When Chris Headley at CJH Yachts in Cairns decided there was a market for a dual inboard powered, "small" sportsfishing boat, some observers thought he was stepping too far outside accepted guidelines.

But Headley decided the proposed boat would be ideal for both private game fishermen and charter operators looking for a smaller vessel. Working with naval architect Peter Hogbin, it wasn't long before the CJH 26 Sportsfisher, powered by twin Yanmar 4BY2-180A marine diesels appeared.

With a hull length of 7.9 metres, the boat is legally trailerable. Tunnels for the propellers give it a shallow draught, while it also boasts a great galley, a head/shower with full standing headroom and a comfortable vee berth. All this comes in a package weighing just 3000 kg.

Headley carefully studied the market before selecting the Yanmar 4BY2 series engines to power his new vessel. “I researched this boat for years and a key factor in the success would be the engines that power it.”

He decided on a pair of Yanmar 4BY2 engines that were developed in co-operation with BMW.

The two four cylinder , 2.0 litre, intercooled and turbocharged diesels in the range are rated at 150hp and 180hp at 4000 rpm. Mated with Yanmar's KMH40A transmission, the all up weight is just 292kg.

Installed amidships, slightly aft of the helm, the motors pop the 3.4 tonne vessel quickly onto the plane and push it to a top speed of 31 knots. Comfortable cruising is at 24 knots at 3200 rpm, using just 21 litres per engine per hour. At 24 knots the boat has a range of 265 nautical miles.

Check out the CJH Yachts website for more details.