ARK CRAFT 840 Review — Australia's Ultimate 8.4m Aluminum Cabin Cruiser
If you're in the market for a serious, capable, and beautifully finished aluminum cabin cruiser, the ARK CRAFT 840 deserves your full attention. At 8.4 metres, it sits in the sweet spot for Australian coastal boating — large enough for offshore adventures and overnight stays, yet practical enough to trailer and launch at most Australian boat ramps.
Here's our complete review of the ARK CRAFT 840, including full specifications and standard features.
Overview
The ARK CRAFT 840 is a purpose-built aluminum cabin cruiser designed for the demands of Australian boating. Built by ARK Boat Sales in Sydney, it combines heavy-duty marine-grade aluminum construction with a thoughtfully designed cabin, generous fuel capacity, and a wide range of standard features that many competitors charge extra for.
Whether you're chasing snapper offshore, cruising the Hawkesbury River, or anchoring in a secluded bay for the weekend, the ARK CRAFT 840 is engineered to handle it all.
Full Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Length Maximum | 8.4 m |
| Length of Hull | 8.0 m |
| Beam | 2.49 m |
| Depth | 1.4 m |
| Draught | 0.35 m |
| Overall Height | 2.63 m |
| Transom Shaft (Single Engine) | 635 mm |
| Bottom Thickness | 5 mm |
| Side & Superstructure | 4 mm |
| Transom | 5 mm |
| Dry Weight | 1,300 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 390 L |
| Minimum Engine | 175 hp |
| Maximum Engine | 350 hp |
| Person Capacity | 6 persons |
| Warranty | 3 years on hull; 1 year on painting & parts |
What the Numbers Mean in Practice
8.4m Length — The Offshore Sweet Spot
At 8.4 metres, the ARK CRAFT 840 has the waterline length to handle open ocean swells with confidence. The 2.49m beam provides excellent stability at anchor and underway, while the shallow 0.35m draught means you can access bays and estuaries that deeper-keeled vessels can't reach.
5mm Bottom, 5mm Transom
These are serious offshore specifications. The 5mm bottom plating and transom — combined with marine grade aluminum construction — give the ARK CRAFT 840 the structural integrity to handle rough conditions without compromise. This is not a weekend runabout. It's a genuine offshore vessel.
390-Litre Fuel Tank
With 390 litres of fuel capacity, the ARK CRAFT 840 has the range for extended coastal cruising. Running at economical cruise speeds, you can cover serious distances without worrying about fuel stops — ideal for exploring remote NSW coastline, the Whitsundays, or the waters of Far North Queensland.
175–350hp Engine Range
The ARK CRAFT 840 accepts Mercury outboard engines from 175hp to 350hp, giving buyers flexibility to match engine choice to their intended use and budget. For offshore fishing and extended cruising, we recommend 250hp or above for optimal performance.
3-Year Hull Warranty
ARK Boat Sales backs the ARK CRAFT 840 with a 3-year hull warranty — one of the strongest in the Australian aluminum boat market. This reflects the confidence we have in our construction quality and the marine-grade materials used throughout.
Standard Features — Hull & Deck
The ARK CRAFT 840 comes comprehensively equipped as standard. No hidden extras, no stripped-out base model. Here's what's included:
- ✅ Tempered cabin glass — safety-rated, UV-resistant glazing throughout
- ✅ Marine door with lock — secure cabin access
- ✅ Anchor well — dedicated forward anchor storage
- ✅ Cleats — heavy-duty mooring cleats fore and aft
- ✅ Hand rails — safety rails throughout
- ✅ Radar holder — ready for electronics fitout
- ✅ Side storage trays — convenient deck-level storage
- ✅ Battery switch — dual battery management
- ✅ Navigation lights — fully compliant for night operation
- ✅ Anchor light — at-anchor visibility
- ✅ Electric bilge pump — automatic bilge management
- ✅ Removable rear seats — flexible deck configuration for fishing or entertaining
- ✅ Transducer mount bracket — ready for fish finder installation
- ✅ Rear aluminum hatches — secure aft storage access
- ✅ Two-tone paint — premium factory finish
Standard Features — Cabin
- ✅ Marine driver seat — ergonomic helm seating
- ✅ Berths with cushions — comfortable overnight sleeping for 2
- ✅ Navigator seat — co-pilot seating at the helm
- ✅ LED cabin lighting — energy-efficient interior illumination
- ✅ Sliding windows — ventilation and visibility
- ✅ Electric wiper — all-weather visibility from the helm
- ✅ Switch control panel — centralised electrical management
- ✅ Offshore hatch — emergency exit and ventilation
- ✅ Wheelhouse door — weather-sealed cabin entry
- ✅ Under-floor storage tank — maximises usable cabin space
Who Is the ARK CRAFT 840 For?
The ARK CRAFT 840 is the right boat for:
- Serious offshore fishers who need a stable, capable platform with room for gear and crew
- Families who want a versatile vessel for day trips, weekends away, and water sports
- Coastal explorers who want the range and comfort to venture beyond the usual spots
- Buyers upgrading from a smaller vessel who want a genuine step up in capability and comfort
How to Buy the ARK CRAFT 840
The ARK CRAFT 840 is available exclusively through ARK Boat Sales in Sydney. We offer:
- Private viewings by appointment
- Flexible marine finance options
- Trade-in valuations on your current vessel
- Engine configuration advice from our experienced team
Enquire About the ARK CRAFT 840 →
ARK Boat Sales — Sydney, NSW — arkboatsales.com.au