Savage Aluminium 485 Scorpion SF

Since that time, the hull has undergone some small but significant tweaks, in response to customer feedback and time on the water. According to the designer, John Savage, the Scorpion has an ideal beam to chine ratio, while the overall weight is perfect for the hull length, transom deadrise and entry angle.

"Most important are the classic Savage Boats' buttock lines that are smooth and soft and in turn deliver a superior ride," he says. And with its generous freeboard and deep cockpit interior, it has the feel of a particularly safe boat while out on the water.

For the hull design, Savage employed a moderate deadrise design with the aim of delivering the best balance between stability and smooth ride. Strakes pressed into the bottom of the hull side aid lift and deflect spray away from the hull at speed, the company says.

The interior features an open cockpit with twin pedestal seats at the helm, fitted to a carpeted floor. An optional rear lounge can be fitted, or rear quarter jump seats can be specified.

Long side storage bins are a well-established standard Savage feature and provide not only the perfect place to stow fishing rods, but also act as the ideal toe-hold for anglers as they lean to reel in a particularly big one.

The aluminium hull measures 4.85 by 2.10m and utilises a single-piece glass moulding to form the deck and dash area of the rig.

Savage Boats build both aluminium and fibreglass boats, so it has the freedom to use the most appropriate materials for different functions in each of its designs.

"Fibreglass and aluminium weigh virtually the same," John Savage says. "The benefit of fibreglass on a runabout like the 485 Scorpion is that it delivers a functionality of design not achievable with aluminium construction."

A key feature of the deck design on the Scorpion is the walk-through dash arrangement. It provides a walk-way through the centre of the deck with access available all the way up to the apex of the bow. This is aided by a hinged screen and the centre deck panel which also hinges to port.

At the aft end of the Scorpion, the roomy cockpit is created by a unique T-door transom design, which leaves the cockpit uncluttered for serious fishing duties. The design features a short rear deck which also minimises the distance anglers have to reach with their rod when chasing their fish around the back of the boat.

When tilting the outboard engine for trailering or shallow water operation, the elastic straps on the side of the door can be unhooked, allowing the powerhead to tilt inboard.

The Savage 485 Scorpion SF is available as a cuddy cabin and runabout versions. It is rated to carry outboards up to 90hp.