Add your business to ZipLeaf for free!
 New Zealand Business Directory
Kwikkraft Offshore 5.5m review - from Fishing.net.nz

By KwikKraft Marine Ltd

03/31/2009 It continues to amaze me that we are blessed by so many talented boat builders and designers in a country of only four million people. We are spoilt for choice. The luxury of so many good products on the market is great for the buyer. For them it is a win/win; they have great choice and much competition to keep the quality high. Our latest offering is an example that proves that. Once again we were privileged to have the first New Zealand magazine test of this new model.
Brian Cottle has quietly been building boats under the Offshore brand for more than three years. To expand this, he acquired the well regarded Kwik Kraft company, retaining the experienced staff and the assistance of former owner, Tony Ward. Like many such partnerships Liz Cottle, Brian’s wife, is the lynch pin of the operation.
The Offshore designs are penned by Cottle and it is clear he has a talent. So far there are six vessels on the water; one at 8 metres, one at 8.3m, another at 7.2m and two of the 6.5m models, plus the new 5.5m. It is this later vessel we got to test on a pleasant Tauranga day.
First Impressions
I will not forget my first impression as I arrived at Sulphur Point Marina, just as the vessel was being backed down the ramp. It was “you have got to be kidding”. In fact before I had completed the introduction formalities I said just those words to Cottle. The reason for my reaction loomed large before me – the boat looked more like 6.5 metres! Once more the old spectre of where a boat should be measured had reared its head. This was probably the worst example (that should actually read best) as it was as big as many manufacturers six metre craft and should truly be called a 590. Even that understates the volume of this boat. It probably should also be seen as a huge compliment to the design. This didn’t look short and boxy, the lines are smooth and sleek, adding to the impact.
Also creating immediate impact are the graphics. They are as good as I’ve seen. The company responsible is Tony Hill Signs in Tauranga and it proves that a few extra dollars spent in finish is repaid many times. This boat genuinely turned heads. I know, I watched.
The Rig
The true length of this rig is in the order of 5.9 metres, its 5.5m at the keel. The beam measures out to 2.35m while the inside beam is exactly two metres. The cabin length is 1.65m and we measured 1.75m of deck behind the seats. It feels like its even more thanks to a very open plan layout. Cottle rates the vessel 100 -150 hp. The first had a Johnson 140hp four-stroke fitted. The match was sublime.
This is a strong hull. It has a delta plank at the keel that is 10mm thick! The hull is constructed from 5mm alloy, while the sides are 4mm and the cabin 3mm. 4mm treadplate completes the construction. It has six bearers and they are fully welded. There is a sealed chamber either side. These are pressure tested. The delta plank encloses an area of water ballasting, and while this vessel is stable enough not to require it, I suggest you re-read our Port Waikato feature in issue 12 to see the advantages this gives in a desperate situation.
The finish is painted above the gunwale and inside, while elsewhere Nyalic is used to protect the aluminium. Excellent use of timber trim, non skid and the superb graphics combine to create a quite stunning look. It is a credit to all involved.
The fuel tank holds 130 litres. The vessel being so new hadn’t been weighed but Cottle estimated it to be 1400 – 1500kg. That didn’t appear to be an unreasonable estimate. This particular boat was constructed for a customer in Wanganui who had supplied his own VHF and earlier model Humminbird sounder. The transducer for this unit was incorrectly mounted and wouldn’t work at speed. There is a very good reason for this, although I must say after a dozen years of seeming to beat my head against a brick wall I wonder if boat builders will ever listen (exclude Cottle from the list. He was very receptive to the cause and had the modification in hand). The problem is brackets welded to the hull. Quite simply they should be an extension of the hull. That means it is welded along the line of the hull at the bottom and ground fair. This way water continues its path to the transducer face. If the bracket is welded on the sides the transducer face is held away from the water flow and usually above it. I’d probably estimate around 75% won’t work.
The rig sat on an alloy trailer manufactured by Kwik Kraft. It had guide poles fitted, looked sharp and proved no problem to launch or retrieve with.
The Cabin
It always sounds like advertising bullshit when a boat is described as being targeted at both the family and hard core fishing markets. I can almost accept the description on this one though. I couldn’t quite put my finger on what it was but there is this perception of a lot of cockpit space yet moving into the cabin the room is still fine. The fullness of the hull above the chine certainly contributes to this. It really does feel bigger than its size. The pockets in the cabin are basic but everything is carpeted. There is storage below the squabs.
It was nice to see an access hatch on the back of the dash. I get the feeling a lot of Auckland and Waikato built boats never blow fuses because the manufacturers always seem to screw the panel to the back of the dash. Creating access is probably the most common aftermarket alteration we make.
The anchoring set up is excellent. The bracing position is first class. The boat had a Quick capstan fitted. I can’t figure why it had both up and down switches fitted, however the cables were well covered. The hatch on the external anchor well folds well out of the way, while the cross bollard is solidly welded to the foredeck.
The Cockpit
If you fish you will really appreciate the build of this cockpit. It starts at the very stern with a built in auxiliary bracket, a practical flat step area and built in berley dispenser. Then we come to the live bait tank. It’s amazing how a small detail transforms a boat. Built into the stern step through, it is completed by a fish shaped blue window facing inboard. It is a real focal point; it may not help you catch fish but I bet your mates haven’t got one…
The bait board is a solid affair in aluminium. It has a timber cutting surface and two built in rod holders. It removes to be replaced by an ingenious ski pole when required. Below it is a knife holder while the hatches at the transom cover the batteries etc and create smooth internal lines. The cockpit shelves have rod racks fitted. Below floor is a kill tank. It drains to a rear sump which is fitted with a bilge pump and float switch. The fuel tank is covered and the floor also drains into the sump. The stern cleats are fitted below the level of the deck meaning there’s nothing for a trace to hang up on.
There is good thought put into this vessel. This is demonstrated by the small touches such as the step welded into the front of the side pockets to facilitate access to the very wide side decks. The side decks are covered in plenty of non skid while the top of the cockpit gunwales are capped with timber, in this case, jara. It looks good. Non skid in blue breaks up the aluminium inside and sets off the timber. There is a drop in transom door with runners also in timber.
Twin batteries were fitted but unfortunately they were wired with a selector switch rather than dedicating one to starting and one to the house. The other hatch housed a pump and the fuel filter. There was lots of space – no oil tank required with a four-stroke.
Dash Layout
If there was anywhere to criticise this boat, it is at the dash. Before I do so, I need to point out a couple of things. First, Cottle agrees with the changes. Secondly, this boat was built for a customer in a style to suit them and their equipment. Thirdly, it’s essential before suggesting changes to recognise that this vessel is hull number one yet the detail and finish is such that it could be the 50th. In fact, discussing this with the builder the only changes he would make were to the assembly methods to streamline construction of future hulls.
The big adjustment needs to be in the area beside the consul. Many are going to use this boat well offshore and want to fit top end equipment. There is currently no room to do so. The challenge will be to create the shelf without losing the beautiful open access into the cabin. Doing so will also improve the comfort for the passenger with better hand holds. The screen is a Perspex model. Cottle prefers a glass one which would probably add around $1000 to the price. There is no question the current move to curved screens sharpens a boat’s appearance. The driving position is fine. The seats sit atop alloy boxes with access hatches. There is any number of alternatives including king and queen seats or folding options. Cottle shared with me a plan he has for a folding one that will be very, very good when he finishes it. The throttle fell well to hand, and the instrumentation was clear and visible. An Aquatec switch panel was fitted as well as a Navman fuel computer. The foot rests were a notable and appreciated addition, while the twin side pockets would ensure everything had a place.
Performance
This was my first chance to get out with the Johnson 140 four-stroke and to summarise I can see why they are in such short supply. It’s a very compact lightweight motor, superbly quiet and extremely willing. I think it would be hard to find a better match for this hull. Passing the marina 5 knot zone we put the hammer down. This is a quiet boat. The motor contributes to that and so I suspect does the 10mm plank and empty water ballast tank. Even as we reached the entrance the noise level remained very low.
I let Cottle put the boat through its paces and we had to run well out to sea to find the breeze. That was no problem as he is an engaging person and we found plenty to discuss. The boat was most noticeably stable, in fact very stable. To the best of my memory I can’t think of a more stable monohull I’ve been in, pontoons aside. The boat was happy up on top of the chop and if you drive that way the ride was as comfortable as it could be in a boat of this waterline length. At more moderate speeds it was a very comfortable ride. It was very dry and we took only a couple of splashes on the screen. It tracked beautifully, a function of the Hydrive hydraulic steering and the strakes on the hull. They are small strakes and appeared to have no effect on the ride. Certainly there was no discernable harshness. Cottle is a firm believer and you have to accept he has the experience to make his hull run at its best.
This would be a beautiful gamefishing platform. At trolling revs it is a very quiet and smooth operation. The transition to the plane was also without fuss. In fact the performance was remarkable because it was unremarkable. That is a compliment. It reacted to trim well and sat in nicely when spun tightly in circles. We could force cavitation if we tried hard enough. More realistic is my “bar crossing” test where acceleration and quick direction changes are needed. There were no problems here. Presuming the fuel computer is correct we seemed to be running at around a litre per nautical mile an hour, give or take a bit. We managed to top out at 46mph at 6200rpm – an uncorrected figure from the standard speedo.
Back in the harbour we set up the photo shoot at a couple of locations. It is a fine looking vessel on the water. Watching it at speed the water peeled away well aft. The only drama we had was dealing with opposing wind and current at the Matakana wharf. Cottle was rightly concerned with avoiding any scrapes to the customers yet to be delivered vessel. I elected to lower myself into the boat at the far end of the wharf which was fine until I stopped for lunch a few hours later. No wallet, no money, no license, no cards. Ever tried reporting something at a police station on a Sunday? That is after hours of searching marinas and boat ramps and roadways. I also don’t recommend losing your credit cards two days before going away. My grateful thanks to the ferry operator, Mike Garrett, who returned everything intact after the wallet had sat on the wharf for a couple of days.
It was a shame to have to return to the marina. It is definitely a boat that demands to be used and I could happily have stayed all day. My rods were in the car.
Summary
The boat is a credit to all involved. It works well and unquestionably belies the fact that it is hull one. The performance is fine, I sense it is even better than that and I’d love to get my hands on it for an extended test. The thought incorporated shows through and Cottle’s enthusiasm for his product is well justified. The dash criticism is justified although the same applies to many other manufacturers. I’m sure if I thought long enough about it I could find things to criticise but it would be a case of having to look very hard to find something. This is just a very good boat, perfectly suited to its power, ideal for its purpose and in the conditions we experienced, being winds of a maximum of 10 or so knots, without any discernable vices. There are options available including rocket launcher, targa or hardtop, the glass screen and a lockable cabin, even a jara roller door. Apart from that little was missing. It’s a must see and at the price of $59,995 as tested is competitive with others of its size. Just don’t call it a 550! It scores 55 on our benchmark scoring system. Hull two with the improved dash would undoubtedly score higher still.


http://www.fishing.net.nz/index.cfm/PageID/25/view/yes/editorialID/294


About This Author

KwikKraft Marine Ltd

KwikKraft Marine Ltd

Kwikkraft-custom aluminium boat builders. From our world famous race jetboats and tunnel hulls to our new range of Offshore pleasure boats. Throw commercial tour jetboats and performance pleasure jetboats in the mix and we have all you need when looking for a unique, performance alloy boat! Check …

Read More »

More Articles From This Author

Kwikkraft 922 SE review - Boating NZ June 2009

09/01/2009 You can be pretty sure a boat based at Mana Marina will regularly cross Cook Strait. Playstation is no exception; she will spend her life cruising, diving and fishing in Cook Strait and the Marlborough Sounds. This 30-foot, hard-top tinnie is fast enough to cross the strait in under half an hou... Read More »