Shaka 60ft Game Boat

One of the Best Ever liveaboard game boats ever built in Australia

Based in Port Douglas & Cairns FNQ, in a nutshell, Shaka marks the absolute pinnacle of Australian custom-boat building in the heavy-tackle, live-aboard, big marlin-fishing scene.

Hand built by Barry Martin using cold-moulded methods — western red cedar, strip-planked core, all encased in fiberglass and epoxy resin — Shaka is conceived as the ultimate liveaboard fishing boat for catching 1000lb marlin on the Great Barrier Reef.

The unique 21 degree deep-V hull with prop tunnels offers an amazing ride in a big 60 footer with 3000hp. Just as importantly, the curved transom means you can back up with agility when chasing that monster marlin leaping from the raging Coral Sea.

As Shaka was purpose designed to fish the entire length of the Great Barrier Reef, she has the speed to get to the bite, the seaworthiness to fish comfortably in the all conditions outside The Reef, and the flexibility and accommodation to double as the 'mothership'.

At 60 foot, and powered by twin 1500hp MTU engines, Shaka has a top speed of 42 knots, a cruising speed of 32 knots and a range of 865 nautical miles at 20 knots.

With a dedicated pump room and engine room built to stringent Australian offshore survey regulations, she is said to be engineered like no other boat for extended liveaboard fishing.

Game Boat Accommodation

One part is the high end fishing, the other part is the absolute ‘Entertainer’. Shaka provides a standard of luxury accommodation commensurate with her fishing prowess. She is designed to make extended liveaboards a pleasure no matter the destination.

The unique four-cabin layout offers numerous sleeping options from catering for a simple family overnight cruise through to a 10-day tournament.

With tropical-strength air conditioning and the finest of domestic appliances, you derive comfort in the tropics and far from home, while the unique retractable rear glass windows generates a feeling of spaciousness and involvement in the fishing action from inside the plush saloon.

Fishing Inventory

As Shaka’s main purpose is to catch giant black marlin, a custom Release teak helm chair takes centre stage in the expansive teak-laid cockpit, with high sides, teak coaming and wide outward opening door to slide the biggest of marlin aboard.

All fishing gear is the best money can buy with no stone unturned and meticulously maintained by our professional crew.

There is a 600lb/day Eskimo ice machine, Rupp outriggers, electric teaser reels, oversized refrigeration, live bait tank, kill tanks and a beautiful stainless marlin tower. The electronics include 15in touch VEI screens, Wesmar Searchlight Sonar and Furuno high output depth sounder, plus a bow thruster. There is a full array of screens in the tower, too.

Professionally maintained and crewed, Shaka is among only a few revered fleet of game-fishing boats on the East Coast of Australia and is built by Assegai Marine.

Destinations

We have the ability to depart from the following destinations pending on our schedule: Port Douglas, Cairns, Cooktown and Lizard Island. All trips can be tailored made to your desire.

Destinations include the following depending on the length of your time.

Ribbon Reefs No. 1 -10
Linden Banks
Opal Ridge
Lizard Island – including the Cod Hole
Hope Island
Fitzroy Island
Osprey Reef in the Coral Sea
Bouganville in the Coral Sea
The Seamount in the Coral Sea
Princess Charlotte Bay
Cape York
Papua New Guinea

Additonal Services

To add to your Ultimate Adventure we have direct access to the following:

Saltaire 35ft Game Boat – easily the classiest and professional boat in FNQ for it’s size class. Heavy tackle, Light Tackle, Gt Popper Fishing, Reef Fishing & Snorkelling. Ideal as a secondary boat tied next to the Shaka.

Motherships

Having been in the industry for over 25yrs we have a select group of Super Yachts we can arrange for the Ultimate Mothership Experience.

Game and Reef Charters

All charters depart at 8.30am returning by 4.30pm from the Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina Berth Port Douglas (5.30pm later return time in Marlin Season on daily charters Sept - Dec). By arrangement Cairns, Yorkeys Knob, Cooktown and Lizard Island departures are available. We are very flexible in regards to this with notice (POA for remote areas). Inclusive of all fishing gear, snorkelling gear, high end catering, soft beverage and accommodation if required. Alcohol is BYO with chilling supplied.

Private Charters Only

Daily Charters $6000 per day – Max. 8 pax.
Extended Charters $6000 per day. 3 days minimum January-August, 4 days minimum September-December - Max. 6 pax depending on sleeping arrangements.
Snorkelling available on request with gear supplied. Diving POA.

Please note:

A 25% deposit is required upon booking
Balance applies 30 days prior on extended charters and 7 days on daily charters
All trips are subject to weather.
A 1.6% surcharge applies for credit card payments or, with notice, we can supply direct banking details which incurs no surcharge. If you wish to pay via a direct bank deposit, you will need to do so at least outside of the cancellation window stated above. You will also need to supply a screenshot of the payment confirmation for us to accept the booking.