2019 Savage 435 Bay Cruiser review

The Savage 435 Bay Cruiser is the quintessential Aussie runabout, combining an easy-handling, safe, shallow vee hull with a neat looking forward windscreen with steering wheel and remote controls. It is effectively the first step up from a big alloy dinghy or tiller-steer open boat.

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This type of boat is ideal for novice boaters, downsizing retirees or those on a budget. The aft cockpit layout in the Savage Bay Cruiser is versatile and the conservative vee-shaped hull design is suitable for mixed boating and fishing activities.

The 435 Bay Cruiser is the second to smallest model in the Savage Bay Cruiser runabout range and one of the most popular. Other models include the smaller 415 Bay Cruiser, along with the larger 455, 485, 515, and 545 series models. The design and layout of each is effectively the same, the boats differing only in size and capability.

For smooth and sheltered water boating and fishing applications, you can't go past the 435 Bay Cruiser. It is just that little bit more seaworthy than the entry 415 series model, yet still very affordable. The shallow vee hull is stable, but has a sharp cutting entry point at the bow to soften the ride in bay chop.

As an estuary and river fishing boat it is pretty useful, too, the with the spacious rear cockpit easily accommodating two or three anglers, or a family of four.

Mike's Marine in Brisbane has Savage 435 Bay Cruiser packages starting from $19,900 with a Mercury 40hp four-stroke outboard engine, and $21,000 with the maximum-rated 50hp EFI Mercury. Both will provide better than adequate performance, but the boat really shines with the larger outboard engine.

The package also includes a single-axle aluminium (unbraked) trailer, 12 months of Queensland boat and trailer registration, and an inshore safety gear pack.

There's lots of factory-fitted gear, too. Inside you'll find a two-tier carpeted plywood floor, dual pedestal helm seats, a fold-down rear bench seat, forward anchor well, centre opening curved windscreen, short bow and stern rails, transom step, single-colour hull paint, wide side decks, transducer bracket, non-return mechanical steering, cockpit side pockets, glove box with drink holders and more.

Our test boat gained a Lowrance Hook5 fishfinder/GPS combination display, black paint to the topsides, a bimini cover, and an upgraded trailer, but that was it. The four options lift the drive-away package price to $24,200.

Whilst the Bay Cruiser has lots of good standard gear included, options allow you to outfit the boat specifically for your favourite boating activity. Among them is a bait board and extra rod holders for anglers, along with ski hooks, an electric drum winch (great for retirees), a vinyl hull wrap, extra drink holders, 12-volt power socket, full-length rails, and more.

The Savage 435 Bay Cruiser could be likened to a modern-day version of the classic Savage Gannet runabout from the 1980s. Like the original and hugely popular Savage runabout, the Bay Cruiser is an entry-level boat with a front windscreen, a pair of bucket helm chairs and a decent sized rear cockpit.

The modern Bay Cruiser is a much better-looking boat, however, thanks to the curved windscreen, nicely proportioned hull, and the smooth 3mm alloy topsides that look great with the optional black paint contrasting the white deck and interior.

The centre-opening windscreen is mounted well forward on the deck of the Savage 435 Bay Cruiser so you can stand comfortably in the recess between the helm consoles to reach the large anchor well, bow cleat and bow roller for anchoring and securing deck lines.

An all-over, wrap-around windscreen rail gives the skipper and forward passenger an effective handrail for security whilst underway.

Beneath the foredeck and behind a short bulkhead is a large storage compartment. You might consider stowing safety gear in this location, but it may be difficult to access in an emergency. A better option is to stow bags, towels and gear in this under-dash location and keep life jackets and safety gear close to hand in the elevated rear cockpit side storage pockets.

For fishing baskets, small tackle boxes and the like, there is storage space aft, under the full-width outboard well.

Car keys, phones, wallets and more can be secured in the lockable glove box on the forward passenger side console.

Opposite, the sporty-looking steering wheel is mounted slightly offset to port on the low-set starboard side console. This allows for space alongside it for the switch panel and the side-mounted throttle box.

There is no provision for a flush-fitted fishfinder or GPS navigator, but there is ample flat dash space above the lower fascia (and on the port side) for a bracket-mounted electronics display or two.

Above the dash there is a second-tier fascia that housed the engine tachometer on the test boat with room to spare alongside for more engine gauges.

Seated in one of the two removable helm chairs, the skipper has a clear view of the engine gauges and the surroundings, and the steering wheel and throttle are nicely positioned. There's also ample footwell space to stretch out your legs.

The low-set deck/helm configuration does not really suit stand-up driving. You can reach and operate the steering wheel and throttle while upright, but it is more comfortable to remain seated.

From the helm chairs, the carpeted rear cockpit stretches 1.5m aft to the fold-down rear bench seat. The latter is wide enough for three adults and there is an included padded bolster to cushion and support your back.

Should you opt to remove the rear lounge completely for fishing, then the rear bolster cushions your knees (given the freeboard of 510mm) so you can lean comfortably against the transom to fish aft.

Removing the rear lounge also provides unfettered access to the boxed engine battery on the floor on the starboard side, as well as the portable fuel tank, although the latter can be removed with the lounge seat installed.

As noted earlier, elevated side storage pockets stretch the length of the cockpit. Overhead, the welded, 190mm wide side coamings can serve as extra seats to perch on while fishing, and can accommodate extra rod holders and other items.

Additional features include a port side boarding step and handrail, starboard side rail, and dual aft grab/carry handles, but no stern cleats.

The 435 Bay Cruiser is fitted with the Savage "Ultra-Lift" vee hull bottom. It is relatively conservative in design to ensure the boat is safe and stable enough for novice boaters. That said, the boat does have quite a fine entry and forefoot shape, and this sharp cutting edge does a pretty good job of smoothing over the bumps in choppy water.

As with every small boat, however, the ride will firm up if you push the boat too hard, or start leaping from wave to wave. Keep the speed down to a comfortable 12- to 15-knot cruise and the ride from the little Savage is commendable. It is also quick to plane, reasonably dry, stable and forgiving in a following sea.

With the maximum 50hp Mercury four-stroke outboard engine, the Savage 435 Bay Cruiser is swift and agile, topping out at 33.9 knots with three adults on board. That's quite speedy for a small boat and should prove ample for most applications.

The Savage 435 Bay Cruiser is a terrific little runabout. Not only is it budget-priced, it is also nicely built and outfitted, safe and stable, and suited to a range of sheltered water boating pursuits.

At just 4.4 metres in centreline length, the Bay Cruiser is probably a little too small and light for most tow-sport activities, but it should excel as a general-purpose family fun boat and as a smooth water fishing rig for three or four people.

Specifications
Model: Savage 435 Bay Cruiser
Length overall: 4.70m
Hull length: 4.44m
Beam: 1.95m
Draft: 0.87 mm
Hull weight: 323kg
Weight on trailer: 700kg (est)
Bottom and transom alloy: 3.0mm
Topsides alloy: 3.0mm
Maximum power: 50hp
Maximum motor weight: 120kg
Engine as tested: Mercury 50hp four-stroke
Fuel capacity: 25L (portable)
Flotation standard: Basic
Maximum persons: Five

Priced from: $19,900 including a Mercury 40hp EFI four-stroke longshaft (20-inch) outboard, single-axle aluminium trailer (no brakes), inshore safety gear pack, and 12 months Queensland boat and trailer registrations.

Price as tested: $24,200. As above but with the addition of a Lowrance Hook5 fishfinder/GPS combination display, two-tone paint (black hull), an overhead bimini with envelope, and a deluxe model alloy trailer.

Supplied by: Mike's Marine, Brisbane