Southwind SF640

The 'man in the street' would have a tough time differentiating between Southwind's new SF640 and its predecessor, the SF655. Both are similar in design, but those with an 'eye' for boats would detect the changes within and below the waterline that render the SF640 a superior boat.

Firstly, the SF640 (6.75m LOA) is actually bigger than the SF655. The 655 was measured length overall, whereas the 640 is measured hull only.

But the 640's internal buoyancy is the real improvement. The 655 had been labelled as a little wet, so I was curious as to whether the 640 possessed a similar trait. During testing offshore from Sydney's Pittwater I tried every trick in the book to get some water on the windscreen, but to no avail. At one stage I had the outboards fully trimmed in while running downsea at full throttle - and still couldn't get wet!

It was quite apparent that Southwind has significantly increased bow buoyancy, which combined with minor hull modifications below the waterline has resulted in an extremely dry, soft-riding boat.

WEIGHT CARRIER
The additional buoyancy, however, is not restricted to the bow. The SF640 has been specifically designed to accommodate twin 115hp EFI Yamaha four-strokes or the new 225hp Yamaha four-stroke in a single configuration. These power configurations aren't light, however the SF640 handles the additional weight with ease. In fact, it practically needs it.

We had two SF640s at our disposal on the test day, one with twin 115hp EFI four-strokes and the other with a single 200hp Yamaha HPDI two-stroke.

In my opinion the twin-rigged boat was the pick, as the twin 115s were a perfect match to the SF640. Don't ask me why, but sometimes you drive a boat and it just feels 'right'.

Even with the 'punishment' meted out to the boat while in a seaway, it didn't bite back.

The boat fitted with the single 200 HPDI was still a very well-balanced rig, although I think the four-strokes still have a slight edge on the score of quietness and fuel economy.

It will be very interesting to match this boat to the new 225hp four-stroke. (Ed: we will be testing this new hi-po four around the time this issue of Trailer Boat hits the newsstands... So stay tuned.)

It was interesting to note that both boats had almost identical rev-to-speed comparisons even with the two totally different powerplants.

Both boats held a slow plane at 3000rpm and 27kmh, with a fast cruise achieved at 4000rpm and 47kmh. WOT produced 5700rpm and a top speed of 66kmh.

The SF640 has been designed as a multipurpose boat. Although the core market will be offshore fishermen, Southwind has included enough creature comforts to make the boat appealing to the rest of the family.

One can board the 640 via a folding stainless ladder on the transom. Grabrails make life a little easier and access to the cockpit is through a removable transom gate.

The transom bulkhead incorporates two huge baitwells, which could be plumbed for livebait if required or utilised simply as iceboxes.

Above the transom is a good quality removable baitboard.

Against the transom bulkhead is a three-quarter lounge, which can be simply folded out of the way or fully removed if required. And the backrest of the lounge provides padded thigh support while fighting a fish.

Recessed stainless cleats are located in each transom corner and there are four gunwale-mounted rodholders.

Sidepockets are raised to allow toe placement and include provision for three gaffs or tagpoles, etc. The testboats featured optional padding to the cockpit coamings.

The cockpit floor is fully carpeted and features a good-sized storage area-cum-killtank under the sole.

FAR-RANGING
A 250lt underfloor fueltank should provide excellent range, especially with the four-stroke or direct-injected powerplants.

Both helmsman and passenger are treated with big, comfy bucket seats. The seats were mounted on optional boxes, which not only provide good storage space but two additional seats as well. These boxes are a smart option and should probably be standard equipment.

Moulded footrests are also provided for both helmsman and passenger, although the dash configuration is better suited to a standing helmsman rather than a seated one. In particular the angle at which the electronics are flush-mounted means you can't read them sitting down. This won't bother many skippers who (like me) prefer to drive any boat standing up.

The windscreen raked back smartly and featured a solid grabrail around its perimeter. Steering wheel and throttles fell nicely to hand and hydraulic steering is, as it should be, standard equipment.

About the only thing I didn't like about the SF640 was the flimsy bimini top and rocket launcher. The bimini was constructed from poor quality material, and there is no way I would put six of my favourite 24kg outfits in that rocket launcher.

What this boat needs is a nice solid stainless targa and rocket launcher, plus a good set of clears. And it could also do with a set of outriggers.

Access to the cabin is via an optional bifold perspex door which is centrally located. The cabin features a standard V-berth configuration with bunk infill and padded sidepockets. There is also a moulded recess to accommodate a porta-potty.

As the SF640 has no sidedecks (in order to maximise internal volume), the only access to the forward anchorwell is via the hatch in the cabin roof. Fortunately the hatch is a good size and shouldn't result in too many bruised skulls.

Up forward, you'll find a hatch big enough to accommodate the appropriate ground tackle plus an anchor buoy. A stainless bowrail, cross-bollard and bowroller are also provided, although I felt the bowrail looked a little on the light side.

While the design and general layout of the SF640 was good, the ride was even better, and that's what most people consider more important.

Like most boats the standard configuration requires some customising to meet individual requirements. And if sportsfishing is your game, then plumbing livewells, beefing up the targa, fitting outriggers, and a good electronics suite are all essentials.

Nevertheless, the Southwind SF640 offers a good base from which to build the boat of your dreams.