2022 Stejcraft SS55 SD review

Stejcraft is a local fibreglass trailer boat builder with a pedigree stretched back half a century. This long-standing boat maker was originally based in Melbourne but is now headquartered in Labrador on the Gold Coast. 

Similar to many local boat makers and retailers, Stejcraft is building boats as fast as they can be pushed out the door. Demand for all models is at a record high, driven partly by the COVID-19 pandemic, but also because this company produces fine quality boats for a realistic price. 

Demand has been so strong in recent times that Stejcraft has chosen to expand into a new factory alongside its existing one.

In Queensland Stejcraft operates as a retail outlet, selling boats direct from the factory, so the new shed will be used as a weather-protected showroom.

In the current Stejcraft boat range there are eight models; three bowriders, three family cuddy/half cabins, and two fishing cuddy cabins. 

The entry model, and one of the most popular boats, is the sterndrive-powered SS55 SD Bowrider. Similar to its virtually identical, but outboard-powered SS58 sibling, the SS55 is a great value family fun-boat and day cruiser. 

Stejcraft has SS55 SD Bowrider packages starting from just $59,990 when paired with a MerCruiser 200hp 4.5L V6 petrol motor with Alpha One sterndrive leg, and a single axle Dunbier galvanised steel trailer with mechanical brakes.

That's stunning value for a boat of this size and capability. 

The sticker price looks even sharper when you view the extensive list of standard features that includes a white hull and deck; reinforced glass windscreen (not acrylic); deluxe swivel bucket helm chairs; forward bowrider compartment with vinyl upholstered cushions; transom corner jump seats; clip-in cockpit carpet; swim platform with ladder; deluxe trim; navigation lights; bilge pump; pop-up stern cleats; anchor well with recessed cleat; H2O foam rubber grip accents; ski-tow point; boat and trailer registrations; inshore safety gear pack; and a five-year structural warranty.

Our test boat was fitted with the standard 200hp MerCruiser inboard engine but gained a range of mostly cosmetic options to dress it up. 

The standard white gelcoat, for example, was swapped out for a black hull and black deck with a blue accent panel and graphics pack. 

Similarly, the included clip-in cockpit carpet was replaced with Stejcraft's own (produced in-house) H20 foam rubber flooring. 

The test rig also gained an upgraded Dunbier trailer, a rear boarding platform extension, bimini cover, Lowrance Hook Reveal 5 fishfinder/GPS, and a Jensen Marine Bluetooth stereo with pair of speakers. 

With the above extra kit, the drive-away package price rises to a still very respectable $69,872. 

The H20 flooring was the most costly option added to the test boat, but I think it is worth the extra money - as it makes a big difference to the look and feel of the boat's interior.

There is also the option for a larger, 250hp MerCruiser sterndrive motor, but I don't believe the expense here is warranted - given the excellent performance of our test rig.

The Stejcraft SS55 SD bowrider has a centreline length of 5.5 metres and an overall length of 6.1 metres. This includes the extended aft boarding platform. 

The hull has a modest beam of 2.35 metres, a transom deadrise of 19 degrees, and a hull weight of 820kg. 

Add the 345kg MerCruiser sterndrive and a single-axle trailer, and the towing weight rises to about 1550kg, but that's still an easy towing proposition for most mid-size SUVs and dual-cab utes.

Similar to its siblings, the Stejcraft SS55 SD Bowrider is made entirely wood-free, so there is nothing to rot. The hull, deck, underfloor stringers and structural components are made using fibreglass and fibreglass composite materials such as Thermo-lite board.

Quality stainless steel fixtures and fittings are used throughout, while the vinyl-upholstered seats and H20-branded foam rubber flooring is made in-house for quality control.

The SS55 SD Bowrider has a typical, but practical bowrider layout; there's a seating compartment up forward, an amidships helm station with a pair of pedestal chairs, and a pair of transom corner jump seats aft. 

All told, there is seating for seven people, three of which can squeeze into the smallish bow seating area.  

Surrounding features include vinyl upholstered back-rests, a pair of cup holders and stereo speakers, and two safety gear storage lockers.

The anchor well is situated in the forepeak, beneath a flat deck hatch with a foam rubber surface so you can sit on the bow to disembark onto the beach or boat ramp.

The anchor well cleat is hidden away in the well itself to keep it out of the way.

Unlike some rival craft that have a step or recess to enter the bow seating area, the Stejcraft has a flat, level floor from the bow to the stern to make it easier to move about

Stepping back through the reinforced glass, centre-opening windscreen brings you alongside both the helm and co-pilot consoles that are blacked out to reduce glare from the sun. 

The port side console has a storage recess, grab handle and a cup holder. 

Opposite, the helm console has a small fascia panel insert incorporating a pair of analogue-look digital engine gauges and a small Lowrance multi-function display.

There's also just enough space for switches, the Jensen stereo head unit, and the sports steering wheel.

I found the wheel and side-mounted throttle to be comfortably within range whilst nestled down in the helm chair, as well as when perched upon the flip-up front-seat bolster.

Beneath each of the consoles, there is a wide, angled footrest for the skipper and co-pilot. These are welcome, as the hull grips up so well when carving turns that you need to be securely braced in the boat. 

From the helm station, the H20 rubber floored cockpit stretches 1.85m aft to the sterndrive engine box and the two transom corner jump seats.

Steps beneath each of the removable transom seats lead aft to the two-piece boarding platform. The first section, behind the sterndrive engine box, is included with the standard boat. The outer extension is optional, but desirable for swimming off the stern of the boat.

The Stejcraft SS55 SD Bowrider is designed for bay, harbour and impoundment boating, but its 19-degree deadrise vee hull is certainly capable of rounding the heads and running a few miles offshore. 

That said, the forte of this craft is inshore sports boating. The hull is very stable at rest and underway, quite comfortable in the chop, and positively great fun to chuck about. 

Having not driven a well-sorted sterndrive powered sports boat for a while, I had forgotten just how good they can be. Testing the MerCruiser powered Stejcraft brought those memories flooding back. 

I certainly found the Stejcraft/MerCruiser V6 200hp combination to be a match made in heaven. The boat and the engine perform beautifully together - offering up exceptional handling, power and performance.

Gun the throttle from idle and the big V6 sterndrive motor shoves the Stejcraft forward, accelerating the boat strongly through to a top speed of 43 knots at 4500rpm.

As noted earlier, there is the option for a larger 250hp MerCruiser, but I believe it would be overkill - unless you plan on towing multiple skiers, wakeboarders, etc.

The Stejcraft/MerCruiser combination is quick in a straight line, but the real fun doesn't start until you chuck it into a high-speed turn. 

Encouraged by Stejcraft MD, Tim Catanese, I threw the test rig into a high-speed turn and just cranked the steering around to full lock. The hull responded immediately, gripping up and carving through the turn aggressively, but with poise and balance.

Through the turn, the G-forces ramped up, but I felt in complete control at the helm, the hull proving to be responsive and predictable from corner entry to exit.

If there was a fun-factor meter, I'd have to give the Stejcraft a 10/10.

For me, the only bug-bear in the engine/performance area concerns the small size of the standard underfloor fuel tank. It has a capacity of just 100L. That's not going to last very long when you're ripping about the bay towing skiers, carving turns - and generally enjoying yourself to the max.

Specifically, the Stejcraft/MerCruiser combination has a maximum range of just 118nm whilst cruising at 2500rpm at a speed of 18.8 knots. 

Performance

Range on 95% of the 100L fuel supply at 2500rpm: 118.3nm

Verdict

The Stejcraft SS55 SD Bowrider is a terrific sports all-rounder for families seeking fun and adventure on the water. 

This proudly Australian made fibreglass boat has the looks, the performance, the finish and the fit-out to rival most of the US and European competition - but without the sky-high sticker price.

That's the clincher for me. The Stejcraft SS55 SD Bowrider package can be sitting in your driveway for as little as $60k. That's top-drawer value for a fully-kitted, gorgeous looking bowrider sports boat. 

Specifications
Model: Stejcraft SS55 SD Bowrider
Length overall: 6.1m 
Hull length: 5.5m
Beam: 2.35m
Draft: 400mm (drive up)
Deadrise: 19 degrees
Weight: 820kg (hull only)
Weight on trailer: 1550kg (est)
Maximum power: 200hp SD
Engine as tested: MerCruiser 200hp 4.5L V6 Alpha One sterndrive 
Fuel: 100L 
Passengers: 7

Priced from: $59,990 with a MerCruiser 200hp 4.5L V6 petrol sterndrive engine with a MerCruiser Alpha One drive leg, along with a single axle Dunbier galvanised steel trailer, boat and trailer registrations, and an inshore safety gear kit. 

Price as tested: $69,872. As above but with an upgraded Dunbier trailer; black coloured hull and deck with blue accent deck plank and graphics pack; Stejcraft H2O foam rubber flooring and accent panels throughout; rear boarding platform extension with H2O foam rubber non-slip surface; bimini cover; Lowrance Hook Reveal 5 fishfinder/GPS; and a Jensen Marine Bluetooth audio system with speakers. 

Supplied by: Stejcraft Boats