The 650 Timonier (6.46 m, Yamaha 115 hp) is agile and easy to handle for short trips, alone or with a companion. The 750 Timonier (7.50 m, up to 200 hp) adds length, a larger working cockpit and better wave handling for group fishing.
Choosing a boat to fish from is not the same as choosing one for cruising: the priorities change. A clear cockpit to work in, the ability to handle a swell, room for rod holders and, when out in a group, space to move around without getting in each other’s way. Yamaha Motor España tested the two Pacific Craft Timonier models on the same day, at Port Ginesta, in a sea that showed no mercy —wind of 12 to 15 knots and short, steep waves— so this comparison comes from a day as demanding as any real fishing trip.
How they really behave in the waves
The 650 Timonier had a rougher time in that kind of sea: the short, almost vertical waves made it impossible to keep a steady speed, and you had to work the trim and throttle to make smooth headway. With the sea on the beam you can feel the keel, and when running with a following sea you need to watch that the boat doesn’t broach as it comes down a wave — something common at any harbour entrance with a heavy sea running. The 750 Timonier, one metre longer and considerably heavier, makes its length count, advancing more steadily: its passage through the waves is gentler. The practical takeaway is simple: the more demanding the fishing grounds, the more you appreciate the extra length.
The fishing equipment: rod holders, livewell and working cockpit
Both models leave the factory with everything you need to fish from day one: a clear, self-draining cockpit, side rod holders and a freeboard height designed for working in comfort. From there, each skipper tailors the boat with optional features: more rod holders, a livewell with a water pump to keep bait alive, or an electric windlass —one of the most sought-after extras on the 750 Timonier—. Neither of the two requires you to buy everything from the outset: the standard equipment already lets you fish, plain and simple.
Do you go out alone, with a friend, or do you get a crew together?
This is where the fundamental difference lies. The 650 Timonier, certified for 6 passengers, is designed for more intimate trips: alone or with a companion, moving around the cockpit is easy, and the cabin, though small, offers shelter if the weather changes. The 750 Timonier, with capacity for 7 and its walkaround concept —side decks that let you reach the bow without obstruction—, is designed for fishing with several people at once without the lines getting crossed. If fishing is above all a group activity, the 750 Timonier gives you more real room to manoeuvre.
A detail that can decide the purchase: transport
Before settling on the 750 Timonier, it’s worth bearing in mind an unglamorous but important fact: its 2.75 m beam exceeds the legal width limit, so it cannot be towed on the road like a conventional boat. The 650 Timonier, with a 2.49 m beam, has no such limitation. For anyone planning to keep the boat at home and take it to the water on a trailer, this detail matters as much as any technical specification.
To sum up
If the priority is to start out without complications, go out alone or with a friend, and be able to move the boat on your own trailer, the 650 Timonier more than fits the bill. If the plan is to fish in a group, gain more endurance in a swell, and you don’t mind losing the option of transporting it by road, the 750 Timonier is the one that delivers that extra margin.
Frequently asked questions
What is the real difference between fishing from the 650 Timonier and the 750 Timonier? Mainly the size of the group and the type of sea: the 650 Timonier is more agile for short trips alone or with a companion, while the 750 Timonier offers more working space and better performance in a swell for group fishing.
Can a livewell be added to these models? Yes, both offer an optional livewell with a water pump.
Which one handles a swell better? The 750 Timonier: its greater length and weight make for a steadier ride through the waves.
Can the 750 Timonier be transported on a conventional road trailer? No: its 2.75 m beam exceeds the legal width limit. The 650 Timonier, at 2.49 m, has no such limitation.
Which fishing option is most in demand on the 750 Timonier? The electric windlass.
