Maiden Voyage of My Seajay 3.98 Creek Masta in the Top End
- AussieJohn
- Sep 24
- 3 min read
Leaving the Gold Coast with my Seajay Creek Masta 3.98 in tow, I had a long road ahead — 37 hours of driving before finally rolling into the Northern Territory. My destination was Jabiru, right in the heart of the Top End, where I planned to spend a couple of days before pushing on to Darwin.
After the drive, I was itching to get the Creek Masta on the water for the first time. I launched at full tide, sliding the boat off the trailer into the East Alligator River. Crocodiles lined the muddy banks — I could see at least five from the ramp alone, each around 10–12 feet long. Being alone added to the intensity of the moment.
With the Toyota and trailer parked up, I flicked the battery switch, turned the key, and the 30hp Mercury tiller-steer fired to life instantly. I let it warm before heading downstream, more focused on running the motor in than fishing.
It didn’t take long before I had company — around the first 100 metres, a massive 14-foot croc with a belly like a barrel was sunning itself just four metres from me. Every mudbank seemed to hold another set of reptilian eyes. I counted at least 30 crocs that I could actually see, and I’m sure there were plenty more below the surface.
Despite the intimidating company, the Seajay handled the river brilliantly. The boat sat stable and well-balanced, with plenty of room for gear, and the tiller steer gave me precise control in the tight bends. The Mercury had good push, though I reckon a little more bite getting on the plane quicker wouldn’t hurt. Running the motor up and down the rev range gave me confidence it’s ready for bigger adventures ahead.
The scenery was breathtaking — towering riverbanks, dense bushland, and that raw Top End wilderness feel. It was the perfect backdrop for the Creek Masta’s maiden voyage.
A Hair-Raising Retrieval
Getting the Seajay back on the trailer a couple of hours later was almost as nerve-wracking as launching. The crocs were still close, their eyes watching from the banks. Alone, I backed the Toyota into the muddy water and then, what felt like walking on water, made my way to the concrete ramp to climb into the boat.
The first attempt saw me drive the Creek Masta onto the trailer cleanly, but the next step was the real test — clambering over the bow onto the drawbar, then again “walking on water” to reach the driver’s door of the Toyota so I could pull the boat out and secure it. For readers overseas, launching and retrieving a boat in croc country is normally a two-person job: one in the vehicle, one in the boat. Doing it solo isn’t recommended. This was one of those times when experience and luck outweighed good planning.
The outback has some interesting vehicles - Road Trains some trucks can have up to 6 trailers this one had 3...
Looking Ahead
Next, I’m excited to spend more time in the boat with my family back on the Gold Coast, fishing local impoundments and rivers. Next year, I plan to tow it down to Lake Mulwala in Victoria for a cod fishing trip — a place close to my heart, as my family grew up in Yarrawonga and I know it’s one of Australia’s great inland fishing destinations.
The Seajay 3.98 Creek Masta is easy to launch, simple to handle, and tough enough for crocodile country — exactly what I wanted for this project build. After its first run in the Top End, I can say it’s already living up to expectations.
Comments