b'ProfileChallenger BoatsThe 650 is paired with a Honda 200hp which is the ideal outboard in the 150-200hp powering for the boat.B ack in Augustthe 650 with 150hp which at the Tairuaoffered more room and better Boat Show, Irange for heading offshore was surprisedwhen hunting fish for stories.and chuffed toI was therefore saddened see a brand-newto see this boat brand slip shiny Challenger 650 Hardaway several years ago and Top being showcased at thiswondered if we would see the new event.I am a big fan ofreturn of the boats.Challenger Boats having used them extensively and fishingWAIKATO BASED U-Dek was fitted to the from them in the early part ofSeeing the Challenger 650Challenger which is a practical and durable flooring solution.my fishing media career, whenat the show brought back all working for NZ Fishing Worldthe good memories and I had magazine.I had developeda good chat with the newschool, and he commentedfamilies and as avid boaters a good relationship with theowner, Peter Bridgens whoI grew up in Auckland andourselves, we recognise what previous owner who waswas very enthusiastic aboutour family had a bach upmakes a great fishing boat based in Te Puke and thesethe return of Challenger andnorth at Scandretts Bay onand we want to establish well-made boats had a strongadvised he had purchasedthe Mahurangi Peninsula,Challenger Boats again as a following in the Bay of Plentythe hull moulds and is basedso I have a huge passionwell-known Kiwi brand with a and even further afield.in Cambridge, with the boatsfor all things to do withsolid reputation for being the The first magazine boat wasbeing made in the Waikato. the fishing, boats and theultimate smooth riding hull, the 595 with 115hp and thenPeter has a farmingmarine environment. Muchwith a quality finish that lasts a year later we went up tobackground ever since he leftof what we do is inspired bya lifetime.74FISHING IN GODZONE NOV/DEC 2021'