Stacer 525 EasyRider Sports

Who would have thought half a dozen years ago that one of the most popular styles of boat would be a bowrider?

Back then, boats were mostly purpose-built propositions, and many operators opted for two or even three boats to fulfil their various forms of fishing and recreation.

As evidenced by their heavy presence at the national boat shows, this form of boat is now a serious contender in a multitude of boating markets, be it family recreation, skiing, fishing or just cruising. Inland impoundments in the Eastern States are the latest scene that the bowrider has entered, and considering the number of families that opt for these freshwater environs, it could well give the custom-built bass punt a nudge in the marketplace.

THE STACER FILES
We tested Stacer's new 525 EasyRider Sports wit its Evo hull design on a breezy and chopped up Moreton Bay.

With the boat sitting on the trailer, the first thing one notices is the pronounced reverse chines at the stern. Another noticeable feature, and one that should be part of all aluminium hulls, is the over-size transducer mount which measured around 200mm across. In an age where many operators utilise more than one transducer plus an optional speed and temperature unit, this increased bracket size has been a long time coming on production boats.

On the bow, is a rotomoulded insert within the anchorwell which should keep chain rattle to a minimum but also prevent damage to the hull. The end of the anchor rope is tied to a lug located on the forward lip of the well, probably due to problems that would be associated with having it protrude through the bottom of the sealed rotaform liner. This lug is rough-cut and sharp on the fingers, which wouldn't augur well for rope tied directly to it, as it would easily fray if anchored full scope. Some of the paint would have to be lost when the edges were filed off or a 'D' shackle used to attach rope to lug, the latter being the better option long term.

FITOUT FOR EASY ACCESS
The bow section is surrounded by a short rail and the inside edge of the coamings padded for back contact. Removable cushions are placed either side of a walkway that leads from the screen bulkhead to the anchorwell. A strong carpet-covered insert bridges the bases of the port and starboard seating so that, with cushions removed, the forward section became a large casting deck. The space below could be used for a semi-dry storage area. The bases on which these two cushions are velcroed lift up to give access to storage for lifejackets and sundries.

The forward section of the bulkhead is carpeted with back cushioning below the windscreen. A central door swings open, as does the central section of the windscreen, to provide a companionway between the bow section and the cockpit.

Either side of the companionway there are two bulkheads with large open space below for the skipper's and passenger's feet, with ample room left to store bags and so on.

A rotomoulded insert in the passenger side bulkhead rises well above the aluminium main structure and has a large deep tray in which to put odds and ends. A receptacle to hold a drink can and a lockable glove compartment is flush mounted below that module.

The tinted Perspex screen has a grabrail running from its end at the companionway, back down to the coaming where the screen finishes. This grabrail forms part of the framework for the bimini canopy.

SQUEEZE ON SPACE
The skipper's bulkhead also has a purpose moulded rotomould insert in which Mercury gauges are installed. A high mount recessed bezel compass sits quite close to the windscreen. A gimbal mount compass is mounted on the dash next to it, indicating the latter may be the only option considering the squeeze on space.

Seating for both skipper and passenger is comfortable and strong. Both are swivel type seats, with the skipper having fore and aft adjustment.

A person of around 180cm will find the aluminium windscreen frame and grabrail at eye level while seated, which is a little annoying. We were assured that the standard posts for these seats come a lot longer than those on the testboat and are cut to suit the customer. This style boat does not lend itself to being driven by one standing upright, so high seat posts might be the best option rather than looking through the windscreen.

A collapsible bimini provides ample shade for the two in the forward cockpit.

A sidepocket around 1.8m in length runs from midships back to the battery-mounting tray, either side of the cockpit. A gusset made of checkerplate aluminium is fixed into the corner of the sidepocket. This is an obvious step for those leaving the boat over the gunnels, but it is situated next to a piece of metal that holds the rear seat swivel into its bracket. The piece of metal in question is quite sharp, and should one slip off the foot tread injury could occur.

There is ample room on a tray either side of the enginewell for external oil bottles and or dual batteries. The battery isolator is mounted high above the starboard tray. Two nylon rodholders and the fuel filler cap are on the top of the coaming, aft.

A FEW SURPRISES
A handrail comes off the coaming at the stern and drops down on the full-width floating transom. A fold-down, removable aluminium ladder is attached to the port side of the boarding platform.

Morse mechanical cable steering pushes a 75hp Mercury two-stroke motor comfortably. The 525 EasyRider has a recommended horsepower rating of 90 to 115 and nipped along surprisingly well carrying two people, considering its lesser horsepower.

At 1000rpm our hand-held GPS speed was 6.6km/h.

2000rpm realised 12.5km/h and at 2600 we were just on the plane at 14km/h. 3000rpm pushed us along at 25km/h and a comfortable cruise speed of 37.5km/h was reached at 4200rpm. Belting across the sometimes one metre chop we throttled back after reaching 57km/h at 5200rpm. According to Northside Marine the Mercury will rev out to 5600rpm and reach a speed of 65km/h.

DON'T FORGET THE CHOP
The handling of the EasyRider was comfortable in quieter water, but once in chop over half a metre and with a wind coming over a forequarter, spray over the bow became a nuisance. Recalling what we said about the seat height and visibility through the windscreen, take this into account, and at the same time, take into account that the waters of Moreton Bay are notorious for this short sharp chop. It takes a very special and often expensive boat to be capable of doing ALL things right in this environment. The author has not yet found one in the five to six metre size range.

Having said that, this boat will hold its own in rivers, estuaries and all but the most windswept and open impoundments. It will serve a family of six (you would need to look at that minimum recommended hp), which is its maximum people load, for most recreational activities and provide a stable fishing platform for three anglers.

As an allrounder, the EasyRider comes in at a price that makes it a good option to the new boat buyer.