Savage 655C and Evinrude ETEC G2

We also found the helm wheel obstructed the flush-mounted electronics, so to cater for Evinrude’s ETEC Gen 2 instrumentation the layout has been revamped and the vital instruments are in full and easy view to everyone standing at the helm.

PRICE AND EQUIPMENT
- Sharp pricing and solid warranty
At a time in our economy when a $100K price-tag turns very few heads, the sticker price on this rig may require a double-take.

At $76,990 this is a hell of a lot of boat.

With a smart power plant in the ETEC G2, you get the latest advances in technology. With a service-free period of five years or 500 hours, the winner is the boat buyer.

Fusion’s MS-RA 200 sound system is flush-mounted in the helm along with speakers recessed in the cabin liner. Time has proven this brand of electronics can handle the marine environment.

GME’s GX-600 VHF radio sits next to it and both are at the top of the helm dash fascia. Evinrude’s G2 instrument sits below that next to the Lowrance Elite 7 combo unit.

Ideally it would be good to have both instrument panels up higher at eye level and the Lowrance screen and Evinrude instrument promoted. So the Fusion or the GME radio would need to find a home elsewhere.

Hydraulic steering is standard fit on this package.

As for the Evinrude ETEC, well, initial impressions of this new-look outboard could be confronting and oblique angles and lines certainly stand the G2 apart from a conventional outboard. 

But looks are only skin deep and the performance speak volumes below.

The colour schemes are interesting, too, as BRP can produce the cowls and side panels in different colours to suit individual tastes and large dealers will even be able to have their own proprietary colour scheme.

INTERNAL LAYOUT
- Plenty of comfort, plenty of stowage
The 655C cabin has a decent-sized leg well with infill to allow two large adults some sleeping space. The seat cushions have a raised front edge which is comfortable under the legs, but also prevent items including sleeping children from ending up on the cabin deck in a rolling sea.

Seating is plush and comfortable and rear seating in the form of covered stowage boxes is standard. The boxes can be dragged out of the way when fishing over the transom and will be handy when carrying drinks, ice and food ashore for lunch. Drain plugs are installed in each of them.

With the boxes removed from the cockpit, you can put your knees into the removable padded backrests on the transom. Access under the transom, the electrical and fuel plumbing is relatively easy to reach once the boxes are removed.

A tank sits under a hatch toward the transom and will be handy for small fish or discarded rubbish.

Stepping through the transom onto the rear platform, one realises how far technology has come.

One tube approximately 60mm in diameter runs from the power head back into the boat. Talk about cean rigging! The next innovation can only be wireless and no doubt someone is working on that.

ON THE WATER
- Great performance combined with excellent economy
The G2 performance really is a stand-out. The ability of the engine to change its trim to suit the surrounding conditions including those created by a less-than-perfect performance of a skipper is no less than fascinating.

Hole shot all but obliterated when jumping onto the plane, as the torque produced by this motor, throughout the throttle range, and the overall performance are fantastic.

Noise output would seem to be less than that generated by the Gen1 ETEC engines and vibration is virtually non-existent.

Evinrude builder BRP is extolling a number of virtues, one being the incredible fuel economy produced by these new engines.

At a smooth vibration-free idle of 500rpm, this G2 rig is travelling at just under 2.3 knots for just 1.27lph giving a tank range of 466km.

At 2500rpm we were doing 21.1 knots for 17.18lph and a range of 266km. On the hunt at 4000rpm, the Savage was cruising at 37 knots consuming 39.2lph for a range of 203km.

At WOT of 5400rpm we were  travelling at 49.6 knots using 66.3lph for a range of 157.6km

VERDICT
- Nearly all you could ask for in this size range
Many of us baulk at change and going to a new-looking outboard style in the G2 will have a few eyebrows raised.

We fielded a few comments on the test day from people who pulled up to ogle the oblique lines of the E-TEC on the transom. Like with most things, one gets used to it and they will too.

The new engine’s performance on the 655C is all you could ask for and this package is the duck's guts in its size range.

Handling is effortless through the throttle range and the torque is great in the mid range.

The new instrumentation complementing the ETEC G2 is user friendly and practical in its applications.

RATINGS
Overall: 4.8/5.0
Mechanical: 4.8/5.0
Packaging and practicality: 4.8/5.0
On water performance: 4.9/5.0
Value for money: 4.9/5.0
X-factor: 655C- 4.7/5.0.  Gen2 – 4.9/5.0.  As  package-  4.8/5.0

NOT SO MUCH
<< The configuration of the instrument layout could be addressed

Specifications:
Price as tested: $76,990
Length overall: 6.50m
Beam: 2.48m
Hull weight: 1020kg
Maximum power: 225 hp
Maximum engine weight: 280kg
Engine as tested: Evinrude ETEC G2 200hp
Propeller: 18in four-blade RX4
Fuel:  Two stroke
Maximum persons: Eight

Supplied by:
Whitewater Marine.
10 Hinde Street Ashmore Qld 4215
Telephone (07) 5532 4402
www.whitewatermarine.com.au