Savage Osprey 540 SL

Savage released two new boat models at this year's Sanctuary Cove Boat Show and turned more than a few heads in the process. One of these, the SL 540 Osprey, is a bowrider incorporating fibreglass topsides on an aluminium hull similar in concept to a smaller version released at the same time, the SL500 Scorpion Cuddy Cabin. Trailer Boat had the opportunity to test them both on the same day, well before the Sanctuary Cove show, on the condition that we promised not to write about them or sneak any pics out of the office until the event had been and gone. Now the cat is out of the bag!

This boat is aimed squarely at the recreational family boating market and is available in a standard version as a turnkey package that needs nothing added other than the registration paperwork and a good stretch of water. But for those boaties who like a little skiing or fishing, extra options can easily be installed if required.

TB tested the Osprey on the Gold Coast Broadwater in conditions skiers would die for - flat as a pancake.

Pushed by its maximum allowable horsepower, the 135 Mercury Optimax proved to be the ideal choice, driving the Osprey to 74.5kmh according to the GPS, at which speed the dashboard tacho showed 5000rpm. A prop change to get the unit running to its maximum rpm should squeeze out a few more klicks, and in fact Savage's test data quotes a top speed of 83kmh at 5600rpm, which would seem about right. That test was conducted with two people and 30 litres of fuel aboard and a 21in Vengeance prop fitted.

THOROUGHBRED PERFORMANCE
Using the pressure of the Seastar hydraulic helm, this rig was a pleasure to throw around the river, and when trimmed out on its hind legs, steering control was fingertip easy. High-speed full locks did not trouble it. The hull bit hard with little sideslip and no cavitation whatsoever with the leg trimmed in.

When seated up the front, the grabrails tracing the bowpit fell neatly to hand without having to dislocate a shoulder.

A small cushion in the seating arrangement hides an aperture that gives access to a neat little anchor locker. Once deployed over the aluminium bowsprit the rope can be quickly tied off to the bollard with the remainder of the rope running back into the pit and into the locker out of the way.

The bowpit is designed in such a way as to facilitate the removal of the side lounge cushions, to allow an angler room to fish from the bow without having to stand on them. This is a practical feature that makes the boat more versatile.

The companionway between the two dash modules is open, allowing wind through while underway, but the opening centre of the classy wraparound windscreen stops any draught getting into the face of those occupying the helm and passenger seats. Lifejackets and wet weather gear stows behind the helm seat footrest where it can be grabbed quickly in an emergency.

DASH FOR CASH
The dash layout is really quite impressive for a tinnie and would even put several fibreglass boats to shame. A woodgrain lookalike dashboard inlay carries two electronic gauges with enough room between the dash and the raked windscreen to install two small marine navigation instruments or a compass.

The woodgrain appearance of the steering wheel rim finished off the dash and helm area quite nicely.

The passenger dash was uncluttered with a grabrail on the fascia, a small flat top area and a lockable compartment for personal items. Big, spacious sidepockets run from the helm to the transom to provide a stack of storage.

A split rear lounge runs across the beam of the boat and each side can be collapsed or removed independently. They are attached to the forward edge of the full-width tray that holds the battery box and outboard oil bottle if the owner chooses.

The area below the shelf was boxed in and two hatches on the wall provide access to the bilge and the electric bilge pump. This area was finished neatly with carpet, but more work needs to be done to really satisfy keen fishos.

The main sticking point was that with both seats installed and collapsed on their hinges to allow better access to the transom, they came into contact with the deck so you couldn't stick your feet underneath. Anglers can't stand hard up against the transom to use it to aid balance. Anyone wanting to fish more comfortably from the transom of this boat will probably elect to use the quick-release system and remove the seating altogether. I feel that this section - with regards to pleasing anglers - was poorly thought out in its design stage. With rear seating in position, the battery box and oil bottle were still accessible.

BACK TO THE FUTURE
A bi-fold stainless steel ladder allows passengers to climb aboard and disembark over the full width outboard motor pod, while stainless handrails make this task easier. There is also a pair of ski tow-eyes installed on the transom.

The bracket welded to the transom for transducers and paddlewheels, while being nicely symmetrical with the rear of the boat, was poorly set up - one edge of it was near the bottom of the boat while the other end was well up from the bottom. This was due to the sheer of the transom deadrise and would make it practically impossible to install transducers or paddlewheels anywhere but the very starboard side of the bracket.

The wiring loom attached to the engine was tightly fitted to the test vessel, with hydraulic hoses for the steering seemingly distorting under stress. This did not seem to inhibit the smoothness of the steering, but the longevity of those hoses may be at stake with such a tight installation.

While alloy hulls are not every skier's cup of tea, their resistance to damage and a rough and tumble life with a family aboard is enviable. The damaged caused to gelcoat from rocks and other jetsam in these situations is a nightmare for those towing skiers or spending a lot of time on the sand with the boat back-anchored close. Flying sinkers and lures can also take their toll on fibreglass boats.

The fibreglass upper definitely adds smoothness and sophistication, giving the Osprey 540 a pleasing, smart finish overall. For the price, it would be a hard boat to beat as a weekender for skiers, a small family or more relaxed anglers. With a little bit of playing around, more dedicated fishos could turn this into a handy all-rounder that would easily satisfy the average bay and river baitsoakers. But it's in the handling where this rig really shines - and those sexy looks don't hurt either.