Murray River 5M Fish/Ski Hire: 90hp Boat for Fishing and Water-Skiing

On the broad bend of the Murray River at Murray Bridge, South Australia, the 5M Fish/Ski — a 5-metre hull powered by a 90hp outboard — is a versatile ticket to summer days that split between casting for Murray cod and towing a nervous first-time skier. Freedom Boat Hire operates this rig as a flexible hire: single-day half-day options stretch to weeklong rentals, with delivery to local reserves in Murray Bridge at no charge and modest fees to nearby towns. The boat carries up to five people, comes with lifejackets and safety equipment, and demands a valid boat licence and a $500 bond on pickup. This craft shines because it does two jobs well. Its stable planing hull and punchy 90hp motor give confident carving for slalom turns and enough low-end torque to pull a skier out of the river’s glassy backwaters. At the same time the open layout, rod-holders and flat casting deck make it a practical platform for chasing redfin, yellowbelly and the local Murray cod in snags along the riparian red-gum corridors. Its compact size makes access to sandbars, narrow channels and shallow flats easier than a larger cruiser. Murray Bridge itself is a working river town with braided channels, seasonal sandbars and river red-gum forests that frame every wake. Look for low limestone cliffs and exposed banks where the river’s flow carves meanders - prime places to drop an anchor for a swim or an early-morning cast. The Murray has sustained Indigenous communities for millennia and later supported river trade; that long human history is still visible in the ferries, wharves and riverside settlements. Practical notes matter: fuel isn’t included (return full or pay refuelling fees), deliveries outside Murray Bridge incur charges, and a deposit of 20% plus full payment seven days before hire secures reservations. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Freedom Boat Hire provides a safety briefing and the basic kit - bring sunscreen, a waterproof phone pouch, a dry change of clothes and your own tow rope or ski gear if you prefer a specific setup. For families, anglers and mixed-use groups, the 5M Fish/Ski is a no-fuss way to make the most of the Murray’s varied water: shallow channels for learners, open reaches for skiers, and snag-rich pools for anglers. It’s a small boat with big possibilities—fast enough for fun, stable enough for fishing, and local enough to get you straight into what makes this river an Australian classic. Book a half-day to weeklong hire through the provided referral link, confirm delivery fees if leaving Murray Bridge, and plan to arrive early to learn the river’s currents and find the quiet flats where mornings are mirror-still for fishing and wake-free skiing today.