Evolution 652 Enclosed: Review

From humble beginnings with a backyard build, Melbourne-based Evolution Boats has gained a loyal following. This new 652 Enclosed (#6) demonstrator is the boatbuilder, Paul Junginger’s, own boat. It was bristling with the works and more. After getting the lowdown, we venture offshore on a windblown day to report on the new flagship built for serious long-range trailerboat fishing.

OVERVIEW
- Vic fishos shaping the hardtop trailerboat market
The Australian-made trailerable sportsfishing market is evolutionary and anglers in the south sure have a lot more sway these days. The tremendous fisheries for southern bluefin and yellowfin tuna, swordfish, striped marlin and, of course, snapper are shaping the way local boatbuilders go about their craft. And Vic anglers are lining up for locally-made hardtops.

Enclosed helm decks for year-round weather protection; twin outboard rigs for greater range and safety; bigger fish boxes and live wells for the catch; more storage for gear; and overall bigger rigs on specially set-up trailers are expanding the trailerboater’s range. Little wonder stats from a recent Vic boating survey reveal locals think nothing of towing 100km-plus to launch.

This 652 Enclosed from Melbourne’s well-established Evolution yard reflects the new trailerboat order. We drove the boatbuilder’s own demo with the maximum twin 200hp Evinrude ETEC G2s and a boatload of kit. This was a special rig intended for deep-water game and sports fishing anywhere the fish are snapping from Bermagui through Lakes Entrance to Portland and beyond.

An ex-Streaker employee, Evolution founder Paul Junginger decided to go it alone 12 years ago this month (June 2015). He’s since built 400+ boats, about one per week in recent years, in 5.0m, 5.5m and 6.5m ranges. Tellingly, the hot slot for the travelling trailerboat brigade is with 6-6.5m rigs these days.

Junginger says he can directly equate the fishing seasons and quality thereof with sales of his boats. Hot bluefin bites in Portland are driving the 6-6.5m rigs, which are also being towed to Bermagui for the yellowfin, while his smaller rigs are used more often for bay snapper and freshwater fisheries.

On the bluewater, his bigger boats have a high-profile following. Alistair McGlashan is on his third Evolution and recently clocked 1000 engine hours on his Yamaha outboard in just nine months. Top angler Lee Rayner also uses a 6m Evolution for his video and TV work. There has been an extraordinary amount of sea miles accrued on these two boats alone.

Of course, there are deals behind the scenes and quid pro quo in respect of product endorsement. But equally we’re not hearing of anything breaking, any bad words or negative feedback on the viral trailerboat-fishing grapevine, and you just can’t argue with the miles these fishing stars are clocking on their Evolutions.

Spend even half a day with boatbuilder Junginger and you soon understand the passion and purpose behind his evolutionary boats. There’s a good reason behind every design detail in a boat built by a keen fisho for keen fishos.

PRICE AND EQUIPMENT
- From $125K to $180K for this no-holds-barred demonstrator
You can hit the fishing highway with an Evolution 652 Hardtop for $125K driveway with a single 250hp Evinrude ETEC G2 on dual-axle trailer. Evolution sells direct to the public in Victoria, where this 652 Evolution will be the centrepiece of a four-boat display at the 2015 Melbourne Boat Show. There is also an established national dealer network.

As tested, well, you’re looking at about $180K for this loaded 652 Enclosed demo boat, Junginger says. Of course, there are oodles of options, but if you look at the standard specifications, the Evolutions pack more kit aboard than most competitors and come loaded for keen anglers.

The engine upgrade is the big one here and it’s hard to ignore. The twin Evinrude ETEC G2s, which we helped launch in Wisconsin last year and you can read about here, stand out from the crowd.

The understated black-and-white cowlings of the twin 250hp ETECs matched the cool billfish hull wrap (standard) that together created a smart enclosed-hardtop sportsfisher.

This is a big volume boat, but it didn’t look too blocky at all. On the trailer and highway it's going to be head-turner and a heavy rig of more than 3000kg. But jump aboard and you will find the appeal is a lot more than skin deep. Fishing features abound...

FISHING FEATURES
- Fully armed and ready for battle
There was a berley bucket, drop down ladder for family watersports days, and an optional side hull door that’s become invaluable for loading gear aboard, if not big ‘barrel’ bluefin at an imminent point in time.

The standard-issue rear GRP baitboard is another highlight. The demo boat’s board included high-pressure washers, drinkholders, rod holders, and tackle storage.

The boat also comes standard with 100-litre (starboard side) and 85-litre live-bait tanks. The tuna tubes on the portside are standard with their overflows trickling astern to maximise your scent trail.

Underfloor, the boat comes with a long-range 300-litre polyethylene fuel tank with twin breathers and twin Racor fuel filters. The tank is accessible via a floor hatch and six self-tapper screws in case you get a dirty batch. It happens.

The demonstrator had a triple battery set-up, with a deep-cycle 130A for ‘house’ duties. The batteries are mounted in a moulded area up off the floor.

Meantime, foam filling of the hull helps insulate all the underfloor tanks, which include two kill tanks with 220-litre capacity each for bringing kings, reds, trag and suchlike home for the table.

The underfloor bilge (with 1100gph pump) is part of a central aft lined kill tank with 450-litre capacity and Junginger says he’s seen a 65kg (dressed) yellowfin in there. There is a separate underfloor icebox between the helm seats with 140-litre capacity.

Because the ETEC G2s have integrated power steering and oil reservoirs, there’s plenty of room back under the transom for those triple batteries, fuel filters and so on. The ETEC’s clean rigging adds to the simplicity of this twin engine fit-up and the outboards have full tilt without need for an adjustable splash-well board.

The outboard(s) are mounted on a dedicated moulded pod that doesn’t protrude too far and affect aft fishing room and rod clearance.

The boat’s full-length side pockets, meanwhile, provide invaluable storage for all kinds of bulky items right up to buckets. Such is the boat’s construction integrity you can stand on the side-pocket facias and use them as steps without worrying about snapping them off. There is also toe-under space around the cockpit.

With the incredible buoyancy, freeboard and the thigh-high support, the self-draining cockpit is more fishable and safer than a Bertie 25's and those of other mini gameboats.

There’s a generous 2.10m internal beam and, with a padded coaming, the entire transom is one big gunwale-to-gunwale fishing area big enough for three guys standing abreast. A UFC-like ‘octagon’ from which to fight fish!

Other neat details include the seat pedestal bases with inbuilt shock absorbers, tackle storage in the moulded seat boxes, an extra aft-facing seat on the passenger’s side perfect for trolling (a rear lounge is an option), six truly heavy-duty stainless steel rod holders, wide and flat gunwales that double as impromptu seats, the recessed tackle boxes in the transom, and 10-plus rod storage.

Even with the big moulded enclosed hardtop, the 652 retains good walkaround access to the bow thanks to strategic handrails. There’s a flat padded seat on the foredeck so you can lock yourself in, although with the electric drum-style windlass fitted as standard don’t need to haul rope. The split bow rail assists crew pick-ups from a wharf and beach drop-offs for fish cleaning.

SPECIAL HARDTOP AND CABIN
- A special moulded helm enclosure and camper cabin
Mounted on freestanding fibreglass pillars, the hardtop is more than just a bolt-on lid. A full enclosure, it’s got a 300kg load limit, meaning you could add a half tower, which this super-stable platform will support. An autopilot remote with a little dicky seat would create a great marlin-spotting station.

The boat had a pair of 16ft outriggers with Taco Grand Slam quick release bases. The poles were stowed in the cabin, which is a pretty handy trick during transit and those non-trolling days. We left them stowed.

Besides mounting space and integrated storage for personal effects alongside the helm seats, and overhead radio mounting, the hardtop offers excellent weather protection. That was appreciated during the biting westerlies on our test day. Spray was tossed about but not in our faces or on the rods we had stashed aboard.

Along with the overhead rocket launcher, the boat has rod storage in the side pockets and in additional vertical racks near the helm seats for heaps of outfits. You can quickly clear rods during a big hookup. With the cabin side pockets also able to carry a few sticks, you can pack a stack of gear on this 652 Enclosed.

Yet despite the weight of the hardtop and the stainless-steel hardware, the 652 remained impressively stable at rest. It really is a boat built for carrying weight. A crew of four or five anglers and a stack of gear is no problem at all. This is the way ‘pro’ anglers are running their six-metre Evolutions with all the camera kit.

Side windows and a hatch give ventilation in the enclosed helm area, while the distortion-free Taylor-made armour-plate windscreen — without imposing centre mullion — maximises the views.

In the cabin, you’ll find a deep footwell (for yet more storage) and high cabin roof for excellent seating room for four anglers. Card nights for jewies come to mind. We found no daggy self tappers protruding into the cabin and clean-cut through-bolt threads instead. A good clean finish.

Storage exists in small lined storage spaces under the bunks, but the pump-out electric TMC marine head could be a better find.

The galley module inside the cabin of the demo boat will also be welcome, with a sturdy and substantial moulded unit behind the dash including a sink, portable stove and storage for provisions. Shake-and-Bake, canned kippers and Cup-a-Soup was nearby.

There’s 60 litres of fresh water for the galley sink and deck shower. If you delete the galley module (fitted as pictured) you get a bigger sleeper with full twin 2.1m twin bunks. As it was, with infill, you can still sleep a couple of close anglers, certainly a weary kid or two, and there’s room to unfurl a swag on deck, too.

A clever fold-down four-mug holder near the helm seat lets you pour a cup of cha on the troll without spilling things. Clearly, Junginger likes his comforts when fishing those frigid southern fisheries! Along the way, he’s done a lot of deep thinking that's gone into this 652 Enclosed.

HULL AND ENGINEERING
- Built to last with heavy-duty fittings
The 652 hull has fibreglass foam-filled stringers and a foam-injected subfloor area for extra stiffness, positive buoyancy in the event of swamping, and sound and heat insulation. The hull, deck and liner go together to create a one-piece structure and Junginger goes to great lengths to reduce rattles, he will tell you. The hull is backed by a seven-year warranty.

There are heavy-duty stainless steel deck fittings, through-bolted to backing plates, 32mm stainless bow rail and big grab rails, three large hull bungs to ensure a proper hull drain on trailer, while the fully-moulded hardtop includes a full internal GRP liner. There are opening portlights for fresh air and the mandatory escape hatch in the cabin. Good gear throughout.

The hull itself is rather interesting. The boat measures 7.20m overall, yet it retains a 2.49m wide beam, which means no towing permit is necessary. That said, this twin rig weights around 3.25 tonnes on the road, necessitating a maxi 4WD. EDITED: Some other 652s with twins have weighed near 4 tonnes on road. But you can get a single-engine 652 on alloy trailer for under 3000kg, Junginger told us.

Design-wise, the hull has a moderately sharp 21 degrees of deadrise, where deep-vees are up around 23-24 degrees, and crossover boats range from 18-20 degrees. The aggressive 160mm-wide reverse chines, traditional planing plank and that moderate deep-vee ensure the 652 slips onto the plane easily and rides up high on the water.

In fact, such is the high running attitude and high profile that the 652 Enclosed struck us as being a very good bar-crossing proposition. Certainly you will be hard pressed putting green water over the bow. It's a very well made fishing platform that’s proven itself offshore in all manner of weather from the tropics to Tassie.

ON THE WATER
- High and dry with cat-like stability
You actually take a half step up to the helm deck on the 652, which does two things: it improves your sight lines and helps keep water out of the cabin. The sturdy stainless-steel wheel and big dash for electronics add to this boat’s offshore intent.

Our demonstrator had a 7in Evinrude MFD engine-data screen, Simrad 12in and room for plenty more. There were Lenco trim tabs, windlass button and a well-recessed throttle binnacle to maximise hip room at the helm.

With upgraded Fusion sound system (with separate fishing and cruising zones) and recessed speakers you can't pump up the predators. But even with the stereo muted, we still couldn’t hear or smell much of those twin 200hp ETECs at idle.

These 3.4-litre V6 two-strokes are refined to the point they offer better fuel efficiency than the twin 150hp ETECs Junginger was running previously, he says. Advance the throttle and the grunt is tactile and audible as you grab a rail and go.

Spinning 20in four-blade props, the demo boat has hit a top speed of 108km/h or 58 knots at 5900rpm WOT. With one 200hp ETEC in the water, you will cruise up to 75km/h or 45 knots. According to the trip, Junginger had done 101km to date for 94 litres. So the rig is delivering roughly 1km/1ltr in mixed use.

Low-stressed engines, the twin 200hp ETECs gave 50km/h or 26-27 knots at just 3000rpm for about 40lt/hr and 65km/h or about 35 knots at 4000rpm for about 51lt/hr. That will give you a range around 200nm from the 300-litre tank. Of course, trolling on one engine will use a whiff.

Sight lines were excellent, the compass mounted dead ahead, and although we were lashed by some spray, it was water off a hardtop’s back. The boat didn’t have a wiper, as Junginger says he prefers Rainex for beading, but we'd add a wiper all the same.

With such a high volume hull and all that lift, the 652 Enclosed rides very high. It’s got a bow-up attitude that’s defiant. You won’t get the headsea-punching performance from deep-vee hulls with fine entries buttoned to the water. You still need to run this boat with comfort in mind. But it will return the favour with crew comfort on long runs and big days aboard.

VERDICT
- Super seaworthy offshore platform
The 652 is so stable it’s incredible! A bunch of anglers will find plenty of room, great ergonomics, all the kit and storage they need. The safety level is exceptional thanks to an impressive combination of self-draining hull and high freeboard in a 6.5m.

With the hardtop, the 652 is pretty unstoppable and we can’t really think of a valid reason not to head out, even if it’s an inshore snapper or kingfish session, a jewfish or hairtail trip up river in dud winter weather, or a family cruise.

But for anglers chasing bluefin and yellowfin tuna from Portland to Port Stephens,  striped marlin of Lakes Entrance, broadbill down Tassie way, and other seriously big fish, the Evolution 652 holds special appeal.

One of the most surefooted 6-7m boats we’ve set foot aboard and a wonderful trolling, cubing and drifting or anchoring platform. A giant killer in more ways than one. - Words, photos and video by David Lockwood.

RATINGS
Overall rating: 4.74/5.0 = 94.8%
Mechanical/equipment: 4.8/5.0
Packaging and practicality: 4.8/5.0
On the water Performance: 4.7/5.0
Value for money: 4.7/5.0
X-factor: 4.7/5.0

LIKES
>> Purpose-built trailerable sportsfisher with a deep level of design and class-leading storage
>> Incredible stability and fishability in a self-draining cockpit with high freeboard
>> Seaworthiness and inherent safety that defies the boat’s dimensions
>> Amazing power and fuel consumption from the 200hp ETEC G2 twins
>> Australian-made and proven by some of our leading sponsored fishing personalities

NOT SO MUCH
>> All those hatch hinges look cheap and daggy and could even foul lines, too. Concealed piano hinges would be better throughout the cockpit.
>> From our experience, cabin roof lining would be a nice addition to reduce condensation when overnighting
>> Oversized chines provide fantastic stability, but the trade-off is some increased running noise and ride resistance when running into headsea
>> Big rig on the trailer, tipping the scales at 3.25t-plus (edited 5/2/2016: some have been near 4t), demanding a maxi 4WD (or truck) on top of the $125K-185K package price

Specifications:
Price as tested: About $180K with twin 200hp Evinrude ETEC G2 outboard-engine upgrade, trick alloy trailer, and options just about every conceivable option as detailed above.
Priced from: About $125K driveway with a single 250hp Evinrude ETEC G2 on dual-axle trailer.
LOA: 7.20m
Hull length: 6.50m
Beam: 2.49m
Internal beam: 2.10m
Deadrise: 21 degrees
Dry weight: 1800kg dry boat, no engines
Weight on trailer: About 3250kg as tested
Length on trailer: Approx. 4.40m
Height on trailer: About 3.20m
Fuel capacity: 300 litres
Water: 60 litres
Passenger capacity: Six
Maximum HP: 2 x 200hp
Engines on test: 2 x 200hp Evinrude ETEC G2 outboards with 25in legs spinning 20in four-blade props
Engine configuration: V6 74 degree E-TEC D.I, 3.4L, WOT 5400-6000rpm, 253kg ea.

Supplied by:
Evolution Boats Australia
4/254 Canterbury Road
Bayswater, VIC, 3153
Ph: (03) 9738 0085
E: info@evolutionboats.com.au
See www.evolutionboats.com.au