1000+ hours of hard testing at sea

An all-around workhorse

The Sting 600 PRO HT is not a showroom showcase. It's a utility boat built for all elements. From winter fishing to summer trips with family and friends, Bjørn Tore has used this vessel as his all-around workhorse.

"I've used it for heavy offshore fishing, light coastal trips, working with shrimp and crayfish gear, and countless days chasing sea trout," he says. It's been out through storms, frost, rain, and ice—even breaking through sea ice to get underway. The boat was only lifted from the water for a few service hours in two years. Otherwise, it has lived entirely at sea.

Ready for long days at sea

The boat quickly became part of daily life. For Bjørn Tore, that means early mornings, shifting weather, and gear-heavy days on the water. "What stands out is the build quality, the versatility and the practical functionality. The deck space is generous, movement is easy, and visibility is excellent from the helm."

The wheelhouse is the main attraction: "It's is solid and quiet—no creaks, no rattles. It doesn't move an inch."

"The cabin roof hatch lets in fresh air during summer, and the heating system, along with the aft-side canopy wall, kept me comfortable on cold days. It's not luxury, but it feels right. Durable, smart, and ready for long days at sea."

Efficient and stable

Bjørn Tore values fuel efficiency and the ability to carry heavy loads more than top speed. He chose the Mercury SeaPro 90hp paired with a four-blade propeller. "In hindsight, the 90hp might have been more than I needed—this boat performs beautifully even with a 50 to 75hp engine."

With 90hp, he reached a top speed of 32–33 knots. Even fully loaded with six people and gear, it hit 30–31 knots. "It's like the boat doesn't even notice the weight. It's an excellent choice for fishermen, carpenters and anyone who needs to carry much gear."

His normal cruising speed is between 17 and 19 knots, where fuel consumption lands at 12–13 litres per hour. That means a range of 70–80 nautical miles from the 50-litre tank. "It's more than enough for my routes."

The boat planes at 10–12 knots thanks to the flat-bottomed hull. "I can stay on plane at lower speeds, making harsh conditions manageable while lowering fuel costs. It handles like a RIB in terms of stability, even with shifting weight on board."

Customised for fishing

As a fisherman, Bjørn Tore has specific needs—and the boat delivers. "Both the bow and aft deck offer plenty of space for casting and fly fishing, and solid railings make it easy to haul in pots."

He's mounted an electric engine at the bow. Optional storage boxes double as extra seating. Power outlets and a washdown pump are rigged in. Twin chartplotters give him close-up and wide-angle views while navigating or searching for fish.

He’s also built a custom table for the aft deck using the moveable centre bench and covered the entire boat with EVA foam from Hvaler Båtdekk. You can order the 600 PRO HT from the factory with a rubber deck and EVA foam on all key seating platforms.

What could be improved?

No boat is perfect, and Bjørn Tore is happy to highlight what could be improved. "I appreciate the open storage design. It's far more accessible than closed compartments. But I would enjoy even more storage space."

The cabin isn't designed for overnight use, but he and his daughter have spent nights aboard, making use of the 2.36-metre-wide platform. "We slept on mattresses laid directly on the floor, but the drainage system runs from the bow through the cabin to the aft. Finding a solution that keeps the cabin floor completely dry would be nice."

He also points out that wider cable channels would make it easier to install extra electronics. Beyond that, he mentions minor additions that would enhance everyday comfort, like hat shelves or an optional passenger-side table. "Nitpicking? Maybe. But these small touches could make the boat even better," he says.

Final verdict after 1000+ hours at sea

"Not a screw has loosened. No cracks, no leaks, no squeaks. Even in storms and ice, the Sting 600 PRO HT holds up like it was carved from concrete.

"I would have liked to keep the boat longer. The more I used it, the more I grew attached to it. It's a Swiss Army knife of a boat. It's large enough, easy to handle and planes effortlessly – with excellent fuel efficiency. Even though the construction is light, the boat feels robust and solid. I've used it in all kinds of weather and never once felt unsafe.

"This is a real adventure boat. It works just as well inshore as offshore. It's great for rod and pot fishing, is light enough to pull up on a beach, and is ideal for family trips and practical transport.

"It may not be the world's prettiest boat, but it has earned the biggest place in my boating heart. Simply one of the most sensible boats you can have on the water."

Bjørn Tore says he's done with open boats now. This wheelhouse fishing boat gives him the flexibility and confidence to head out year-round, and his daughter agrees. She won't let him go back to open vessels again.

Ready to up your fishing game for this summer?