Savage 655C

When we first caught a glimpse of this new range of Savage boats they were on the 'hard' behind Telwater’s factory and about to be shipped to the Melbourne boat show. We could see there was an aura of quality about them, but it was some time before we could put them to sea.

It was obvious then, and more so now, that those overseeing the manufacture of the Savage range of boats have their finger on the pulse.

The general finish of the fibreglass work on these boats is as good as you will find in any Australian build, but alas we are unable to make judgement on the structural integrity. Take heard that whatever is out of sight and out of mind is covered by a good warranty and the backing of Australia’s biggest (volume) boat builder.

The 655C targets the coastal and offshore fisher looking for a serious boat to ply his sport but one that won’t break the bank. Even the budget conscious will note that the boat is a platform -- all the other goodies that go on top can send the price through the roof -- needing fitup when you can afford it.

But this boat has all the right foundations -- the first being serious LOA for offshore angling but also a healthy beam for that much-needed stability. And then there is the walk-around capability allowing those in a multiple hook-up fiasco to spread out and fight those trophy fish heading to all points of the compass.

There is also user friendliness as far as families are concerned. In fact, this boat has plenty of that fish-and-family appeal.

The supports for the rocket launcher rod holder give plenty of hand holds initially then the windscreen frame and bow rails take over as one goes back and forth. The step up is also easy with part of the cockpit liner moulded for that purpose.

To keep the companionway between the two cockpit seats wide enough for access to the cabin, the helm chair has been installed on the deck with the side of the bucket hard up against the cockpit liner. This makes the helm position cramped and, to drive with the hand on the throttle, the right elbow is jacked up uncomfortably high. The upside is the fact that the liner is upholstered so one can enjoy some comfort.

The entry into the cabin is large and an infill creates a bunk that could handle two large sleeping adults without a problem. With it removed there is ample leg room and this place could host a large ice box to free up the deck and prevent it sliding about in rough seas.

The cushions here have raised fronts that provide good under-knee support and when removed typical dry-storage areas are located below.

The cushioning against the surrounding cabin pockets is Velcro-attached so it's easily removed for laundry when required.

Ambient light comes in via a slit fixed window each side and an opening hatch in the roof which ventilates the cabin. There is no access for crew to reach the anchor well via this hatch, due to its distance from the bow, so its dimensions have been kept to a minimum.

On the external aft cabin moulding, the rocket launcher is attached and is constructed of high-quality stainless steel. The bimini is supported by its own struts made of aluminium tube and plastic brackets and hinges. It would have been nice to see both of these items melded and part of the same framework but, then again, that package price will climb. The issue with joining the two is that the stainless steel rocket launcher rod holder is standard whilst the bimini is an option.

Both cockpit seats are height adjustable and, in front of the copilot, a sturdy grab rail comes from around the port side half way across the cabin bulkhead.

The windscreen in front is constructed of heavy Perspex with the centre panel full width with no aluminium struts to get in the way of clear vision. The alloy extrusion it sits in seems to be heavy enough to use as a hand hold if necessary.

Those who have a preference for flush-mounted large screen electronics will have their prayers answered on the helm station on the 655C. It seems to be large enough to take a 10-inch screen at a squeeze but it will be overshadowed by the fixed-hub steering wheel. Perhaps optioning up to one of the five-position sports steering bases might suit those who prefer an unimpeded view of the screen.

Aft of the steps leading onto the walkaround deck, short cockpit side pockets extend to the aft of the transom bulkhead. Their fascias are soft upholstered and there is plenty of foot-under access.

The rear seating slides partially away and consists of two large bunged stowage boxes with cushioned lids. These are removable so one may stand at the transom and fish. If not shifted to some other part of the cockpit they may be removed altogether and left at home.

While the box construction is a single shell of fibreglass it would be handy to have their insides lined and insulated to turn them into cold storage for fish and food stuffs; ideal for lugging ashore for the family picnic, too.

Once shifted out of the way, there is unfettered access to the bilge plumbing and electrics.

Each corner of the transom has a single dome-like cushioned backrest that is attached to a lift-out transom door. These doors, once removed, reveal a walk-through to get onto the boarding platform. The starboard side has a boarding ladder that folds up and two grab rails, one of which is attached to the removable door. The looms coming to the outboard remain fairly central so there is no clutter on either side of this platform.

We did find, however, that 200 is a nice match and it offered plenty of get-up-and-go during hole shot and exhibited ample torque throughout the range to WOT of 5650 rpm. At that point the ETEC was burning 69lph and top speed was approximately 42 knots.

The ETEC settled into that sweet cruise spot on the throttle at 3600rpm with the GPS showing just under 25 knots and fuel burn had dropped back to 24.8lph. Wrapped up, that is a cruise time of 6.8 hours for a full tank, which is a big day out in anyone’s books.

VERDICT

With many boats of this dimension and design having price tags in the high 70Ks to low 80Ks the 655C stands almost alone in the value department. Its visual appeal, performance and the low purchase price won’t disappoint.