It is over a decade since we reviewed the first production boat from Innovision, and in many respects this one retains all that was good with that one, but adds ten years worth of innovation and development.
That first model presented a striking design, with the plumb bow that allowed for a longer waterline length and increased forward cabin volume. The boat abounded with innovative features, and the unique hull design – with its ultra-wide downturned chines – used the full beam of the boat for stability at rest, while the fine entry centre section delivered high-speed performance. Innovision also stood out as one of the first manufacturers to offer a 10-year structural hull warranty.
Fast-forward to the latest Venture 616 model, and that same design ethos is immediately evident. The Venture is technically a mid-cabin model, although at first glance it appears to be a centre-console. From the side, it’s not immediately obvious that the high hull sides and raised forward casting deck conceal a full-width cabin tucked into the bow, with two full-length berths and a plumbed marine toilet.
Originally designed as a custom build for the Australian market, this casting deck layout is gaining popularity among soft bait and lure fishermen in New Zealand too. In managing to integrate two seemingly opposing design requirements –a full cabin and a casting deck – Simon Minoprio of Innovision has created a boat that ticks nearly every fishing box imaginable.
The cockpit aft is impressively wide, thanks to the 2.43m beam, and the rounded coamings make the gunwales comfortable to lean against or sit on. Full-length shelves under the coamings and multiple rotating rod holders in the gunwales show this boat’s serious fishing intentions. A deluxe bait station spans the transom with more rod holders, a filleting board, and a tackle drawer, while the forward-facing fold-down seat with custom-engineered hinges is a marvel in itself.
Steps on either side of that bait station lead to the generous boarding/fishing platforms, where locking gates in the stern rails double as boarding ladders. You can comfortably walk the full transom width ahead of the Yamaha F250 outboard, which – thanks to Helm Master electric steering – has no intrusive hydraulic cables or rams to trip over.
The helm is another engineering highlight. A twin-seat pedestal conceals a large Icey-Tek chilly bin and two drawers for gear. The helm layout, finished in grey, resembles something out of a fighter jet. Twin 12-inch Garmin MFDs provide full flexibility, with all boat systems accessible on either screen.
A custom dash extension below holds the Yamaha CL5 engine display, the Helm Master joystick for precision manoeuvring, digital throttle and shift, and electric steering.
Additional controls for anchoring, two banks of conventional switches and the Seakeeper Ride system round out a highly functional layout. A beautiful carbon fibre steering wheel adds the final touch to an already impressive display of electronics. Despite the sheer number of systems, the setup remains intuitive and uncluttered.
Innovision has replaced traditional clip-on clears with hinged side panels on the hardtop supports, which can be angled outwards like gull wings using adjustable stays – offering wind protection to both the helm occupants and those standing behind. Under the port side of the helm is the entrance to the snug but easily accessible cabin, allowing for overnighting or shelter from poor weather. A plumbed toilet is located under the centre squab. Either side of the entrance, storage lockers house the electronics’ batteries and offer additional storage if needed.
There’s a generous walk-around path beside the central console, leading up two steps to the forward casting deck. Customer feedback made it clear: they wanted true walk-around capability around the entire boat. That this has been achieved on a six-metre boat is a remarkable feat. All decks and gunwales are finished in custom teak-coloured U-Dek foam.
And then we get to that unique casting deck, slightly higher than on comparable boats. This benefits anglers who rely on sight fishing since the elevation allows better visibility of fish. A large Garmin trolling motor system sits to port, ready for action. A removable bowsprit mount will hold a 16-inch Garmin display, giving fishermen real-time views using Garmin’s LiveScope. It will also enable direct trolling motor control for holding over structure or following fish.
Up front, a generous bowsprit deploys the anchor clear of the distinctive plumb bow. A drum winch inside the forward locker handles the Sarca anchor. The owner opted against bow rails, instead installing padded buffers with toe space underneath –allowing lure fishermen to lock in securely when casting.
We launched the Innovision 616 Venture from its custom aluminium trailer, also built by Innovision, and headed into the Hauraki Gulf. The HelmMaster system made docking and close-quarter handling a breeze, and once outside the speed-restricted zone we opened the throttle.
As might be expected, the performance of the boat with that 250hp V6 motor is superb. There was power to spare, and with the longer waterline that the plumb bow provides, the ride was stable and comfortable. At 4,400rpm – well within the recommended cruise range – we saw 31 knots and a fuel burn of just 1.73 litres per nautical mile. For maximum range, throttling back to 3,300rpm gave us 23 knots while using under 1.3 litres per nautical mile. This gives a safe working range from the 200-litre fuel tank of around 140 nautical miles. Flat out, the boat hit 40 knots effortlessly, although the economy took a slight hit.
Handling lived up to Innovision’s reputation – smooth and comfortable at speed, and extremely stable at rest. It is only when we reviewed the drone footage afterwards that the width of the boat became apparent, with the full beam carrying well forward into the casting deck. Despite this topside width, the waterline has a fine entry, which sliced cleanly through chop, delivering a dry and controlled ride.
This boat has the Seakeeper Ride ‘Vessel Attitude Control System,’ a technology that has effectively replaced traditional trim tabs. In auto mode it makes up to 100 adjustments per second to counteract pitch, roll, and yaw. It is a testament to the stability of the Innovision that we didn’t initially notice the system was turned off. However, once we realised and engaged it, we could then feel subtle but clear improvements. This would be especially valuable in rougher seas.
Of course, we had to test the ‘fishability’ of the boat while we were out there, so we set about casting softbaits into some promising-looking signs showing on the fishfinder. Simon, on the casting deck, quickly hooked a fish, though it wasn’t a keeper. I tested dropper-rig fishing from the stern platform. No luck there either, but the boat’s fishability was beyond question. There is ample space for up to six fisherman, each in their own area of the boat.
Heading back to the marina, I reflected on the high standard of finish of the boat, how every detail has been thought through and executed. Despite this being in most respects a finished design, Simon continues to refine and improve what is already a fantastic boat.
Although this boat was originally a custom build, Innovision has added it to its production range. The review model was fully loaded with electronics, but even a base version would be an extremely capable fishing platform. If you’re looking for a versatile, high-performance boat that can handle every fishing scenario – and want a proper cabin for overnighting without sacrificing fishing space – the Innovision 616 Venture should be at the top of your list.
