Savage 395 Raptor: Tinny Test

A new range of lightweight v-nose open tinnies or barra boats has been launched by leading alloy-boat manufacturer, Savage. The new Raptor models have been introduced to replace the outgoing Jabiru series. We sampled one of the entry models powered by a 30hp Evinrude E-TEC DFI two-stroke outboard.

OVERVIEW
- Founded on a pioneering alloy boat range
In the late 1970s, John Savage, Director of Savage Alumacraft and a pioneer of small alloy-boat design, introduced some of the very first v-nose open barra boats. The Savage Jabirus, as they were called, proved enormously successful, spawning an entire new class of estuary fishing craft.

Prior to the Savage Jabirus, and some custom models from Cairns Custom Craft’s Marcel Maujean, there were really only two types of small alloy regular production craft – vee bottom, rounded bow, high sided dinghies, and flat bottomed, square bow, hard riding punts.

The Savage Jabirus differed in that they combined the best features of both of the traditional boat styles — a vee-shaped bow and slight vee in the hull to soften the ride (whilst retaining great stability), low sides for easy access and car-topping, and much of the interior space of the original square bow punt.

Pretty much all v-nose tinnies and barra boats introduced since the late 1970s have been a variation on the original Savage Jabirus. So it was with some surprise that we learned of Savage’s decision to drop the Jabiru name-plate and replace the range with a new series of v-nose open boats called the Raptors.

Times change, of course, and Savage has clearly decided to look to the future, not the past, to move on and to reinvigorate its small boat range with a new series of open models for a new generation of small boaters and fishermen.

PRICE AND EQUIPMENT
- Budget-beating open boats
In the new Savage Raptor v-nose open boat range there are six different models built around five different hulls sizes. At present all models are designed to accept tiller-steer outboard engines, although we would expect a side-console layout to become available with the flagship model going forward.

The standard Raptor models are basic, two-thwart open tinnies with a forward anchor shelf and bow and stern rails. They are available in 355, 395 and 425 model sizes and light enough to be car-topped or trailered.

The Raptor Pro boats are more heavily built, and equipped with flat floors, casting platforms, extruded side decks, and a range of extra features. The Pro models come in 405, 425 and 445 sizes.

We sampled two of the new Raptors recently, but for this report we will review one of the entry models, the 395 Raptor.

Like its brethren, the 395 Raptor is designed as an entry package for the budget conscious. Townsville’s Angus Smith Marine has this model priced from just $9809 with a manual start, tiller-steer 25hp Evinrude E-TEC DFI two-stroke outboard (20” longshaft) and single-axle Savage aluminium trailer.

As tested with a slightly larger 30hp Evinrude E-TEC the price rises to $10,491.

LAYOUT AND DESIGN
- A time-proven tinny with some nice touches
A glance at the accompanying photos reveals there is not a whole lot to the interior. The 395 Raptor has two big, 420mm wide seat thwarts, a forward anchor shelf, low-set bow and stern rails, rear carry handles, a double towing eye (needed so you can attach a winch wire and a safety chain), and row-lock blocks.

There is also a glovebox built into the forward seat thwart which incorporates two drink/cup holders. This is a pleasing inclusion as it provides you with a reasonably secure location to stow your car keys, cell phone, etc.

In standard form, the 395 Raptor is sparsely appointed. This keeps the purchase price to a minimum and allows buyers to choose only the features they need and want from the expansive list of options.

The most desirable option is certain to be the flat, carpeted plywood floor which stretches between the two seat thwarts. This interior floor is something of a “must have” option as it makes it much easier to move about the cockpit. In the standard boat it is all too easy to trip over, or stub your toe on one of the cross rib bracing struts.

Among the other options is an overhead bimini with envelope, extruded side decks, casting platforms, side pockets, rod holders, bow-mount electric trolling motor plate, transducer brackets, hull paint, vinyl hull wrap, foredeck cleat, and a fuel tank rack.

CONSTRUCTION
- All-welded construction with lightweight alloy
The 395 Raptor has a relatively lightweight build with 1.6mm pressed aluminium used for the hull bottom, transom and topsides.

The boat is intended to be kept on a trailer but at 101kg in weight you could roof-top it on a 4WD fitted with a boat loader/lifter roof rack system.

Internally, the Raptor has a series of eight bracing ribs across the floor, and six vertical struts welded between the internal chine and the gunwale.

It has an external keel, reinforced foredeck and anchor shelf, solid welded transom corner gussets, and vee shaped transom bracing with gusseting and a diagonal supporting strut.

The transom set-up looks more than strong enough to handle the weight and thrust of the Raptor’s 30hp maximum recommended power outboard.

The two foam-filled cross seat thwarts provide additional stiffness to the hull structure and are fully welded to solid looking vertical struts, which are in turn welded to the internal chine and gunwale.

Overall, the Raptor appears sturdily built with a solid framework, albeit with only moderate weight pressed alloy sheeting, which has been used to keep the hull weight down.

Our only reservation concerns the positioning of the row-lock blocks. These are welded to the channels under the coaming, but are otherwise not reinforced. Past experience has shown us that row-lock blocks can flex if they are not welded in place above a vertical bracing strut.

ON THE WATER
- A stable, well balanced v-nose boat
The 395 is the mid-sized model in the trio of standard Savage Raptors and arguably the most versatile of these entry-level models. It is small enough to car-top if you really need to, yet big and stable enough to fish bays, harbours and impoundments. It is not going to give you the ride comfort of a regular vee-bottomed boat, but for a lightweight v-nose punt, it is not too bad at all.

The key to a decent ride and good all-round performance is to set the engine trim up correctly, accounting for the number of passengers onboard, and where they are positioned. This is easy enough if you have an electric start outboard with power trim and tilt, but is more difficult with a manual start tiller outboard — as you will have to tilt the engine up and manually move the trim pin from one slot to the next. Still it is worthwhile doing this to ensure the boat remains well balanced.

The 395 Raptor is rated for single outboards from 15-30hp. Our test rig was fitted with the maximum power in the form of an Evinrude E-TEC 30hp DFI two-stroke, manual-start tiller outboard.

The test boat/engine combination proved pretty quick for this class of boat, accelerating strongly and achieving a top speed of 23 knots with two adults onboard.

We can’t see a recreational situation where you would need more than 30hp, and would actually advocate a 20-25hp outboard as being more than sufficient.

VERDICT
- A classic Aussie tinny
In the Savage 390 Raptor, the classic Aussie tinny is alive and well. The design and layout does not really break any new ground, but it is practical, functional, and above all, affordable to buy.

The 390 Raptor will perform admirably across a range of applications. With the right options fitted, it will work as a canal runabout, as a tender to larger craft, and as an entry level bay, river and estuary fishing rig.

LIKES
>> Neat entry bay runabout/fishing package
>> Glove box/drink holder insert
>> Solid transom/motor bracing
>> Competent performance

NOT SO MUCH
>> No standard fuel tank rack/platform

RATINGS
Overall rating: 4.62/5.0
Mechanical/equipment: 4.6/5.0
Packaging and practicality: 4.7/5.0
On the water Performance: 4.6/5.0
Value for money: 4.7/5.0
X-factor: 4.5/5.0

Specifications: Savage 395 Raptor
Price as tested: $10,491 including Evinrude E-TEC 30hp longshaft (20”) DFI two-stroke manual start, tiller-steer outboard, Savage single axle aluminium (unbraked) trailer, boat and trailer registrations, smooth water safety pack for three adults, and a sand anchor kit.

Priced from: $9,809 including Evinrude E-TEC 25hp longshaft (20”) DFI two-stroke outboard, Savage single axle aluminium braked trailer, boat and trailer registrations, smooth water safety pack for three adults, and a sand anchor kit.

Length overall: 3.85m
Hull length: 3.85m
Beam: 2.34m
Depth: 0.72m
Hull weight: 101kg
Flotation standard: Basic
Towing weight: Approx 425kg
Length on trailer: 5.2m
Height on trailer: 1.4m
Bottom & transom alloy: 1.6mm
Topsides alloy: 1.6mm
Maximum power: 30hp
Maximum engine weight: 120kg
Engine as tested: Evinrude E-TEC 30hp DFI two-stroke
Fuel: Portables
Maximum persons: Five

Supplied by:
Angus Smith Marie
Phone: (07) 4771 4046.
Email: angsmith@bigpond.net.au
Website: <a title="www.angussmithmarine.com.au.