On the outboard-powered Arvor 905 Sportsfish, tradition meets contemporary practicality and modern technology.
The Arvor 905 Sportsfish has a typical Arvor feel yet holds its own character. Its hull is defined by its broad shoulders, the maximum beam running well forward and combining with high, almost slab-like freeboard to create the volume that is true to Arvor DNA. She’ll hold her own in an offshore pelagic battle, become a warm and comfortable cruiser for an inshore exploration, provide cosy accommodation for an extended sojourn or maybe become the venue for an aquatic party when the whole gang gets together.
I’m still getting my head around an Arvor boats with outboard motors instead of shaft-drive. Arvor recognize the efficiencies of modern outboard technology and their quiet, fuel efficient power. Our Arvor 905 Sportsfish had a pair of 250hp Mercury Verado outboard motors – hang on to your hats, there’s no substitute for horsepower on these 250hp outboard engines.
The current trend toward the upright cabins reflects time-honoured trawler styling. A few years ago we looked at these traditional cabin styles and said “really?” Now we realize their practicality and find them visually appealing. There’s plenty of room inside this cabin accentuated by the big upright windows providing 360-degree vision. The side windows are lightly tinted, with a sliding section over the dinette combining with the large overhead skylight to provide both ventilation and natural daylight.
Inside the cabin, we find an appealing control centre fronted by a comfortable helmsman’s chair on a shock absorbing pedestal. Overhead is a Simrad VHF, drop-lighting recessed into the fibreglass head-lining and a pair of stereo speakers. The dashboard is quite simple and well-assembled, incorporating twin-sync binnacle controls, Simrad electronics package, including Raymarine NSS 9in Evo 2 multi-function display, Vessel View 4 on-board management system, Lenco trim tab controls, Precision Auto Pilot, Quick winch control, Fusion marine entertainment system, full switch panels, Mercury digital/analogue gauges and the joystick toggle controls. There is plenty of dash space for top-mounting further electronics and it’s finished-off with a neat combination stainless steel sports steering wheel.