Haines Hunter SP635 Review | From Marsden Cove Marina to the Hen and Chicks
Boating NZ reviewed the Haines Hunter SP635 during a trip to the Hen and Chicks, highlighting its modern design, strong performance, comfortable hard-top layout, capable handling, smart build quality, and versatility as a trailer boat.
Read the full Boating NZ Review
Explore the Haines Hunter SP635
Heading to the Hen and Chicks in the Haines Hunter SP635
A recent on-water trip from Marsden Cove Marina out to the Hen and Chicks provided an ideal opportunity to experience the Haines Hunter SP635 in real New Zealand conditions. With open water, coastal exposure, and a classic Northland run, the day highlighted why this model continues to appeal as a comfortable and capable hard-top trailer boat.
Departing Marsden Cove, the conditions delivered a realistic mix for a typical coastal passage. It’s the sort of trip many owners will recognise: a practical launch point, a meaningful destination, and enough variation along the way to show how a boat behaves when it matters.
This trip formed this review by Boating NZ, who assessed the Haines Hunter SP635 during the run from Whangārei Harbour to the Hen and Chickens.
In their review, Boating NZ highlighted the SP635’s modern design, strong performance, comfortable hard-top layout, capable handling, smart build quality, and versatility as a trailer boat — all characteristics that came through clearly during the day on the water.
Rather than focusing on ideal conditions, the review reflected real-world boating, reinforcing why hard-tops remain such a popular choice for New Zealand boaties seeking protection, confidence, and comfort across a wide range of uses.
Read the full Boating NZ review
From Marsden Cove to the Hen and Chicks
The route from Marsden Cove Marina provides a genuine test. Leaving the shelter of Whangārei Harbour, the transition into more open water quickly shows how a hull behaves underway and how well the layout supports those onboard.
The SP635’s hard-top offered welcome protection during the run, allowing everyone to remain warm and dry while maintaining excellent visibility. This balance between shelter and openness is a key reason hard-tops continue to resonate with New Zealand boaters.
At Anchor Around the Islands
Once at the Hen and Chicks, the pace slowed and the focus shifted to time spent on the water. At anchor, the SP635 felt stable and settled — an important trait for longer days, fishing sessions, or relaxed family outings.
The layout allowed for easy movement around the cockpit and cabin, reinforcing the SP635’s reputation as a versatile platform that adapts just as well to downtime as it does to travel.
Watch the Trip on the Water
To see the SP635 in action during the run from Whangārei Harbour to the Hen and Chickens, watch the video below.
Trips like this highlight why the Haines Hunter SP635 suits the way New Zealanders boat. It provides protection when conditions change, confidence underway, and comfort for longer days on the water — without compromising versatility.
Using our Build Your Boat tool, you can tailor engine options, electronics, layout, colours, and factory upgrades around your intended use.
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FAQs
Is the Haines Hunter SP635 suited to New Zealand conditions?
Yes. The SP635 is designed for New Zealand boating, offering protection, capable handling, and versatility across a wide range of conditions.
What type of boating is the SP635 best suited to?
It works well for fishing, family outings, and longer day trips, combining comfort with practical on-water performance.
Can the SP635 be customised from the factory?
Yes. A range of factory options allows owners to configure the SP635 to suit their boating style.
