Jeff Webster•27 Nov 2014

REVIEW

Stacer 619 Easy Rider

Name: Stacer 619 Easy Rider
Brand: Stacer

Hey, True Blue. A big, versatile, sharp-looking alloy bowrider just perfect for family boating

The largest model in Stacer’s upgraded Easy Rider bowrider range, the 619 has the seating and space to accommodate up to six people (with Level Flotation) and the performance, and versatility to excel as a social ski, fish and cruising boat. And with power from a 175hp Evinrude E-TEC, the big Stacer is also something of a weapon on the water.

OVERVIEW

- Stacer’s flagship bowrider stands tall

Stacer’s Easy Rider bowriders were recently revamped and modernised with smoother topsides, larger bow seating areas, wider beams and cleaner, more ergonomic dash set-ups.

The range encompasses eight different models. The smallest is the 489 Easy Rider, an excellent entry package for young families looking to get into boating and fishing.

The largest bowrider, and the subject of this review, is the super wide beam, high sided, 619 Easy Rider. This big, safe, exceptionally roomy boat suits boaters with a big family or a bunch of close friends.

The 619 Easy Rider has the seating and space to accommodate up to six people, and the performance and versatility to excel as a social ski, fish and cruising boat.

PRICE AND EQUIPMENT

- Lots of equipment and sharp price for a big trailerboat

A base price of over $50K sounds a bit steep for an aluminium bowrider — until you take onboard the sheer size of Stacer’s flagship Easy Rider. With on overall length of 6.28m, hull length of 6.11m, and a maximum beam of 2.48m, the 610 Easy Rider is one very big, beamy trailerboat.

Stacer’s range topping Easy Rider requires a tandem-axle trailer, but weighs under the two tonne mark (so the trailer does not legally require a break-away braking system, and can be towed comfortably behind a standard 4WD vehicle).

The Easy Rider is also a very well equipped boat, which contributes to its $52K price. Stacer do make a few stripped-out models for price conscious consumers, but the 619 Easy Rider is not one of them.

Stacer’s Ready-To-Go entry package for the 619 Easy Rider includes an Evinrude E-Tec 115hp two-stroke outboard with hydraulic steering, tandem axle Stacer aluminium trailer, carpet over plywood decks, enlarged bow seating area, deluxe helm and co-pilot chairs, fold down rear lounge, overhead bimini with envelope, ergonomically designed roto-moulded dash with glove box and drink holders, three piece curved windscreen above a newly designed low profile sports dash mount, anchor well, upholstered side storage panels, 160l fuel tank, two rod holders, ski locker, boarding ladder, bilge pump, and safety flotation to the premium "Level" standard.

Electronics gear includes a Fusion MSRA200 sound system with speakers, Lowrance LVR-250U VHF radio, and a Lowrance HDI Skimmer transducer to suit a range of optional Lowrance Fish Finders and combo units.

With the standard 115hp Evinrude E-ETEC outboard in the Ready-To-Go package, you can expect a top speed in the low 30 knot range and modest performance in the mid range. We would recommend upgrading to a 150hp engine – or even the high powered 175hp E-TEC – as fitted to the test boat. The package price with the bigger engine lifts to $54,636 – but the extra power gives the boat a much sportier, livelier feel, and the hull easily handles the extra power.

In addition to the larger Evinrude, the test boat was fitted with a starboard side transom door, ski pole, cockpit table, tonneau/bow cover ski tube rack, and front clears for the bimini.

With the above options and bigger motor, the package is priced at $56,864 – and that’s great value for a 6.0m plus boat with heaps of standard gear.

INTERIOR LAYOUT

- Room to move and well suited to a big family

The bow seating compartments in the Easy Rider models have been enlarged for more seating space. In the 619 test rig there is room enough for four adults and the back-rests are well padded for comfort and good lower back support.

The two vinyl seat cushions remove to reveal side storage lockers with carpeted lids. An infill board can be purchased to slot in between the side seat lids to create a casting platform.

The seat lids are not hinged, but slide out for removal and to gain access to the storage area beneath. Removing the seat lids or boards is a bit fiddly and takes a little time – so we would not recommend these lockers for stowing life jackets as you may need to extract these items quickly in an emergency.

The test rig’s anchor well easily housed the appropriate size sand anchor, chain and warp, and the anchor appeared quite secure underway, even without a hatch cover.

Low bow rails surround the bow seating area, and the test rig had a pedestal floor socket between the seats to accept the optional cockpit table.

The three-piece, centre-opening windscreen sits on the newly designed Low Profile Sports Deck mount which lifts the windscreen up off the deck level enough to fit larger, more functional dash inserts on both sides.

On the starboard side the dash and fascia has room for the sport steering wheel, engine gauges, switch panel and a flush-fitted Lowrance VHF radio.

Fish finders will need to be bracket mounted on the platform beneath the engine instruments, alongside a drink holder.

The port side dash insert has a second cup holder and a large, very useful glove box, along with the head unit for the Fusion stereo. The latter is fitted into the back of the glove box and well sheltered from the weather.

There are no grab rails around the helm area – so you will need to clutch the windscreen frame in inclement weather – and/or fit after-market grab rails.

Cockpit seating includes the two deluxe pedestal helm chairs and a full width, folding rear bench seat. The test rig was fitted with a starboard side transom door so the standard rear lounge was swapped out for a three quarter width bench seat.

The Easy Rider was most comfortable to drive while seated. The bucket chair hugs your hips well and a fore and aft sliding base is used to set the correct distance from the steering wheel and side mount throttle.

There is plenty of rear cockpit storage with a moulded locker under the floor between the helm seats, a kill tank at the stern and full length side storage pockets – which are lifted well above the floor.

The cockpit itself is large and well designed for entertaining or fishing. The optional cockpit table is removable and the rear seat folds down so you can fish unrestricted over the transom.

The cockpit has more than enough freeboard (705mm along the sides) to satisfy parents of young children and the side decks can double as lean seats for adults – as they are 290mm wide.

The battery and oil tank have their own locker behind the aft seat, under the outboard well. They sit on a false floor below the cockpit floor level – so could be subject to flooding should the boat take on water. The cockpit is self-draining, but the scuppers are at the level of the cockpit floor, above the battery compartment. A hatch covers the battery locker to keep out spray and rain, but is unlikely to be water-tight. Water entering the battery compartment will ultimately run through to the lower bilge area (with bilge pump) - but it would still be preferable to have the battery located above the level of the main cockpit floor.

Other features in and around the cockpit include low stern rails, exposed stern cleats, transom door, boarding platform and ladder, and the optional ski pole.

ON THE WATER

- A swift runner with ample Evinrude E-TEC grunt

The Easy Rider 619 is rated for power between 115hp and 200hp. Best power would be in the 140-150hp range, which would provide a mid-30 knot top speed with plenty of power in the low and mid range.

The test boat was fitted with close to the maximum power with an Evinrude E-TEC 175hp V6 DFI two-stroke — for truly blistering performance. We topped 40 knots at wide open throttle and the test rig blasted away from a stand-still with more than enough power to pull a skier or three.

The hull is the latest incarnation of Stacer’s Evo Advance bottom shape and it provides a comfortable and stable ride from its variable-deadrise vee and wide reverse chines.

The big, wide beam Easy Rider is very solid on the water and handled the Evinrude’s power very well. It never felt like we had too much power – so you could run to the 200hp maximum without stretching the capabilities of the hull.

All in all, the big Stacer was easy and enjoyable to drive and felt safe, solid and comfortable throughout.

VERDICT

- A versatile bay boat set up to ski, fish or cruise

In some ways the Stacer 619 Easy Rider is a competitor for many of the fibreglass bowrider imports from the US. However, similar-sized imports are often more expensive, lacking in freeboard, and suited mainly to bay and harbour work.

The Stacer, with its high topsides and deep cockpit, is more versatile as you can run offshore to fish the morning, then return to the bay or harbour to ski and cruise with the family in the afternoon.

The big Stacer’s robust, durable alloy construction, three-year package warranty, "Level" standard flotation, and excellent re-sale value are added benefits buyers will appreciate.

PERFORMANCE

5.4kts (10km/h) @ 1500rpm

6.4kts (12km/h) @ 2000rpm

13.5kts (25km/h) @ 2500rpm

17.9kts (33km/h) @ 3000rpm

23.4kts (43km/h) @ 3500rpm

28.0kts (52km/h) @ 4000rpm

34.6kts (64km/h) @ 4500rpm

37.1kts (69km/h) @ 5000rpm

39.8kts (74km/h) @ 5500rpm

LIKES

- Big boat feel and performance

- High, comfortable backrests with bow seating

- Level flotation standard

- Super wide beam for great stability

- Straps to hold windscreen and door open.

- Self-draining cockpit

NOT SO MUCH

- Limited dash space

- No grab rails at helm

- Hatch covers under bow seating fiddly to remove

- Battery located below cockpit floor level

RATINGS

Overall rating: 4.6/5.0

Mechanical/equipment: 4.7/5.0

Packaging and practicality: 4.6/5.0

On the water Performance: 4.7/5.0

Value for money: 4.7/5.0

X-factor: 4.3/5.0

Specifications:

Price as tested: $56,864 including Evinrude E-TEC 175hp DFI extra longshaft (25") two-stroke outboard, Stacer tandem-axle aluminium-braked trailer, two-tone paint, bimini and envelope, bow cover, ski pole and ski tube rack, transom door, boat and trailer registrations, and inshore safety gear pack.

Priced from: $51,935 including Evinrude E-TEC 115hp DFI extra longshaft (25") two-stroke outboard, Stacer tandem-axle braked trailer, inshore safety gear, boat and trailer registrations.

Length overall: 6.28m

Hull length: 6.11m

Beam: 2.48m

Depth: 1.37m

Hull weight: 750kg

Flotation standard: Level

Towing weight: Approx 1538kg

Length on trailer: 7.57m

Height on trailer: 2.16m

Bottom & transom alloy: 4.0mm

Topsides alloy: 3.0mm

Maximum power: 200hp

Maximum engine weight: 256kg

Engine as tested: Evinrude E-TEC 175hp DFI two-stroke

Fuel: 160 litres

Maximum persons: Six (with level flotation)

Supplied by:

Whitewater Marine

Phone: (07) 5532 4402.

Email: info@whitewatermarine.com.au

Website: www.whitewatermarine.com.au

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Stacer 619 Easy Rider

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