2019 Haines Signature 580BRX review

Most of the new models from Brisbane's Haines Signature boats in recent years have been coastal and offshore fishing boats, such as the flagship Signature 788SF and the half cabin Signature 550F. Now, following market trends toward more general purpose models and tow sport boats, Signature has launched an eight-seat sports bowrider called the 580BRX.

The new model is a smooth riding, nicely finished low-profile sports boat based on the long-running Signature 580BR. It shares the same 21 to 33-degree variable deadrise deep vee hull, but has an entirely new deck mould and interior layout.

The 580BRX is rated for extra-longshaft outboards of between 140hp and 200hp. We tested this immaculate new craft with Suzuki's popular DF200APX with full digital fly-by-wire controls.

Package pricing for the Signature 580BRX starts from a competitive $72K with a smaller Suzuki 140hp four-stroke outboard and a Dunbier tandem-axle galvanised steel trailer with mechanical brakes.

The inventory of standard gear is impressive. The price includes the moulded, cushioned, cockpit lounge seating, dual-pedestal helm chairs (with flip-up front bolsters) and the bow seating compartment with cushions.

You also get a tilt-adjustable steering wheel with hydraulic steering, a centre-opening curved windscreen, hull flotation foam to Basic Standard, underfloor ski locker, multiple storage compartments, a removable Igloo-branded cockpit icebox, combined rod holder/drink holders, a JL Audio stereo with two speakers, a Simrad GO7XSR in-dash NMEA-2000 multifunction display, large boarding platforms, boarding ladder, navigation lights, a USB charging port, bilge pump and more.

Our test boat gained only a few options as the standard boat is well outfitted. Chief among the upgrades was swapping out the Suzuki DF140 for the full digital version of Suzuki's 200hp four-stoke, the DF200APX.

Electronic upgrades include fitting a Simrad GO9XSE multifunction display and a JL Audio four-channel amp with six speakers and a sub woofer.

From the factory, our test boat gained a two-tone, full coloured hull and deck, recessed cockpit lighting, a ski pole, and a removable cocktail table.

The portside pedestal helm chair was also exchanged for a full length portside bench seat/storage area stretching from the transom forward to the portside console and dash.

The additions, of which the upgraded engine is the most notable and costly, lift the price of our test boat’s package to $90,776.

The Haines Signature boat range has added the 580BRX to complement the existing 580BR (bowrider), as well as the smaller 535BR and larger 600BR.

The variable deadrise, concave shaped hull beneath the new BRX model is identical to the regular 580BR. It is a time-proven hull with a smooth ride in chop and excellent stability at rest.

Conversely, the deck on the new BRX is new. The port and starboard side consoles are redesigned for improved ergonomics; for example, the transom stretches the full width of the boat to provide for the inclusion of a full cockpit perimeter moulded lounge/storage area.

As noted, the standard boat has a U-shaped seating area situated aft of two pedestal helm chairs. In our test boat the passenger bucket chair was removed in favour of extending the portside seating up to the dash and windscreen.

The extended lounge seating layout works well in practice. You can recline and face aft to observe skiers and wake boarders – or just be part of the conversation with the rest of the crew seated opposite and in the stern of the boat.

The included seat cushions are very comfortable and look to be hardwearing.

Though not fitted to the test rig, there is also provision to fit an infill board and clip-on cushions to the centre of the aft seating area to create a giant sun pad.

You can also create a sun lounge up in the bow with a similar infill board and cushion.

The space behind the infill board, under the centre pane of the windscreen, can be filled with what Signature calls an "air dam". This is effectively a windshield or windbreaker used to restrict or block air from breezing aft into the cockpit.

Beneath the side and bow seats are a series of moulded storage lockers. There are two lockers up in the bow, two more on the starboard side behind the helm chair and three down the port side. Each of these compartments is ideal for stowing towels, clothing, ski gear, deck lines, and more.

Extra storage spaces include short side pockets in the bow seating compartment (incorporating stereo speakers and drink holders), an anchor well up at the stem, a full size, sub-floor ski storage locker, and a large glove box on the passenger console.

On the helm console, a recessed fascia caters for a large, flush-fitted electronics display such as the included Simrad GO7XSR, or the larger Simrad GO9XSE installed as an option on the test boat.

A brow upholstered in vinyl sits above the fascia panel to shield against glare.

There is provision for more gauges, switches, radios, etc, such as the included JL Audio stereo head unit.

The tilt-adjust sport steering wheel is well placed with the throttle lever suitably located in the side panel alongside the helm chair.

The ergonomics work well here. Seated, the 580BRX is very comfortable to drive. You can nestle down in the helm chair, feet braced on the angled foot-rest, head tucked just under the top of the windshield, or you can perch up on the flip-up front seat bolster for a heightened view of the surroundings.

Other cockpit features include the removable Igloo icebox that slots into position under the transom bench seat, recessed stern cleats, and large rear boarding platforms.

The test boat also had a pedestal cocktail table that slots into floor sockets in the rear cockpit and up in the bow compartment.

Blustery Gold Coast Broadwater test conditions did not phase Signature's 580BRX, the boat's variable deadrise, concave-shaped vee hull making easy work of the choppy conditions.

The hull is as good as I remember from previous tests; soft yet stable, sporty yet safe and easy to handle. It tracks straight at speed, responds quickly to steering, throttle and trim input, and tucks in nicely through high-speed turns.

With these attributes, the 580BRX is well suited to mixed social tow sports, bay cruising and fishing.

The 580BRX will perform adequately with the minimum power 140hp Suzuki outboard, but to make the most of the boat's excellent handling and ride, we'd recommend upping the power to at least 150hp or more.

With Suzuki's powerhouse DF200APX on the transom the test boat proved to be quick, responsive and agile from idle all the way up through the rev range.

We recorded a top speed of a tad under 42 knots and a best, most economical cruise speed of 21.25 knots whilst loping along at an easy 3500rpm. The Suzuki burns just 17.7L/h at this mid-range rpm, allowing it to achieve a maximum range on 95% of the standard 150L fuel supply of 170 nm.

The 580BRX is a neat addition to the Haines Signature range. Whilst it shares the same hull as the longstanding 580BR, the internal layout and feature set is substantially different with the emphasis on providing maximum crew seating and storage space.

If you've got a big family, or a bunch of water sports-loving mates, the Signature 580BRX could be just the ticket. It combines an excellent hull bottom with a family-friendly interior layout, and hotshot performance from Suzuki's wonderful (and lightweight) 200hp four-stroke outboard.

Performance

Maximum range on 95% of 150L fuel tank: 170.68nm @ 3500rpm

Specifications
Model: Signature 580BRX
Length: 5.8m
Beam: 2.32m
Draft: 860mm
Deadrise: 21-33 degrees
Hull weight: 1000kg (est)
Weight on trailer: 1800kg (dry, est)
Maximum power: 200hp
Maximum outboard weight: 270kg
Engines as tested: Suzuki 200hp in-line four cylinder, four-stroke outboard
Fuel: 150L
Maximum passengers: 8/270kg

Price as tested: $90,776 including a Suzuki 200hp extra-longshaft (25-inch) in-line four cylinder four-stroke outboard with digital controls, and a Dunbier tandem-axle galvanised steel mechanical braked trailer. Notable options fitted include a two tone full deck and hull coloured gelcoat with Signature graphics, recessed cockpit lighting, ski pole, removable cocktail table, upgrade to a Simrad GO9XSE multifunction display, a JL Audio four-channel amplifier with six speakers and a sub woofer, and a portside moulded lounge seat extension instead of the included pedestal bucket helm chair.

Priced from: $70,022 with a Suzuki 140hp extra-longshaft (25-inch) four-stroke outboard with hydraulic steering and Dunbier tandem-axle galvanised steel mechanical braked trailer.

Supplied by: Haines Signature