OCEANWORX HAS UPDATED ITS POPULAR AXCESS 5.3, WHICH OFFERS GREAT FISHABILITY AND VERSATILITY.
Oceanworx first hit the scene in 2023 and has since made quite an impression. The brand’s fresh take and innovative approach to boat design was a welcome change for Aussie boaters. I first jumped onboard an Oceanworx Airier 4.8 soon after the brand launched and have taken note of the progress and boat models that have followed since.
Oceanworx is the brainchild of Samson Rodway and his old man, Derek Rodway. Derek is owner at Good Times Marine and Samson grew up surrounded by boats and all things boating. I guess it made quite an impression, as these boats are designed and built with a level of expertise that far exceeds Samson’s age.
Oceanworx offers several models across its range, from the High Tensile Airier 4.8 and Airier 5.3 (side console) to the Axcess 4.8 and the Axcess 5.3 which we have tested here. There’s also the latest Cold Formed Squadron range made from 5083 marine grade aluminium and the soon-to-be-released Tempus range. The High Tensile Airier and Axcess are the premium models and feature a well-designed hull and options for all of the bells and whistles.
The Axcess 5.3
Oceanworx’s latest release is the third generation of the popular Axcess 5.3. It’s pleasing to see the changes made to this model over the past few years. Samson is constantly on the water himself and receiving feedback from customers and sponsored fishos about the design and fit out of these boats. “Every boat we build is refined to create the best boat we possibly can,” says Samson.
Before we delve into the design and changes of this model, let’s look at the purpose of the Axcess 5.3. First and foremost, it’s a fishing boat and at this size, perfectly suited to a range of applications. It’s small and light enough to tow behind most cars and the right size for anything from shallow freshwater creeks, to open bays and offshore. With a length overall at 5.6 metres, it’s that sweet spot that offers versatility and fishability. Of course, versatility comes down to more than just size. The open layout and well-designed hull is what creates its versatility and allows for safe and comfortable boating in most conditions.
The test boat was actually a customer’s boat on its way to Queensland. The customer opted for a heavy off-road trailer, while the boat itself featured a tan colour and brown interior. I’m not sure what the new owner has in mind, but I’m guessing this boat is destined for a lot of off-grid adventures, the sort we can only dream about!
What’s onboard?
Starting at the transom, the starboard side corner featured a storage area with hatch and the adjacent side had a 40-litre plumbed fuel tank. The standard offering is a live bait tank on each side. Personally, I would choose this ‘best of both worlds’ option and take advantage of the added storage for tackle while still having a spacious live well on the opposite corner.
There’s also a compact bait station on the transom. This bait station is removable and fits in the rod holders. There are also rod holders on the bait station itself. Overall, it’s a tidy transom area with plenty of space to move around and cast and fight fish.
Moving forward and the padded seat behind the console is wide enough for two people and has space underneath for an ice box. The wide console is low enough for maximum visibility and has plenty of space for a large sounder and other accessories such as gauges and a radio. On top there’s a couple of rod holders and a recessed area for lures etc. This boat had a 16” Simrad sounder installed. There’s also plenty of space underneath the console for storing tackle.
Moving forward to the bow, there’s a kill tank under the casting platform. It’s about 120 litres and large enough for most fish species you’re likely to encounter and bring home in this boat. It can be plumbed if you would rather use it as a live well. All compartments under the casting platform, including the kill tank, feature a gutter system that drains water away to create a fully dry storage area.
Further forward, under the bow casting platform there’s more storage for safety or fishing gear. Storage is at a premium in this style of boat and it’s good to see there’s plenty available from the transom, console, side pockets and bow. On the bow there was a Motorguide trolling motor and an anchor well with lid.
The floors are chequer plate and the gunwales and transom are fitted with U-Dek, an excellent grippy solution for boarding the boat or using the gunwales for fishing. On that note, they’re wide gunwales and using them for standing and fishing is a great option for gaining some extra elevation. Oceanworx offers plenty more in the way of options, including rod storage, deck washes, console windscreen, bimini, boat cover and more.
What’s new?
As mentioned previously, this is the third generation of the Axcess 5.3 and a number of changes have been made for an overall better ride and experience. Oceanworx has narrowed the beam and widened the side decks to help with stability. The whole underside structure has been redesigned and now features a 5mm bottom sheet and 4mm topsides. This thicker bottom sheet adds extra weight and stability where it’s needed. The modification also allows Oceanworx to install a 160-litre fuel tank (up from 110 litres) for longer missions to remote fishing spots. That’s over 400km of range. Not bad for a boat of this size. Imagine the possibilities of reaching some outer islands along the Barrier Reef or big days spent chasing run-off barra in the Top End!
Another alteration is a redesigned chine to help with cornering and lift in a following sea. It also creates a drier boat. The console is wider now and can be fitted with or without a windscreen. Other new features include more vertical side sheets, again for stability at rest or while underway. Overall, it’s great to see so many noticeable changes to this boat.
Power and performance
On the transom was a Mercury Pro XS 115hp. This four-stroke outboard is a good match for the Axcess and offers great fuel economy and performance. It’s also nice and quiet. However, the maximum horsepower for this boat is 135hp.
We launched the boat from Cronulla, just south of Sydney and once we were clear of the 6-knot zone, opened it up. A moderate northeasterly was blowing across the bay and as we left the calm estuary, it was looking like perfect boat-testing conditions. Samson was initially driving the Axcess while I shot photos and video from the Oceanworx camera boat. From where I was standing, the Axcess was making short work of the incoming chop! We swapped boats and I spent a while familiarising myself with the new model.
It’s a fun boat to drive and performed exceptionally well powering into the chop. I remained dry and the ride was smooth, despite the tall chop and swell. It felt safe and easy to operate. It also felt stable at rest in the choppy conditions. I was solo in the boat at this stage, although I would imagine one or two more people wouldn’t make too much difference to the stability at rest. It would make an ideal boat for fishing in these conditions.
Driving in the following sea took a little more skill and at first I was cautious to trim the engine correctly and avoid digging the nose in too deep. As mentioned above, one of Samson’s alterations with this new generation was to offer a new chine to better handle a following sea and it appears to have helped. After a few minutes, it felt safe and I was confident of the boat’s handling in choppy water in all directions.
Back in flat water and we recorded a few speed readings for those interested. Once on the plane, a good cruising speed was about 23 knots and 4250 RPM. This was also a safe speed offshore in the choppier water. At 4980 RPM we recorded 30 knots, while wide open in flat water and with two people onboard, the Axcess reached just under 36 knots at 5800 RPM.
The wrap up
Overall, I had a lot of fun onboard Oceanworx’s latest Axcess 5.3. It’s a really fun and sporty boat to drive and capable of handling some surprisingly choppy conditions, while being equally at home in the shallow, calm water. Its list of fishing friendly features, and simple yet functional layout, would make it a perfect option for anyone looking at fishing a diverse range of locations and species.
Visit oceanworx.au
By Scott Thomas
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