components from established premium brands. They also handle the standard 10-year warranty.
What they're not
Spartancraft boats are not re-branded, generic cookie-cutter hulls, nor are they cheap knockoffs of other brands.
Why this matters to buyers
It matters because most buyers never get the full story… or worse, they get some biased, cobbled-together BS from salespeople with an agenda and no clue.
It’s also easy to get distracted by headline specs, marketing spin, or how a boat looks sitting on a trailer at a boat show. What often gets overlooked is how it’s put together, why certain compromises were made, and whose number you call if something goes wrong.
Understanding this gives buyers an informed perspective when comparing boats that, on paper, appear to occupy the same space. It also helps explain why two boats of similar size and price can behave very differently once you clear the five-knot zone. I’ve directed the design of several boats across multiple brands and appreciate the enormity of the challenge.
With that context in place, it’s time to get back on the water — because this is where marketing and best intentions face off with reality.
On the way out, we just let the camera roll. Grab your life jacket and come along for the ride.
I like it rough
I’ve got a reputation for driving boats hard, but by now you know there’s method to the madness.
The day we took the 690 HT out was challenging, bordering on dangerous. Not the sort of conditions you’d intentionally head out for a fish or a lazy cruise, but very much the kind you can find yourself dealing with when Mother Nature throws a hissy fit halfway through your session.
Along for the ride was my daughter and content creator, Mikaela — no stranger to horrendous boating conditions after five years working as a Second Stewardess aboard superyachts across the Med, South-East Asia, and the Caribbean. That’s before factoring in a lifetime of tolerating her old man’s driving since she was a baby.
After confirming Andrew was OK with us tackling the conditions — and after getting him to sign a liability waiver… in triplicate… in waterproof ink — we puckered our sphincters and left the relative sanctuary of the Patterson River, normally Melbourne’s busiest boat ramp… but not today.
In conditions like this with steep, confused slop and constant spray, the enclosed hard-top, wraparound glass, and windscreen wiper weren’t just nice-to-haves. Any boat that keeps me dry always gets extra brownie points.
In conditions like this with steep, confused slop and constant spray, the enclosed hard-top, wraparound glass, and windscreen wiper weren’t just nice-to-haves. Any boat that keeps me dry always gets extra brownie points.
With sloppy, unpredictable seas and wind gusts pushing past 35 knots (around 65 km/h), it would have been reckless to give the 225 Mercury-tuned horses free rein. Even so, we managed to creep onto and hold plane, making respectable headway at around 33 km/h, with less spray flying overhead than we’d seen at displacement speeds.
The 690 HT clearly enjoys a bit of trim. Around 20 percent positive trim lifted the nose and allowed the hull’s fine entry to do the work, while the strakes, chines, and moulded style line below the gunwale acted as primary, secondary, and tertiary spray rails, helping minimise spray. All relative given the conditions, but welcome, nonetheless.
Sorry for the lack of external running shots, but we couldn’t find any other masochists willing to drive the chase boat, and it was far too wild for a drone.
Ups and downs
I’ve had the privilege of driving hundreds of different boats in rollercoaster conditions like this. Some have a steep learning curve, demanding you conform to their way of doing things.
The 690 HT isn’t challenging like that.
It felt confident. Safe. Boring.
No — boring’s good.
Boring means I can focus on picking my way through the slop rather than trying to tame the boat. Boring means I can steer, trim, and adjust speed while rubbing my tummy and patting my head at the same time. I love multi-tasking.
The 690 HT’s low-profile bow and flat integrated walkaround creates a unique silhouette that stands out from the pack.
I was curious to see how the low-profile bow would handle the conditions. I appreciated the design decision to integrate a flat walkaround around the cabin, but questioned whether it might act like a scoop, pushing water up and over the windscreen if the boat buried its nose.
So, I tried. Repeatedly.
While we definitely roller-coasted in the unrelenting slop, the bow lifted and dropped predictably and deliberately, without stuffing itself. Yes, we got water on the screen — but less than expected — and I loved watching the single windscreen wiper frantically flicking water away so I could see the next set barrelling down on us, all the while humming, “the wipers on the bus go swish, swish…”
Sorry — did I mention I’m easily distracted? Now you know.
At times we hit hard, and although it felt dramatic, the foam-filled, resin-infused hull with its integrated stringer system helped soften the impact giving us a thrill without needing to see a chiropractor afterwards. It was also reassuring to know that the 690 HT comes standard with positive floatation and a self-draining deck, just in case things did go pear shaped.
Next, I positioned the boat parallel to the steep oncoming waves, the kind of drift I’d adopt while deep-jigging or hauling in a mermaid over the side in proper ocean swell.
I was curious about tenderness at rest, given the 690 HT’s 21-degree deadrise and narrow chines. And just to push our luck a little further, I had all three of us lean hard into the seaward gunwale to see what would happen.
Well, Andrew did sign that waiver.
The chine dipped maybe three or four inches — barely noticeable given how much we were already rising and falling as the waves rolled beneath us toward the shore. Not tender at all, I thought, wiping salty spray from my face as I noticed Andrew subtly retreat to the centre of the cockpit, mumbling under his breath — no doubt questioning whether I still possessed my full allocation of marbles.
No bolt-on platforms here. Spartancraft integrate them into the hull and deck moulds creating these mini sponsons
Part of the reason it behaved so well becomes obvious when you look a little closer. The transom swim platforms aren’t optional bolt-ons — they’re integrated into the hull and deck mouldings, effectively forming small sponsons. That extra immersed volume increases the working waterline length and contributes additional buoyancy, both underway and at rest. It’s subtle and easily overlooked, but in sloppy beam seas it makes a measurable difference.
That added buoyancy also helps offset the weight of the outboard and batteries, preventing the rear squat common to many trailer boats. It also means a flatter transition to plane.
Still curious, I punched it into reverse to simulate backing down on a fish. The buoyant stern lifted rather than burying and pushing water over the transom. Andrew half-smiled… then started mumbling again.
So, it’s confident in a head sea. Predictable in a beam sea. Backs down without sinking…
But how does it behave in a following sea, heading back to home port with waves cresting on your bum?
No better time to find out.
No lie — driving in rough, unpredictable following seas is my nemesis. I never look forward to it, and I take something away from every experience I’ve survived over the last 40 years on the water. To be fair, I feel the same way whenever my son sticks his L-plates on the car.
No lie — driving in rough, unpredictable following seas is my nemesis. I never look forward to it, and I take something away from every experience I’ve survived over the last 40 years on the water. To be fair, I feel the same way whenever my son sticks his L-plates on the car.
I turned the bow toward shore, dialled in a smidge more trim to get the hull riding on its forefoot, then chased the wave ahead to sit on its back. I was on and off the throttle, making incremental steering corrections while glancing over my shoulder at the angry white caps trying to catch me and ruin my run. I might have pee’d a bit.
We didn’t broach.
We didn’t plough.
We did throw spray.
Amid all that I oddly recall noticing the cabin door was still closed. It hadn’t rattled itself open like many others I’ve tested in the past. I’ll touch more on this later. There were smiles all round from the crew — not flipping a brand-new boat tends to do that — and it would’ve been the perfect way to conclude the rough-water session.
Instead, I turned us around and headed back out just to make sure it wasn’t all a fluke.
Then Andrew asked for a turn.
Observation: the V6 225 Merc is the perfect match for this buoyant, responsive hull. I love those V6s. Sure, the V8s have more urgency, and the integrated steering and bi-modal exhaust of the Verados are cool and all, but I prefer the V6 225’s more linear torque delivery on lighter hulls. It burns less fuel too; optimising range from the Spartancraft’s 245-litre tank.
Throughout, I made sure Active Trim was disengaged on the digital throttle, leaving the optional Zipwakes to fine-tune attitude without second-guessing or becoming intrusive.
Observation: the V6 225 Merc is the perfect match for this buoyant, responsive hull. I love those V6s. Sure, the V8s have more urgency, and the integrated steering and bi-modal exhaust of the Verados are cool and all, but I prefer the V6 225’s more linear torque delivery on lighter hulls. It burns less fuel too; optimising range from the Spartancraft’s 245-litre tank.
Mercury's 225 V6 bolted to the blunt end of Spartancraft's 690 HT proved to be a match made in boating heaven.
Hand on heart, the 690 HT performed no worse than a similarly sized enclosed Haines Hunter, Cruise Craft, or Whittley in these conditions — maybe better than some, if I’m honest.
That’s a big call, but I’ve driven them. I’m comfortable sticking my neck out.
And for buyers cross-shopping against plate alloys, very few I’ve tested come close. The new Stabicraft 2350 Supercab might — but you’ll be shelling out an extra $100K for the privilege.
It wasn’t until we ducked back into the relative calm of the Patterson River that Andrew finally shook his head and admitted he’d never had the boat out in anything even remotely like what we’d just pushed through.
That admission mattered more than any spec sheet. Kudos for taking a punt.
Room with a view
With the chaos of the sea trial in our wake, I finally took a breath and had a good look around.
Unlike the exterior lines which might polarise some, the 690 HT’s interior feels familiar and inviting. Nothing revolutionary or trendsetting, just practical considerations executed to a high standard that belies its geographic origins. It’s unapologetically family-friendly, with fishing firmly in its wheelhouse.
The cabin is accessed via a moulded sliding door with locks that actually hold in big chop. Behind it hides 6’2” (1880mm) long upholstered bunks, more than enough for Mrs Boat Experts and me to overnight in comfort. The bunks are flanked by shallow moulded shelves to stow extra tackle, personal effects, or safety gear.
With the cabin door open, I can answer the call of nature while keeping an eye on my rods. SWEET!
A chemical toilet resides under the centre infill cushion, and the cute little oval side windows let you take in the ocean views while doing number twos. Nice.
There’s also a cabin roof/escape hatch you can crack open for ventilation or pop your head out of like a human-sized whack-a-mole. It would’ve been handy if the winch were accessible from this position to sort out tangles without heading forward onto the deck, but Spartancraft aren’t alone in this design choice.
A neat touch is the small, padded bolster mounted to the anchor-well bulkhead, hiding the (sharp) drum winch mounting bolts. Every builder/installer should steal this.
My arms might be the same size as a T-Rex's, but I could still reach everything while standing at the helm.
Stepping back into the cockpit, it was easy to assume my preferred stand-up driving position by flipping up the seat bolster and leaning back. I had no trouble wedging myself between the seat and the steering wheel.
The view from the helm is panoramic and largely unobstructed, save for the blacked-out supports and window surrounds. The sliding side windows are well executed, with no discernible rattles or leaks. The same goes for the glass roof hatches in the hard top, which flank a thoughtfully mounted centre grab rail running the length of the moulding. The hard top itself is treated with the same EVA decking as the floor for a practical and aesthetic win that also reduces glare.
Marine Creations' uncluttered dash fitout is a model of restraint.
The dash is simple, uncluttered, and thoughtfully considered, clearly laid out by someone who has actually used a boat rather than just styled one. In this particular 690 HT, a Lowrance HDS12 takes centre stage. A ROKK waterproof wireless phone charger sat to its left while the Zipwake control panel was mounted to the right. A Lowrance VHF and Fusion head unit are mounted in the moulded overhead comms panel alongside the hard top courtesy light. Everything sits within arm’s reach, including a fold-out stainless-steel drink holder mounted neatly to the side of the dash. The co-pilot has one as well.
Two banks of bullet switches with custom backing plates flanked the steering wheel. There was even RGB lighting with a bajillion colour combinations so I could really set the mood throughout the boat, or have it pulse along to my best of Bridgerton Spotify playlist. Yes!
All major controls fall readily to hand and are logically positioned, however if you’d prefer a bespoke fit out, Marine Creations and Hi Tech Marine would be happy to oblige.
That said, I did question the decision to position the windscreen wiper and washer switches directly adjacent to the anchor controls. On several occasions during the sea trial, I instinctively hit the wrong switch and, instead of the reassuring swish, swish, was greeted by the rattle of anchor chain.
Fortunately, I caught it early and the anchor never deployed, but it was enough to make a mental note to raise it back at the ramp.
To Andrew’s credit, he took my advice onboard, and all future builds will have the wiper switches relocated. A dedicated anchor winch kill switch would also be added as a failsafe. (That’s in addition to the remotely mounted breaker/isolator switch.)
Elegantly simple ideas like the hinged flip-fold bench seat set this boat apart.
Stepping further into the rear cockpit, occupants are treated to full-length padded side coamings with integrated grab rails, while long moulded storage shelves sit below. There are a pair of flush-mounted stainless steel rod holders in each gunwale and a handy transom door to port. It would’ve been nice to have some dedicated under-gunwale rod or gaff storage in addition to the overhead rocket launchers, but the blank canvas can be customised to the owner’s requirements.
For the master baiters out there, an integrated plumbed live bait well is tucked in the rear starboard corner alongside a fibreglass bait board, while a dedicated battery locker hides twin batteries behind a hatch to port.In the centre sits the recessed flip-fold rear lounge. I applaud the choice of a heavy-duty hinged stainless-steel seat mount, rather than the typical tubular legs — sturdy and unobtrusive. It’s not entirely unique, but the careful execution reinforces my initial impressions of this boat.
No doubt, I’ve missed some things, but I’ve already pushed my luck past 3000 words, and I reckon I covered off the really important stuff. There’s also plenty more info in the images and vids my daughter Mikaela captured.
Quick update: as I was wrapping this up, Andrew called to let me know a locally engineered dive door has just been added to the options list off the back of customer demand, and a bow-mount trolling motor bracket is already on the drawing board. Seems they’re not done tinkering yet.
Who's it for
Firstly, it’s for someone with around $170K squirrelled away — or at least a healthy credit score. If it’s not in your budget, that’s OK. It’s not in mine either. That’s why I do this to get my boating fix.
You’ll also need a decent SUV or ute to tow it, or you could save yourself the hassle and rack and stack it.
If that is you, and you’re in the market for a soft-riding, stable, genuinely versatile offshore-capable family fishing boat, then the Spartancraft 690 HT deserves a spot on your shortlist. It’ll impress your mates without making your kids think you don’t love them.
But if you’re not shopping for a $150K–$200K package, don’t take the Spartancraft out for a run. You’ll only end up regretting the financial misadventures of your youth.
Final thoughts
If you’ve made it this far — gold star for you. In short, the Spartancraft 690 HT doesn’t do one headline-grabbing thing.
It just does lots of little things properly.
And they add up.
Pro tip: don’t take my word for it. Don’t take anyone’s word for it. Ever.
If you’re serious about getting into a great all-rounder, have the vehicle to tow it, and it fits within your budget without selling the kids, then do what every prospective boat owner should: demand a demo.
Ultimately, the only opinion worth a pinch is yours.
Andrew and the Marine Creations crew will have the 690 HT on the water in a couple of weeks as part of their display at the 2026 Gippsland Lakes Boat Show, alongside other boats that might be on your shortlist. Perfect opportunity to try before you buy. On the same day, and on the same patch of water.
Come to think of it, maybe I will ask for that second date. This time something less frantic. Perhaps a twilight tuna session out in Bass Strait?
Vital statistics
How Much
Price correct as of February, 2026 Price from: $144,880 (Boat, Motor, Trailer)
Price as tested: $176,900 (Boat, Motor, Trailer as Featured)
Spartancraft 690 HT Specs
Model: Spartancraft 690 HT Hard Top
Length overall: 6.90m
Beam (Width): 2.50m
Deadrise: 21- degrees
Hull weight: 1,435kg (Approx)
BMT Towing Weight: 2700kg (Approx w/ 300hp Mercury V8 Outboard, 220lt Fuel, Alloy Trailer) BMT Length on Trailer: 7.90m (Trailer Drawer Bar to Rear of Motor) BMT Towing Height: 3.25m (Approx)
Cabin Length: 1.88m Internal Beam: 1.91m Without Coaming Pad Freeboard: 800mm
Horsepower Range: 150 - 300hp
Maximum engine weight: 260kg
Transom height: 635mm (25-inch) XL Engines as tested: Mercury 225 V6 with DTS
Fuel: 245L (Upgraded from original 220L)
Flotation: Positive Floatation Passengers: 7 Persons
Notable Features
High level of standard inclusions that other brands charge a premium for
Integrated boarding platforms create small sponsons that increase waterline length and enhance buoyancy
Enclosed Hard Top is well thought out and executed
Boats can be tailored to individual needs or missions
Versatile platform that'll hook boating families and hardcore fishos alike
If the family SUV or work ute can tow 3 tonne... you're all set
The high spec review boat represents surprisingly good value
Review Boat Provided By Marine Creations, Cranbourne, Vic
If you’ve got questions about the Spartancraft 690 HT — or any boat for that matter — and you’d rather run it past someone who doesn’t have one sitting on the floorplan, drop me a line at ahoy@boatexperts.com.au.
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