The South Australian custom boatbuilder has retained the proven multipurpose deep-vee fibreglass hull but has created a more visually appealing deck with softer lines.

The square cabin has been replaced with a more streamlined and curvaceous hardtop and the cockpit has been redesigned to create a more workable area. A windscreen with side sliding windows is fitted to the cabin. A fully enclosed lock-up enclosed cabin bulkhead is available as an option on the new Sea Eagle.

The interior layout of all the Clayton models can be custom designed to suit individual requirements.

The open design of the self-draining cockpit has been retained. It's a large area, particularly in outboard powered models, without the intrusion of the engine box. A hinged engine box with sound proofing is fitted as an option with sterndrive models.

Full length storage shelves are positioned down the cockpit sides and a non-skid floor is an optional feature on the model.

On the custom-designed craft featured here, grabrails are positioned throughout the cockpit and access to the foredeck for anchoring is via a large hatch in the cabin. Also featured is a fully-enclosed, self-draining anchor locker.

The semi-enclosed helm features twin pedestal seats with integrated storage compartments.

The helm station provides a large area to install the full range of electronics - GPS, radar, sounder, radios and plotter all fit easily into the area provided.

Accommodation comes in the form of extra-long vee-berths forward. The fully-lined cabin features underbunk and large side storage shelves.

Power options include single or twin pod or transom-mounted outboards, petrol or diesel sterndrive and inboard petrol and diesel shaft-drive engines. The maker is also experimenting with jack-shaft-equipped sterndrives.

Fitted with twin 175hp V-six outboards, the Gallant 6.8 has a claimed top speed of around 47kt.

It carries 400lt of fuel in a single underfloor tank to provide a suitable range for offshore fishing.

The Gallant 6.8m carries a maximum rating over 300hp, however builder Clayton Peake says that anything from 130hp can be fitted.

Clayton Marine is currently revamping the 9.0m Gallant in line with the changes to this model.