Skicraft Excel 2000i

With its sporty lines and classic interior, it is designed to provide a family with memories of long summer holidays on the water.

Remember back to school days when friendships were won and lost depending on your loyalty to Ford or Holden (at my school, it was Valiant and Alfa as well). It was an easy choice, but for me, it was more serious than that - it was Ford or starve, with a father who was employed by the car maker for over 25 years...

Just a generation later, and my five-year-old nephew has opted for BMW - a red Beemer at that. It is the reality of the nineties that we are spoiled for choice.

On the Aussie skiboat scene, there has been a similar evolution. Perceived as providing superior fitout and overall quality, US and European-built skiboats are now a viable option for many Australian boat buyers.

In recent years, however, as the market takes more and more imported brands into the fold, Australian boat builders have launched an offensive. Local builders are narrowing the gap with new models fitted and finished with the best of them - and with performance to match. Of course, of great benefit to family buyers is the budget-friendly Aussie-built price!

A case in point is Victorian boat builder Skicraft. Its Excel range is designed by skiboat specialist Ron Craddock, who has managed to retain the essential ingredients of the successful design, but refined and modified aspects in order to meet emerging markets.

AN EXCELLENT IDEA
Trailer Boat was recently invited to sample champion wakeboarder Chad 'Wicky' Cooke's own Excel 2000i.

Skicraft dealer Peter Webb was on hand for the test session and brought along an outboard-powered Excel 2000 fitted with 225hp Mercury EFI just for fun.

Peter's enthusiasm for the range is such that you'd be forgiven for thinking he owned the company himself. But he assured me that he has greater pleasure in using and selling the boats than in building them. Nonetheless, he knows the range inside-out and is quick to point out its achievements to date.

Not only has the Excel range gained public attention at the hands of Chad Cooke, but the Victorian Water Ski Association uses three outboard-powered versions to strut its stuff. In addition, gameshow host Glenn Ridge is happy to wax lyrical about his sterndrive-powered Excel 2000 plaything (see panel opposite).

But it is the inboard configuration that is driving current demand, with 50 out of the 80 ordered each year leaving the Boronia factory floor.

It is the proven all-round performance, softer ride and handling characteristics of centremount skiboats that deem them so popular with family skiboat buyers, Webb says.

The 2000i we tested was a sleek machine, with curvaceous lines that would turn heads on your local waterway. Sitting on a custom-built Easytow trailer, it presents as a neat and clean package. Splashy orange and blue graphics adorned the aft quarter and were repeated across the bow. The whole package was finished with a shiny white gelcoat base. A limitless range of custom graphics are available, so if glittering black with hotrod flames is your wont, Skicraft won't blink an eye, Peter says.

CENTRE OF ATTENTION
Sitting low and inviting in the water, the 2000i looks a compact boat. The smooth line of the bow, with a recessed handle, curving up to the wraparound tinted windscreen 'fairing' along with the open cockpit and its stainless steel fittings, created an impression that said serious skiboat business.

Despite its attention-grabbing exterior, the cockpit was fitted with functional fare and standard social skiboat seating set against a fully carpeted interior. At the transom is a full width non-slip swim platform - an essential for any family skiboat.

Measured up the hull has an overall length of 6.1m and a beam of 2.13m, to handle the inboard configuration.

The useable interior space is adequate, but a centremount is a centremount, and the engine box does dominate the cockpit area. Despite this, once sitting in the rig, there is ample legroom and space to get up and move around. And thanks to the low, snug seats, the relatively low freeboard does not compromise comfort. In fact, you feel as though you are sitting very safely within the boat while being cosseted by the side padding. There is a recessed area for both driver and passenger to rest your arm while underway.

Seating comprised a twin observer's seat that curved neatly around the dash. On hard turns, the seat offers adequate lateral support and there really is no need for grabrails. Likewise, the bucket-style helm seat is supportive and comfortable with adjustable settings for XOS pilots.

In the helmseat, my shoulders were just below windscreen level, but I had a great view of the splashy graphics on the bow. Additionally, I didn't notice any wind-in-the-face discomfort while underway.

At the stern is a full-width rear lounge that opens up and back to reveal storage bins.

The main ski and wakeboard storage area is fully carpeted and located behind the observer's seat at the bow. There are no sidepockets in the cockpit, a pity because these often provide that little extra room.

The finish on this craft was really impressive. The custom velour trim was soft to the touch and well-upholstered.

No marks or scratches anywhere, indicating that it is both hard-wearing and durable. A vinyl interior trim is an alternative option to the velour.

IN CONTROL
A lot of thought has gone into the dash area to give it a 'sports' feel. It is designed on an automotive theme with all six gauges flush-mounted and arranged in a slight curve to aid visibility. Other controls included a one-touch switch panel fitted, in this instance, with interior light, optional navigation lights, stereo controls and bilge pump switches. Perched in the left corner is a Clarion stereo/CD, for balmy days with you, your family and the Cruel Sea. All the controls were clearly visible and within easy reach of the driver.

An added feature was the large rearview mirror fitted to the windscreen. A definite plus for family safety, the excellent rear view would allow the driver, (as well as the observer) to keep an eye on skier activities while underway.

But the most impressive feature of this model's electronic package was the Quicksilver electronic ignition. It works with a push-button keypad to control engine start/stop and has an integrated lock-up security code system. You can forget about keys, the only challenge is to remember your security code!

Having all the controls at arms-level, including the single-lever throttle/gearshift, adds to this craft's versatility as a family vessel. Simple to operate and easy to drive, it makes it a breeze for any member of the family to jump behind the wheel and take control. Without trim tabs, foot throttle or dogclutch etc, it's simply a matter of pushing start, easing the hand throttle forward and heading off. Less experienced boaters could not help but enjoy themselves.

SKI FACTOR
The key factor to the Excel's performance is Skicraft's patented Vectron hull. The moderate vee on the 2000i is designed to work best for river skiing, where most owners would be at home.

Fitted with a tried and proved 350 Mag MPI MerCruiser, the Excel offers its best for social skiing with refined wakes and strong acceleration. Note that the Excel can be fitted with a variety of power units from a tried and true 350 Chev up through MerCruiser's range of ski V-eights.

The hull's soft ride and turning ability was impressive to say the least. Although our test was conducted in glassy conditions, try as we might we could not make the Excel lose any revs or manoeuvrability through the tightest of turns. It held on like a sportscar on a race circuit, completing its smooth and flat turns through a number of figure-eights. Skiers will love it and riding over its own wake, the Excel lost no integrity and broke through the wash with ease.

Coming out of the hole, with just the slightest raise of the bow, it reached planing speed round 25kmh. It indicated 60kmh at 3000rpm and around 5000 revs netted 80kmh. But it is not for outright speed that the Excel 2000i is designed. Fitted with a three-bladed 12x15-inch Lundberg prop, it is pulling power and towing acceleration that counts here.

OUT THERE
Indeed, if it's speed you need, take the outboard-powered version of the craft for a spin, but hold on! Our quick test of the 225hp Merc-driven 2000o saw a top speed of over 100kmh before you could say red Beemer. In flat conditions, it all but flew.

Recognising that families need variety in their recreational water pursuits, Skicraft provides a hi-tower option for the wakeboarder in the family. Easy to install, it adds around $690 to the final price.

Another option for boaters who spend long summer days on the water is the soft-top bimini. Surprisingly, it was still very roomy and well ventilated under the top which provided excellent protection. It is available in different heights, but even the relatively low setting on our testboat did not affect visibility. Fitted with bimini top and hi-tower, as pictured on page 22, the Excel 2000i takes on a new sportier look and stands out as a stylish on-water package.

SUMMER DAYS
Three years since its launch, the Excel 2000i has been refined and improved to produce what is now a very friendly skiing platform, with plenty going for it to keep the family busy over many summers. In the performance, layout and back-pocket stakes (at around $26,000 for the base model), it is a practical family package. An added bonus is that it will look 'just right' towed behind the family Ford, or Holden... If you must.

Box Story: SKIBOAT OF THE CENTURY

Sale of the Century host Glenn Ridge features in the latest advertising campaign launched by Skicraft. He appears at the wheel of his own Excel 2000s, which he regularly uses with his family on Lake Eildon in Victoria.

Not just a gimmick, Trailer Boat spoke to Glenn, who could not be more enthusiastic about his boat. The best feature, he says, is its user-friendliness, and its ability to handle anything his family asks of it.

"It really has everything you'd want - an all-round boat for the family with enough speed, great performance and useable space in the cockpit."

Matched to a 300hp MerCrusier Magnum 350, Glen's boat has a top speed of around 90kmh. The other great feature is passengers are still able to hold a conversation while underway, Glenn says.

"We really do love it, it's a great performer".