Haines Signature 535BR

It has its roots in history with the previous bow-riding models being initially the 520 then following on from that, the 530.

It is the smaller version of the 580BR which graced the dais for three Boat Of The Year Awards under the Boating Industry Association (Aust), their counterpart in New Zealand and with Modern Boating Magazine. The earlier 530BR was restricted to a maximum horsepower of 140 but with a slight revamp to the hull, the 535BR now has the capability of handling 150 horses.

The Garmin GMI 10 instrumentation is standard on the boat.

A small anchor locker is hatched and the usual stowage areas are found under hinged hatches beneath the seat cushions.

Entry to the bow section is via the opening central windscreen and there is no closing door or hatch below it. An optional tonneau cover over the bow section will prevent any draft coming through on cooler days when you have no one up front. It's also a good idea for storage to protect the lounges.

The windscreen is swept back giving the hull a bullet-like profile sweeping around the skipper and passenger and running well back along the coamings.

At the helm, hydraulic steering is fitted low down to give uninhibited view of the pair of Garmin GMI 10 instruments panels. Compact and functional they interface with the engine functions of the 140hp Suzuki four-stroke outboard.

A padded brow over the dash offers some shielding from the sun and looks smart to boot.

In front of the passenger, a flat-top hatch opens to a compartment that may be used for day to day items when boating or, with a bung in its bottom, it is easily turned into a small ice chest. Any water accumulated is drained through a pipe to the outside of the hull -- a very nice touch.

In the fascia above a marine stereo is fitted.

The bucket seating here is very comfortable and the upholstery is installed on full fibreglass shells on swivel posts.

In the deck between the seats a full length carpet-lined ski compartment is located and its volume was capable of holding around three to four skis or a couple of wakeboards.

The optional ski pole was mounted in the transom bulkhead with its base secured in a large angular bracket fixed to the deck below. When a single bolt is removed the pole may be lifted out. Also found here is the single cranking battery and a fuel filter mounted on the aft of the bulkhead above a small bilge fitted with a pump.

This area below the bulkhead is hidden by a curvaceous rear lounge that sits on a fibreglass base. Two barrel bolts allow the base to be removed and lifted out. Being a compartment in its own right it is ideal for stowing food or drinks in. With the cushion reinstalled it is ready-made seating for a couple of people getting sand between their toes.

A boarding platform is situated in each aft corner of the stern and that portside featured a fold down telescopic ladder.

All timberwork is fully encapsulated in fibreglass to further enhance its longevity and all topsides are clad with marine carpet.

The hull's tight cornering ability was excellent and it tracked nicely with no noticeable side slip during tight turns.

Its ride over sloppy conditions proved to be soft and is as good as you are likely to get in a boat of this size and style.

At WOT the boat will achieve 66km/h and performance tests revealed its fuel consumption at that speed to be 81 litres per hour. Its most economical running is at 3000rpm where speed over ground is 26km/h and fuel consumption is 17.5 litres per hour. This equates to a range of 142 km on the standard 100-litre fuel tank.

At the helm the 535BR is a pleasure to drive. Nice and comfortable with no bad manners to spoil a day out on the skis or beach.

It definitely cuts it in the good-looks department and worth further investigation if shopping for a bow rider.