Suzuki Rimini 600SF

Looking back, boating has suffered because of this lack of access at 'entry-level'. For example, there's been little for a boating family to chose from in the way of consistently packaged boat/motor combinations.

Indeed, it's fair to say that the need to 'engineer' a rig put some 'new chums' off even considering the purchase of a boat. After all, why wade through the myriad of possible boat/motor combinations and often-weighted dealer advice when you can run down to the local Holden, Ford, or Toyota dealer and buy a nice little sporty number and know exactly what you're getting...

This buyer uncertainty and reluctance is a factor not lost on Suzuki. Thus, early in 1997 - in an effort to make boating more palatable to novices (and, it must be said sell more of its under-exposed outboards), it launched its five-strong Rimini range of 'ready for the water' packages.

And Suzuki says 'ready for the water', that's exactly what it means. The packages are based around more than just the boat and motor. Features which in the past have often been considered options are included in the deal. As well as an appropriate trailer the likes of marine radio, tackle hatches, rocket launcher, bollards, rod holders, fuel filters, bait board, storage boxes, navigational lights, full safety gear, and full registration are all included.

The idea being that you can drive into your local Rimini dealer and drive out with a boat that is ready to roll. Everything is pre-fitted and tested before it gets to the boatyard to minimise any problems. In fact Suzuki offers a car-like three-year guarantee on the boat and engine.

And to make sure that everyone gets the same package at the same price, the Rimini brochure actually lists the retail price of all five boats and what you get for you money.

While the Rimini range kicks off with a $18,349 5.18m half cabin 500HC, the Rimini we sampled first up was the top of the range 600SF - the range's 6.55m fishing variant.

The bad news first... From a keen fisherman's point of view, I wouldn't really class the boat as a fishing boat. While the hull and 150hp powerplant is more than capable of heading offshore and handling the conditions, the deck layout does need a little more work angling wise. We fished four adults and found it a little awkward at times.

No, in reality the 600SF is better suited to a keen pleasure boater who's likely to do some fishing. There are a few reasons that saw me come to this decision.

For a start, due to the shape of the gunwales running back from a large curved windscreen you really only have the transom area of the boat to fish over. The rocket launcher - which is provided to store your rods out of the way - also reduces the room along the sides to fish as it is bolted to the gunwales.

Forward of this fixture there is only a small gap before the windscreen starts and the coamings are quite high here. The upside of this deck layout is you have a very dry cockpit with high sides - ideal for the safety and comfort aspects of family boating.

In comparison to other craft in the 6-7m range, the 600SF's cockpit is relatively cramped. This is due to the large cabin the boat offers forward.

Taking up almost half the length of the boat, the cabin features the usual V-berths. What's unusual is that they offer enough length for adults to lie fully stretched and then some!

Add a centre bunk infill and you have a very large double berth.

The internals of the cabin are quite spacious and, while simple, are well presented - more than acceptable for overnighters. The V-berth cushions are covered with decorative marine vinyl and the cabin is fully lined. A large hatch is fitted to allow ventilation and access to the anchor well.

The internal side pockets are wide with enough depth that they easily swallow a small sports bag of clothes or the like.

Up above, the large foredeck seems an ideal place to lay a towel and catch a few rays - in calm anchorages only, of course.

The 600SF's cockpit is easy to keep clean with no carpet to worry about. The non-skid fibreglass floor is easy to wash and maintain and still looks rather smart. From a fishing viewpoint this is desirable. And when you catch a fish there is a bait board mounted over the engine well. Any mess you make while filleting the catch drains into the engine well where it is washed away. The bait board features two rod holders positioned on either side and there are two flush-mounted rod holders at each corner of the stern.

Suzuki has matched the 600SF with its 150hp V-six 2.7lt 150hp outboard - an engine that certainly doesn't lack sting.

With the motor trimmed in, the boat gets going very quickly and you soon find yourself backing off on the throttle.

With an average load, the 600SF yeilds about 75kmh at 4000rpm. The boat revved out to 5300rpm for an indicated 95kmh. Plenty fast enough...

In keeping with the family-friendly nature of the craft, the 600SF easily accommodates those with a waterskiing bent. The big V-six makes easy work of two skiers and thanks to the boat's dimensions, it can even be trimmed to push enough wake for a touch of wakeboarding.

The 600SF's hull weighs in at around 760kg. With a 20° deadrise and generous reversed chines, the boat makes short work of chop. It is also a very stable boat, once again making it well suited to family fishing.

I did note that even though the boat is very quick off the mark, the initial take-off does see it ride bow high, even with the engine tucked right in. This doesn't take long to drop and from there you can trim the motor out a little to where it rides best around quarter trim.

The concept that Suzuki have put forward with the Rimini series certainly has merit. At $35,499, the 600SF offers good value, for new boaties and those stepping up from smaller boats.

I'm sure the success or otherwise of the Rimini range will be keenly watched over the next year or two. And not only by Suzuki...