A Side Console That Doesn’t Miss a Beat
Matt’s Formosa 495 SRT Side Console is a great example of what happens when a solid platform gets matched with the right options. The deck is set up to fish hard, the electronics suit the boat perfectly, the trailer is matched and upgraded to suit and ready for where ever he takes it for the next adventure.
Power & Control: Yamaha F115XB
Sitting on the back is a Yamaha F115XB, paired with a 703 control box and twin 6Y8 gauges at the helm. It’s a clean, proven setup that gives Matt clear, accurate engine data at a glance without cluttering the dash, and the F115 is a great match for the 495 platform which is maximum HP for the 495 — plenty of punch for getting up on the plane quickly, with the fuel economy to make the most of a day on the water.
Deck & Fishability: Built to Work
This is where the 495 really earns its keep. Matt has gone with the plumbed kill tank, available on Pro-Deck models, keeping the catch cool and the deck clean. Ahead of that sits a low-profile welded cutting board with two rod holders, giving a solid, purpose-built rigging station right where it’s needed.
At the transom, there’s a live well with a window and lid, complete with dedicated bait tank plumbing, so livebait stays in top condition all session long. He’s also added a extra seat position in the floor for another pedestal down the track.
Wash-down is fully sorted too, with deck wash plumbing for hosing down the floor after a session, plus separate saltwater hand wash plumbing for rinsing off bait and tackle without needing to duck below.
Deck Finish: ProDeck Upgrade
The whole deck has been stepped up with the ProDeck upgrade, finished with factory-fitted U-DEK for a soft, non-slip surface that stays cool underfoot and looks sharp doing it.
All the necessities
At the helm, Matt has opted in for a Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 105sv, paired with a GT56UHD transducer for detailed sounder coverage — a great upgrade in screen size and clarity that makes a real difference on the water. Communication is handled by a GME GX750 VHF radio, fitted with base and aerial, and for the trip out and back there’s a Fusion RA70 stereo running twin speakers, so the music’s covered whether it’s an early start or a relaxed afternoon run.
Two pairs of tackle boxes are also standard on the Formosa Side Console models. A pair under the driver seat, and another under the passenger.
On the Road: Dunbier Trailer & Towing Setup
Backing the boat up is a Dunbier LoaderPro Trailer matched specifically to suit the 495. Matt has added a swing-around drawbar which includes an extra swing-up 8 inch jockey wheel, making the boat easier to manoeuvre and store. Stock wheels have also been upgraded to Shadow Alloy wheels, giving the trailer a sharper look to match the boat.
It’s also been fitted with a LnR latch for effortless drive-on retrieval and releasing.
All the best with the new boat, Matt. We can’t wait to see where it takes you.
Originally posted by Gold Coast Boating Centre on 21 July 2026.