Cruise Craft Resort 6 Outboard

Australian-built boats often have a habit of looking a little dated in comparison to their American counterparts. While they may be built tougher to cope with the more rugged conditions found in Australian waterways, style and looks does not neccesarily have to be compromised, as is evidenced by the Cruise Craft Resort 6 Outboard, which is the biggest boat in that company's bowrider range. It's a boat that's big on class and performance and you don't feel like you're cruising in a Mack truck on the water. In fact, it's a true sportsboat that you may want to give consideration to before you jump head first into an American dayboat.

POWER AND HULL
The test boat was powered by a new Evinrude E-Tec 200hp V6 spinning a 17-inch stainless steel prop. The engine performed well cruising at 32km/h at 2500rpm, while WOT clocked in at 73km/h at 5000rpm. But what of the hull itself?

 Starting at the pointy end, the Resort 6 has an anchor locker with hatch that opens to find a big locker and a mooring bollard. I can see why the bollard is located under the hatch, but if you want your boating made simple, you probably prefer it exposed on the bow for easing mooring.

The bow section is fully upholstered. The lounge is a classic U-shape and is roomy enough to fit four tackers or three adults. There are two grab handles within close proximity and gunwales and backrests are padded so you are comfortable whether you prefer to lounge or sit. Closer inspection of the bow cushion reveals it is a two-piece arrangement. Both cushions lift out to provide access to bow storage. A bow tonneau cover comes as a standard feature of this boat.

The walkthrough windscreen is a five-piece setup and sits at a nice height to protect you from spray. It also contributes to this boat's sleek feel. The bow walkthrough also houses two storage areas in the bulkhead that would be ideal to house safety gear such as a small extinguisher, torch, and flares. Each of these compartments has a shelf which splits them into an upper and lower compartment. Dash wiring is exposed in the compartment forward of the helm but this could easily be concealed with a removable panel for maintenance access.

 The dash features a Plastimo offshore 75 compass and there are gauges for battery, fuel, trim and hours, as well as the obligatory speedo and tacho. A Clarion marine sound system was a feature of the test boat. If you've got youngsters looking to ski or wakeboard behind the Resort, then this is probably not an option but more like a must have. There's also four speakers that will have the volume pumping out the back of the boat.

The test boat came equipped with an optional ski pole, however there are also two ski tow eyes. For those really wanting to turn this into a towing weapon, you can option up to a wakeboard tower.

HELM HAPPENINGS
Overall, the helm is set up nicely for the driver. The BRP throttle sits well within reach of the driver and gauges, as described earlier, are at a nice viewing height.

The portside dash houses two gloveboxes, one of which may suit a first aid kit, while the other could house personal items. There's also no shortage of cupholders, which are a must on a dayboat of this nature. Port and starboard sidepockets are carpeted, as is the floor and ski locker, which is large enought to fit wakeboards and other equipment. There's further storage under the rear lounge.  So wherever you are on this boat – bow, cockpit or transom – you are presented with a wide range of storage options.

The rear lounge is the social centre of this boat. It's big enough for three to four people and, with the addition of a cockpit table, becomes a real multi-purpose area. Like the helm seats and bow lounge, the rear lounge is spacious and comfortable. Bins either side could house ice and refreshments.

Just rinse yourself down with the freshwater shower, take a seat at the table, pop some wine or champers, turn on the stereo and kick back and relax. After all, this boat has been rather appropriately named the 'Resort'.

HIGHS