Classic Boats -- Top 10 Trailerboats Under 6.0m(Pt 7)

At a glance, there doesn’t seem to be anything special about the Lancer -- but out on the water, the Lancer’s excellent design is apparent. Its pressed alloy hull is unusually soft riding and quiet.

But the Lancer also came with a large inventory of standard features. The centre opening windscreen sits on a small fibreglass windscreen base attached to the alloy foredeck. It was also fitted with twin pedestal bucket chairs, glove box, multiple grab rails, and underfloor fish boxes.

Following the success of the 530 Lancer (it won the 1983 ABIA Boat of the Year Award), a half cabin model and a cuddy cabin were subsequently released. The half cabin was called the Lancer Traveller. It is identical to the runabout, but it has a tall cabin incorporating two vinyl upholstered berths.

For the offshore angler, Savage released the Lancer Professional. This craft was a great success from day one. At the time, nothing in fibreglass was as well designed, or as well equipped.

Standard features included extra wide side coamings, two underfloor fish boxes, and a full width outboard well to accept twin engines.

Most fishermen could also appreciate the shelter advantages provided by the tall cuddy structure. The cabin was also short, with small berths or seats. This left a cockpit nearly as big as the deck in the runabout model.

The Lancer 530 was lengthened to 540 in the late 1980s -- and then lengthened and modified several times again thereafter -- to the extent that you’ll find Lancers from different eras on the secondhand boat market. The original 530 models are the most common as they were the most popular.

For detailed information on the Savage Lancer 530, and reviews on dozens of other great used boats, pick up a copy of Jeff Webster’s Secondhand Boat Secrets magazine. This 148 page used boat buyer’s guide can be purchased at selected newsagents or online at www.jeffwebster.com.au