‘Beyond the Horizon’ Feature Article
Some upgrades are about capability. Others are about how you want to spend your time on the water.
Bigabyte, an 821 Offshore completed and handed over in December, was built to do both.
The decision to move into a larger boat was deliberate for Bigabyte’s owners. More room for family days. More comfort on longer runs. And the ability to head offshore with confidence when the conditions lined up.
Launching from Bowentown on New Zealand’s east coast earlier this month, the crew pointed Bigabyte toward open water. The plan was simple — a comfortable cruise offshore in the direction of Mayor Island, then a few hours with the game poles out to see what the day might offer.
The run out was uneventful in the best possible way. Steady cruising, systems doing what they were meant to do, and plenty of time to settle into the day.
Once the gear was set, the boat found its rhythm. Poles extended. Lures in the wake. Eyes alternating between the spread and the horizon.
The bites came without warning.
Two rods loaded up at once, turning a calm cockpit into something much busier.
“Both fish were caught at the same time. It was mayhem,” says Bigabyte’s owner, Rene.
What followed was straightforward and focused. Lines cleared. Fish worked methodically. Space used properly.
Rene’s yellowfin weighed in at 39.0kg. The second, landed by Zane Winslade, came in at 30.4kg. Among the first fish ever brought aboard Bigabyte, they were a solid start.
Both fish were weighed in at the Waihi Beach Bowentown Boating and Fishing Club, recorded in the Reel n Wave sponsors grid spot.
A good day, properly documented.
Power comes from a Mercury Marine Diesel 270hp 3.0L V6 sterndrive, selected by Bigabyte’s owners for its fuel efficiency and long-range capability — well suited to offshore runs and family cruising alike.
The electronics package follows the same thinking. A glass helm keeps information clear and central. Radar adds reassurance when visibility drops. Solar charging supports longer days without concern. A Minn Kota with auto-deploy gives precise control when positioning matters.
This is what Beyond the Horizon reflects… Owners stepping up with intent. Boats set up to suit real use. And early trips that quietly confirm a decision well made.
For Bigabyte, it didn’t take long to show it was ready.
