The Smartwave 3500 E-Fish model was fitted with a Tohatsu 30hp two stroke outboard motor, again with electric start, but this time with manual trim and tilt.
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Originally published in August 2014. Specifications and model details reflect that period. Smartwave’s polyethylene boats were already well established in New Zealand waters when we conducted this review more than a decade ago. Known for their toughness, buoyancy and low-maintenance appeal, the brand carved out a niche among families, clubs and coastal users looking for something practical and durable. While the range has evolved and pricing has shifted since 2014, this review offers a useful snapshot of Smartwave’s 3500, 4200 and 4800 models as they stood at the time. We have retained the original text below as an archival reference for readers researching the development of polyethylene boats in New Zealand. |
A three-way comparison
Smartwave makes great little poly boats (boats made from polyethylene plastic). We got to test three variants of this innovative plastic design.
We spent a lot of time trying to organise a boat review of the Smartwave 4200 centre console. After several false starts, we finally got around to testing this new poly boat. On the day we also grabbed two of its sibling boats: the bigger Smartwave 4800 and the smaller Smartwave 3500. It turned out to be a very interesting exercise in comparing three very similarly configured boats, but of different sizes.
Smartwave Poly Boats
Smartwave makes poly boats, plastic boats moulded out of linear medium density polyethylene (LMDPE). This makes all Smartwave boats UV-stabilised, exceptionally strong, and durable.
LMDPE itself floats, and the double-skinned hull is foam-filled—so, even if the boat were to be cut in half, both parts would continue to float. All models of Smartwave have undergone CE certifications, so these are phenomenally safe boats.
The Smartwave 3500 Boat
Making best use of the opportunity to explore the range, we also took a smaller Smartwave sibling out on the water. The Smartwave 3500 E-Fish model was fitted with a Tohatsu 30hp two stroke outboard motor, again with electric start, but this time with manual trim and tilt. The E-Fish is also a centre-console layout configuration, with a maximum beam of only 1.7m and overall length of 3.50m. A tiller-steered configuration is also available for this model.
This boat shares many of the design features of the bigger models, including the foam-filled unsinkability and a gullwing hull. The hull also has extra seats in the gunwales and bow, but these are noticeably smaller, with the centre console being the same unit as the bigger boats. The tote tank takes up most of the space in the transom, with fewer options for adding a second tank. The cabin floor is uncarpeted and the control cables run through trunking on the starboard side.
The slightly flatter bottom and smaller size of the 3500 means it is not quite as adept at the rough stuff as the bigger models. While still a great ride, it did not hug the turns quite as tightly and exhibited some side slip. The narrower beam and lower gunwale height also means it is a wetter hull, with some spray coming on board on the fairly windy review day. This is not a boat you would likely venture out into big seas with, although it would certainly be perfectly safe to do so.
Nevertheless, the 3500 is a great little sheltered-waters boat, and is warmer, quieter and more stable than the equivalent size and cost in aluminium. With a package on a galvanised trailer this is a fantastic boat for the bach or beach.
It would also make a lot of sense as a coach’s boat for rowing or other water sport teams, where the ruggedness but forgiving nature of the plastic means it would not damage other vessels it may come into contact with.
Its incredible hull weight of just 100kg means that any car with a tow hitch could be used to tow it.
Our verdict
All the Smartwave boats have their strong points, with very few vices. They are extremely well priced, arguably the safest boats you will ever buy and virtually indestructible.
The new design 4200 with its gullwing hull is the most radical design and has managed to pull that off well, delivering a dry and smooth-running boat. We rated the ride quality of the 4200 as being better than the 4800 although there is, of course, less space. The 3500 is definitely best-suited to sheltered waters rather than open sea, although on a good day could certainly be taken out wider.
All three have the same ultra-safe reliability due to the construction material, and choosing one to suit your budget and preferred style of boating should be an easy decision.
Highs
- Toughness of the hull.
- Great sound absorption of the hull.
Lows
- Open boats get wet in a chop.
Specifications
| Model | 3500 | 4200 | 4800 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Linear medium-density polyethylene with foam-filled voids | ||
| Length | 3.5m | 4.2m | 4.8m |
| Beam | 1.7m | 1.93m | 1.96m |
| Weight | 100kg | 220kg | 325kg |
| Engine hp | 30 | 40 | 50 |
| Fuel | Tote tanks | Tote tanks | 80lt underfloor |
