Evolution 552 Platinum
If you thought Evolution's 2005 model 550 was a stunner, just check out the evolved 552 Platinum!- Soft, dry ride in sharp chop
- Big helm area for large electronic cabinets
- Very well appointed as a standard boat
Victorian boat builder Evolution Boats have been churning out glass hulls for a number of years now and one of their earliest models was the 550. That particular boat was tested by me at Bermagui in early 2006. As many of us know, Bermagui can be hit and miss with the weather and from experience it is more miss that hit! The test did prove, however, that this boat was right up there at the top of the list as far as ride, handling and value for money when it came to a trailer boat under six metres.
Part of evolution (ongoing change rather than this company) is that you hopefully improve on the previous model, and that goes with any product that's not a one off. Some companies (and not just boat builders) just don’t seem to get it right, so it was with a keen eye we looked at the revamped 550, reborn as the 552 Platinum, to see what direction this company had taken five years down the track and whether they were on course.
If there was ever a boat that had more bang for the buck in a standard fit up it is this one. In fact it is exploding! At a drive away price of $69,000 I am more than impressed with what is in the standard deal.
Standard equiment like hardened glass all round in the windscreen department, clears that seal off to the canvas bimini and a sturdy rocket launcher with six rod holders is just the start of it.
An HDS7 from Lowrance is in the kit, and if you need more screens to look at you have room to flush mount a 10" unit as well. The compass comes in the price. No big deal there, but many manufacturers charge extra for the most basic of safety devices which is required, in many cases, by law.
Hydraulic steering comes in the package and so to do the pair of radios mounted on the helm bulkhead. Add to the list of standard features an automatic bilge pump and deck wash and you will be starting to get an idea of the size of that ‘bang’.
No need to add the baitboard or the plumbed livebait tank on top of the cost; you get that in the price too.
Four rod holders on top of the two mounted in the bait rigging platform also are part of the deal and add a couple of those corner rod racks so typically Victorian when it comes to catching snapper -- they’re yours as well.
Evolution have cockpit side pockets that balloon at the forward ends in which is housed a five-rod holder with tubes spaced at various distances apart to cater for different-sized game reels attached to rods. Another standard fit.
The cranking department in the form of duel batteries installed in the transom bulkhead are in the price along with a three-drawer tackle cupboard installed below the walk-through transom.
The kill tank in the floor is standard and due to the void of the hull being foam filled, effectively becomes an icebox at no extra cost. There you go; just saved another 300 bucks!
The 552 features a pair of berths with typical under-cushion stowage areas. These bunks have been extended 400mm each from the older model with the use of inserts that may be removed should you wish to rebate the bulkheads under the dashboard each side of the aperture. Those that like airy cabins often would head down this path and if they do, the integrity of the hull will not be compromised. Leaving as is, however, will allow you to option up with a sliding lockable door for security of gear.
The leg well here is a good size and a large adult may easily enter the cabin and access the roof hatch to manually handle the ground tackle should you not opt for the electric winch which fits nicely into the hatched anchor well.
A couple of side pockets on the wall of the cabin will hold the usual gear that we tend to lose sight of as well.
The walk-around path to the bow has also been extended to the rear and once at the bow the previously convex deck has been flattened to give standing anglers better balance.
As well, the transom has been ‘boat tailed’, a narrowing of 10-mm each side which gives the hull more momentum in the water when coming off the plane.
These hulls have never been prone to excessive spray and the 552 is no different. It rides soft and dry.
Powered by Evinrude’s 150hp ETEC it was at its maximum power rating and we didn’t need any extra. Hole shot with three on board was effortless and it would get to 80km/h quick smart. If you wanted to downsize you could go all the way back to the recommended minimum hp of 115.
There is no doubt in my mind that this boat has evolved in the right direction. It was a pleasure to be in, stable and dry; all the things you want in a small fibreglass trailer boat.
Mechanical/equipment fit out: 4.7/5.0
Packaging and Practicality: 4.8/5.0
On the water Performance: 4.8/5.0
Value for money: 4.7/5.0
X-factor: 4.7/5.0
Haines Signature 580F
Length overall: 6.2m
Beam: 2.49m
Deadrise: 21-degrees
Weight: 870kg hull only. BMT approx. 1800kg
Engine: Evinrude ETEC V6 2-stroke
Fuel capacity: 150l
People day: 6
People berthed: 2
Supplied by: Evolution Boats, Tel (03) 9738 0085 Email: paul@evolutionboats.com.au Web: www.evolutionboats.com.au
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