Salem SSB 590E

Stepping out of sistermag BlueWater's 25ft Black Watch project boat - which was being used as a camera boat - and into Salem's SSB590e skiboat in the middle of the Coomera River felt a little strange.

The proximity of the water surface and the hugging shape of the Salem was quite a contrast to the wide open decks of the big centre-console.

THE NEED FOR SPEED
Slipping into the adjustable helmseat and planting the throttle on the 130hp four-stroke Honda outboard that powered this sleek beauty soon turned those feelings into exhilaration as the boat shot forward like a missile. From there it was fun, fun and more fun as we streaked along the river under the guise of testing this boat.

Running over wash from the 40-odd boats (some to 8m) using this waterway, the ride was sweet with minimal noise and no feeling of flexing in the hull. Landing after jumping over average chop was gentle as the boat settled on its cushion of air. Double density foam cushioning in the upholstery helps to dampen the ride as well.

Putting the Salem into a tight turn, the cornering was as solid as a train on rails. No slipping or sliding whatsoever. Pushing the boat to a wide open throttle of 6000rpm, our GPS recorded 69.9kmh. From there the boat was put on a full high-speed lock, with instant response and, again, no slippage or cavitation. No matter how hard we pushed this boat, we couldn't get it to break away or the engine to cavitate. All of this throwing from port to starboard was done effortlessly with one hand on the wheel spokes.

While it was tempting to run the Salem at full throttle everywhere we went, we thought we had better check out the wake at varying speeds. Between 2000 and 2500rpm the boat produced a nice fat wakeboarding wake, while at around 4000rpm the wake flattened out nicely to suit slalom skiers.

STORAGE TO BURN
Having resisted the petrolhead urge, we had a harder look at this boat's make-up. The rear three-seater lounge against the transom bulkhead has its base cushion velcroed to the floor. A large shallow storage area is found below. There is also good storage under the observers' seat, which seats two people facing aft. Behind the rear lounge backrest is a wide area inside the coaming with battery locker and further storage, which is accessed via hatches in the top of the transom bulkhead. The catches to lock these hatches are flush-mounted out of the way of limbs and ropes.

Further storage is available each side in shelves installed in the cockpit wall liners. A full-size underfloor ski locker extends under the bow cone, and this compartment is illuminated from the dash. A handrail for an observer is fixed to the top of the dash, which has a lip to prevent chattels falling into the cockpit. This forms a full-width tray and is an integral part of the upper moulding. It is carpeted on the inside and is situated behind the solid-glass wind deflector.

The testboat was fitted with VDO Marine Cluster electronics and Seastar steering. The helmseat slid on a long set of rails fixed to the deck. With steering tilted up and seat slid back, a large person would have no trouble getting in and out of the driving position. There was enough leg room under the dash for a couple of globetrotting basketball players and a heap of gear for a day in the sun.

Covering the front portion of the cockpit is a neat folding bimini that is constructed on anodised aluminium framework and held to the hull via stainless steel cables and fittings. The rear view mirror is attached to the bimini, although without the bimini the mirror can be installed on the inside of the wind deflector.

The boarding decks are located either side of the outboard well. While the boat is at rest, the boarding decks are designed to be at water level to aid access to and from the water. They have four strips of non-slip fixed in recesses in the moulding. The starboard sidewall of the hull above the boarding deck has a remote control for the stereo system.

MORE HORSES ANYONE?
The Salem and Honda combination is a smart one. It moves away from the traditional skiboat setup but provides an enjoyable and economical social skiing experience. If the 130hp isn't quite enough to get the adrenalin flowing, don't worry. The Salem has a maximum horsepower rating of 225, which according to the manufacturer will push the boat in excess of 110kmh. Hold on to your hats with that one.

Based at Lake Eppalock in Victoria, Salem are happy to let you test drive any of its models. Contact Kevin and Elizabeth Barker for more information.