Eagle Craft 116: Updated
If you see one on the horizon, give it a wide berth. That boat is going where you wish you could go, and it will get there comfortably.
For over four decades, the name Eagle Craft has commanded respect in Australian boating circles. Known for their rugged, no-nonsense offshore hulls and a legendary ability to handle the treacherous bars and unpredictable swells of the Pacific and Southern Oceans, Eagle Craft earned a cult following. However, for a period, the brand went quiet. That silence ended recently with the release of the Eagle Craft 116 Updated . eagle craft 116 updated
The problem with the original 116 was that its interior and systems stagnated in the early 2000s. While the hull was brilliant, the wiring, tank access, and ergonomics lagged behind modern standards. The addresses every single one of those pain points. What’s New? The Major Updates Explained The team behind the resurrection spent 18 months consulting with original owners, marine surveyors, and composite engineers. Here are the critical changes. 1. The Hull Refinement (Surface Drive Technology) While they kept the iconic deadrise, the updated version features Variable Chine Geometry . The original had a hard, flat chine that could trip in following seas. The new chine rolls off progressively. Furthermore, the boat now comes standard with a Stepped Hull Modification (a shallow second step) that reduces drag by 12%, allowing for lower planing speeds and better fuel economy without sacrificing the famous soft ride. 2. The "Invisible" Structural Upgrade The most significant change is hidden: Vinyl Ester Resin and Carbon Fiber layup . The original used standard polyester. The 2024/2025 updated model uses a multi-axial vinyl ester laminate with carbon fiber inserts in the stringer grid. This makes the boat stiffer (reducing hull flex) and virtually immune to osmotic blistering. The dry weight has increased by only 60kg, but the torsional rigidity is up by 200%. 3. The Modern Wheelhouse The old 116 had a functional but spartan cabin. The updated version introduces a Full GRP Hardtop with Integrated Solar (two 150W panels molded into the roof). The windshield is now a single-piece curved tempered glass (acrylic was standard before), offering zero distortion and superior strength. If you see one on the horizon, give it a wide berth
This is not a simple refresh of decals and cushions. The "updated" moniker signifies a comprehensive re-engineering of a classic 11.6-meter (38-foot) platform. In this article, we will dissect what makes this new iteration a game-changer for serious fishermen, coastal cruisers, and blue-water adventurers. Before analyzing the updates, one must understand the legacy. The original Eagle Craft 116 hull, designed by the late, legendary naval architect Dennis Harwood, was renowned for its deep-V entry (24 degrees at the transom) and a unique "warped" planing surface. It punched through waves rather than slamming onto them. Known for their rugged, no-nonsense offshore hulls and
