Savage 525 Scorpion SC: Fishing Boat Review

Savage has added a 525 series model to its vee hull Scorpion open-boat range. Available with both side and centre console configurations, the new 525 Scorpion is just the right size to fish open bays, harbours and coastal offshore waters. We recently hopped aboard the side console version with Evinrude 115hp E-TEC power for this test report.

OVERVIEW
- Savage Scorpion range expands with new flagship model
Long-standing aluminium boat manufacturer Savage has added several new boats to its Scorpion open boat range with the launch of the 525 series.

Supplanting the 485 series boats at the top of the Scorpion range, the 525 models are available in side and centre console configurations, and with Standard and Pro interior layouts. The two differ in that the Pro models have more standard inclusions and are built with Savage’s Maxi-Bracket fast-back style transom design, as opposed to the simpler design on the standard boat which has a small outboard splash well and the Evinrude bolted directly to the transom.

The boats are otherwise similar and are equipped with flat carpeted floors, casting decks, plenty of freeboard, wide, rolled gunnels (a traditional Savage feature) and a heap of standard features.

The first of the new models to emerge from the Savage factory on the Gold Coast was the standard side console model, the 525 Scorpion SC. We tested this versatile new bay fishing rig with power from Evinrude’s three-cylinder 115hp ETEC DFI two-stroke outboard engine.

PRICE AND EQUIPMENT
- On the water for under $40k
The Scorpion range is very well equipped straight out of the factory. Key features include the carpeted bow and stern casting decks, wide side coamings, compact side console helm station, live bait tank, short bow and stern rails, cockpit side storage pockets, roto-moulded anchor well insert, and two folding swivel seats on removable pedestals bases.

Not so obvious but equally desirable standard features include storage lockers under the bow and stern platforms, bow cleat, rear transom step and ladder, two transducer brackets, four plastic rod holders, underfloor foam flotation (to Basic Standard), three in-floor seat sockets, and a 77lt underfloor fuel tank.

Packaged with an Evinrude ETEC 90hp DFI longshaft (20”) two-stroke outboard and single axle Savage aluminium braked trailer, Townsville’s Angus Smith Marine has the 525 Scorpion SC priced at $36,018.

The above price includes a number of popular options, such as the electric trolling motor plate at the bow, painted hull, upgrade to hydraulic steering, spare tyre for the trailer and a trailer walkway for easier launch and retrieval.

Boat and trailer registrations are also included in the above price, along with an open water safety gear package which includes an EPIRB, reef and sand anchor kit, five live jackets, v-sheet, flare pack and more.

Our test boat package was upgraded with a larger 115hp Evinrude ETEC outboard and this lifts the package price to $38,964.

INTERIOR LAYOUT
- All the bases covered
Side console or centre console? You can opt for either with the new 525 Scorpion. Our test rig was fitted with the side console option and I believe it is the better option if you regularly fish two-up with your best mate or partner.

Centre consoles are certainly better if you regularly fish alone as your weight is centred within the boat when driving along, but otherwise I like having the console and driving position offset to the starboard side as it opens up the whole of the port side of the boat for fishing and feels generally more open and roomy.

This was certainly true of the test boat package as the side console structure in the 525 Scorpion is compact and quite simple in design. It is open front and back so you can stow a tackle box beneath it, and there is just enough space on the dash and fascia for engine instruments and bracket-mounted electronics gear.

The test rig was new off the showroom floor so had not yet been fitted with a fish finder or GPS, but there is certainly space for one above the steering wheel, sheltered beneath the short perspex windscreen.

The windscreen itself does little to shield the skipper from wind and spray but as noted, will offer some protection to electronics gear.

The steering wheel is well placed and the side-mount throttle easy to reach. The helm was comfortable to use, the removable seat well positioned, and you could tuck your legs away underneath the console.

Unfortunately, the console does not have a storage shelf or glove box so there is really nowhere to stow your car keys or mobile phone — except perhaps in the side storage pocket under the gunwale. In reality though, the side pockets are best kept for deck lines, terminal tackle trays, live bait nets, etc.

As noted the Scorpion has casting decks at the bow and the stern. Both are elevated approximately 250mm above the centre floor section. The forward deck is roughly 940mm long with a maximum width of 1.74m. The rear deck is a lot smaller. Both decks are carpeted and the deck hatch lids are carpeted front and back for protection against rot and mould.

Under the forward platform there is a carpeted false floor accessed via a hatch on each side of the deck. With the false floor in place you could feasibly stow clothes and towels, etc, below decks here with some expectation that they will stay dry. Having said that, beneath the centre of the deck is another storage locker with a drop-in water-proof roto-moulded storage bin. This is the best location to stow gear to keep it dry, although you could be tempted to use this bin as an ice or fish box.

An excellent option for tournament anglers is a live fish well which slots into place under the casting deck, replacing the standard roto-moulded storage bin. Check this option if you are looking to take your bream, bass or barra fishing up to another level.

A fourth hatch and dry storage locker/bin in the casting platform up near the bow is designed specifically for life jackets and safety gear.

Moving aft, the short, elevated platform at the transom houses a storage locker with outboard oil tank and fuel filter on the starboard side, the engine cranking battery in a bin in the centre, and finally a small, plumbed (roto-moulded plastic) live bait tank over on the port side.

HULL AND ENGINEERING
- A smart plate-alloy look and sharp entry
The Savage 525 Scorpion SC is a good looking vee bottom, pressed
aluminium open boat with smooth, “plate-look”  3.0mm topsides. The hull
bottom and transom is also made from 3.0mm marine grade alloy sheet,
reinforced with a full length keel and a series of interior cross ribs.

The
525 Scorpion is a deep bodied boat with high topsides and enough
interior freeboard in the centre cockpit section (590mm) to make the
boat safe enough to fish coastal offshore waters.

The moderate
vee Savage “Ultra-lift” hull has an overall length of 5.39m (with
bowsprit), a maximum beam of 2.07m and hull depth of 1.1m.

The
pressed alloy hull has a sharp entry vee shape at the bow, which
moderates coming aft, external keel, an array of spray/lifting strakes
and very wide, flattened chines at the stern to boost stability.

ON THE WATER
- Safe, secure, solid performance from Ultra-Lift hull
With the maximum power 115hp Evinrude ETEC on the transom of the 525 Scorpion, the test rig proved very fast and agile. We recorded a top speed just shy of 38 knots at 6000rpm, which is seriously quick for a 17ft alloy tinnie.

Do you need this much power? No, but is was fun to hit the throttle and feel the Savage Ultra-Lift hull respond, lifting cleanly and quickly out of the water as it accelerated strongly from a displacement speed through to wide open throttle.

The punchy Evinrude 115hp ETEC had more power than you are likely to need, yet the Scorpion did not feel over-powered; the Ultra-Lift moderate vee hull felt stable and secure throughout. It was responsive to the helm, easy to drive, and quite comfortable in the choppy bay seas we encountered during out test on the Gold Coast Broadwater.

With regard to fuel economy, we determined the boat/engine combination was most frugal with the Evinrude ticking along at 4500rpm. At this point the engine was burning 25.1 litres per hour for a boat speed of 27.3 knots. This translates to 1.09 nautical miles per litre of fuel consumed, and to a maximum range of 79.56 nautical miles on 95 per cent (subtracting 5 per cent for line losses) of the test boat’s 77lt fuel tank.

VERDICT
- A versatile bay fisher with offshore capability
The Savage 525 Scorpion is one of those all-purpose, supremely versatile boats that will be able to do most things pretty well. It is small enough to fish estuaries and impoundments, rivers and streams, yet big enough to roam big open bays like Moreton in Brisbane and Port Phillip out of Melbourne.

The Scorpion is also big, safe and seaworthy enough to fish coastal offshore waters in calm seas. The hull is stable, surefooted, forgiving. The interior has ample freeboard (at least in the centre cockpit section), and there is plenty of open deck fishing space and storage lockers for gear and tackle.

We rate the 525 Scorpion highly for anyone looking for maximum fishing versatility in a well priced, reasonably compact package that is easy to tow behind a family car and to store at home.

LIKES
>> Compact, versatile bay/coastal fisher
>> Strong performance from Evinrude E-TEC
>> Plenty of standard features
>> Responsive, easy handling hull
>> Hatch covers carpeted front and back

NOT SO MUCH
>> No stern cleats
>> Needs a shelf under the console
>> Modest fuel range

RATINGS
Overall rating: 4.68/5.0
Mechanical/equipment: 4.7/5.0
Packaging and practicality: 4.9/5.0
On the water Performance: 4.6/5.0
Value for money: 4.7/5.0
X-factor: 4.5/5.0

PERFORMANCE - SPEED
2.6kts (4.8km/h) @ 1000rpm
4.2kts (7.8km/h) @ 1500rpm
5.2kts (9.6km/h) @ 2000rpm
7.6kts (14.0km/h) @ 2500rpm
14.0kts (25.9km/h) @ 3000rpm
18.7kts (34.6km/h) @ 3500rpm
22.6kts (41.8km/h) @ 4000rpm
27.3kts (50.5km/h) @ 4500rpm
29.6kts (54.7km/h) @ 5000rpm
33.6kts (62.2km/h) @ 5500rpm
37.9kts (70.1km/h) @ 6000rpm (WOT)

PERFORMANCE – ECONOMY
1.1 l/ph @ 1000rpm
2.6 l/ph @ 1500rpm
5.0 l/ph @ 2000rpm
8.3 l/ph @ 2500rpm
12.2 l/ph @ 3000rpm
17.6 l/ph @ 3500rpm
22.9 l/ph @ 4000rpm
25.1 l/ph @ 4500rpm
28.7 l/ph @ 5000rpm
33.0 l/ph @ 5500rpm
42.1 l/ph @ 6000rpm (WOT)

Specifications:
Price as tested: $38,964 including Evinrude E-TEC 115hp longshaft (20”) DFI two-stroke outboard, Savage single axle aluminium (unbraked) trailer with spare tyre and walkway, hydraulic steering, electric trolling motor plate, painted hull, boat and trailer registration, open water safety gear package including EPIRB, reef and sand anchor kit, five live jackets, v-sheet, flare pack and more.
Priced from: $36,018 - as above but with an Evinrude E-TEC 90hp longshaft (20”) DFI two-stroke outboard.
Length overall: 5.39m
Hull length: 5.26m
Beam: 2.07m
Depth: 1.10m
Hull weight: 425kg
Flotation standard: Basic
Towing weight: Approx 1,100kg
Bottom & transom alloy: 3.0mm
Topsides alloy: 3.0mm
Maximum power: 115hp
Maximum engine weight: 203kg
Engine as tested: Evinrude E-Tec 115hp DFI two-stroke
Fuel: 77 litres
Maximum persons: Six

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