cruise craft 685 hull weight

Cruise Craft Explorer 685HT

Cruise Craft’s flagship in its Explorer range just ticked the final box in its portfolio, with the addition of a most stylish hardtop assembly for its 685 model.

The ‘Explorer’ label quantifies nicely this fishing-orientated range within a range which is held in high regard by fishermen who chase fish in genuine bluewater conditions. Cruise Craft hulls are respected by those who know; their performance goes before them and invariably they are kitted up to the hilt with all the toys. But until now they have lacked that one feature that would make them a universally attractive proposition for boaters all over Australia.

A bimini with its associated clears package which either removes or folds down, is fine in the warmer regions of Australia; but the other half who languish in decidedly cooler southern climates have a different agenda – that of self-preservation. For boaters in these boating meccas ‘numero uno’ on their wish list is the sanctity of an enclosed helm station; a lid over their head affords them the luxury of a more enjoyable day on the ocean, and, in most instances – year-round boating.

Aesthetics are another influencing aspect and certainly the brand-new hardtop feature which incidentally is available only (for obvious reasons) on the largest 685 Explorer model, scores well in that respect also. Some hardtops look like the proverbial phone box on a street corner but in this instance the design of this structure combined well with the lines of the hull, adding a definite touch of ‘class’ to this fishing boat.

Yes, the two ideals can and do go together and it is perhaps pertinent to understand the type of person who buys a Cruise Craft Explorer. These are owners who know what they want in a boat, and are prepared to pay for it. Let’s face it, this particular (Explorer) range is never ever going to be the cheapest boat on the harbour, simply because by the time they leave the dealers’ showrooms they are dressed up to kill so to speak, with every conceivable fishing aid/device known to serious fishos. Why not then, have a little class along the way, also?

Over the years these 685 hulls have continually ‘developed’ under the watchful R&D eye of Cruise Craft’s design team now headed up by Justin Nichol, the third generation of ‘Nichols Boys’ along with brother Nathan, who now own and run Cruise Craft. Proud dad Kevin, on hand to drive our test boat for the photo shoot, was quick to point out however that this R&D work has not been without outside help. “When it comes to the hull we of course make all the calls based on a lifetime of tinkering with boats,” Nichols explained, “but a very significant percentage of the ‘good ideas’ on our boats have in fact come from our owners. When boats are used as much as our boats are, in real bluewater conditions, you get a lot of feed-back and ‘advice’ from these owners. And we listen; we design a boat that fishermen want, not a boat we think they should have.

“And when it comes to the features and appointments we fit to our boats, we work very closely with the respective suppliers or manufacturers too; we learn and we pass that information on so our clients have appropriate gear that we know works, more especially in the areas of electronics, engines and hardware. They are put into service and tested by us for at least 12 months, prior to finding their way onto our customers’ boats,” Nichols further explained.

I was also lucky enough to have as a camera boat the day of my test a perfect before and after scenario with a previous ‘bimini-top’ version as the camera boat and this new hardtop model as the subject matter, which gave me a perfect insight into just what Nichols was alluding to in that previous statement. Our actual test boat was understandably devoid of an electronics package but even in its undressed guise it still boasted important ‘big-ticket features such as bowrail, hydraulic steering, transom door, swim ladder, lockable glove box, adjustable seats, sliding lockable cabin door and underfloor storage bins. And of course there was the hardtop structure which in this instance was the ‘open’ version with clears, rather than the enclosed on three sides version, with sliding side windows.

Toss in other often over-looked items such as the Cruise Craft multi-roller trailer that comes with a bed of 48 rollers, the CE-certification, the one-piece full interior GRP liner and the foam-filled hull, and you begin to appreciate just what you get for your money. Sure, our pre-owned camera boat also had other ‘essentials’ such as a $25K-plus electronics package, integral tackle box, and portable ice-boxes under each seat, but these are the discretionary items which vary significantly from boat to boat, depending on the skipper’s individual requirements and expectations.

To this standard package Cruise Craft had presented our test boat with tried and tested additional features that most people end up including in their ‘sportfisher’ boating package anyway. Some would go as far as to suggest they should be standard too, but items such as a VHF and a 27MHz radio, sliding hardtop extension, the Lewmar winch, rope, chain and double-action fairlead anchoring package, bait station, folding rear lounge, moulded underfloor storage bins, deck-wash/shower and plumbed live-well – will appeal to some but not to others, in varying degrees.

I have to be honest and declare I did initially wonder how the hell a trailerboat package could escalate from a base price of $105K, up to an as-tested price of $122K; until that is I stepped aboard and began to fully appreciate just what this mini-cruiser had to offer. And it was not just the physical in-your-face material features, for the innovation also played a part. This was perhaps moreso the client input Nichols was alluding to earlier, for there were just so many good ideas that once again, were so subtle as to very easily go unnoticed.

The more noticeable examples however, of this pragmatic approach to building and presenting a practical and endearing boat included the boarding access whether on land or in the water; the small but effective transom door and a three-rung ladder below it, certainly made life easier. I was impressed also to see the effort that had gone into sealing the elephant trunk which carries the cabling from engine to remote box.

The stern area was actually quite ‘busy’, with a plug-in deck wash and the moulded GRP bait station complete with bar below to mount the simple plastic bins on, each sensibly close at hand for the fishermen. While the floor was cambered so water ran off it and into the angled channels each side, this huge uncluttered cockpit was presented well with properly ‘edged’ dome-down carpet – including the flaps which lifted up to reveal access to what were voluminous underfloor storage or fish bins.

Everything in fact was huge, including the off-the-floor and drained full-length side pockets each side, and the underfloor fuel tank. What did impress me with that latter aspect was the fact they have managed to put a floor-cover over the tank, which does not creak every time you walk on it; at the risk of sounding malaprop-prone, it’s not rocket science! This fuel tank incidentally comes in two sizes, either 370L or if you opt for the 60L fresh-water tank then the fuel capacity reverts to 310L, to make way for it.

Another special feature for me, and certainly from a fisherman’s perspective, was the innovative folding rear lounge. A comfortable seat when folded down, it completely recessed into the transom beam when not in use, so as to provide absolute access to the transom. I noted alongside this lounge, in the starboard corner, a fairly serious bank of battery isolating switches also. Depending on your usage expectations you can have one, two or three batteries fitted, all managed by these switches. In the case of the test boat for instance, there was a battery each side within the transom beam; in the camera boat there were three batteries fitted (two to portside, one to starboard) – one each for the engine, the house and the rather serious electronics package!

Overhead the slide-out S/S and canvas hardtop extension was a work of art that operated easily, and within the confines of the helm station Cruise Craft has stuck with its tried and well proven S/S-framed seating configuration. For the skipper the helm station was ergonomically well laid out; whether standing or seated on the fully adjustable chairs.

Understandably, without any electronics the actual dash facia was rather ‘lonely’ but in saying that the switch-banks and VHF radio either side of the SeaStar (hydraulic) steering, and the trim-tab buttons and the Yamaha digital fly-by-wire instrumentation on the ‘carbon-fibre’ upper level – were adequate compensation. As were the appropriately-placed remote controls, the key start and kill switch panel and the ‘library’ of warning stickers which were well out of the way, to the right of the helm wheel. For the crew, well they had in front of them an absolutely brilliant (lockable) glove-box feature, the perfect ‘dry’ spot for all those valuables.

The cabin was for me a mild disappointment, in the context of the boat thus far. Sure there was a brilliant lockable sliding door that was one-finger activated, there were steps up to the easily accessed hatch to the anchoring features on the bow, there was ample room for a porta-potti between the bunk bases, and a bunk infill would make it a mighty large area to spread out on – but it was just so stark in there! Granted, this is a fishing boat but in a boat of this specification and indeed high level of presentation – I would have thought a ‘front-runner’ lining rather than a flecked flow-coat finish would have been mandatory, rather than optional. That’s just my personal preference!

For that and of course all the endearing features hitherto mentioned, the very real appeal of this boat for me was always going to be the ‘under way’ component of the test. And wouldn’t you know it, there are about three or four days a year when the harbour is ‘oily’ calm – this was one of those days. Fortunately I know first hand from an earlier 685 Cruise Craft experience during a ‘Bar Crossing Course’ with the intrepid Billy Corten, just how well this hull handled in the most horrendous of conditions, so that was a given. But what I hadn’t experienced was this hull package running in conjunction with the new evolution of 4-stroke 250hp Yamaha.

An absolute brute of an engine at 4.2 litres, this was definitely a wolf in sheep’s clothing, for while offering the appearance of a big engine, it weighed in at a surprisingly modest 253kg. A V6 sister-model to the 225hp and 300hp B-Series engines, it certainly raised eyebrows for despite the glassy-calm conditions it leaped out of the hole well. That I put down to the low-down torque of these new engines, and I guess this was best confirmed by the aggressive turn we put it into, at a fast cruise speed of 30 knots – it went round like it was on rails, maintaining its speed!

Quite simply, under power the Cruise Craft 685 Hardtop from the Explorer range did everything it should do and more, even at the very respectable top speed of 42.5 knots (78.7km/h). It rose up from a standing start, up onto the plane at a remarkably level fore and aft attitude and at the top speed it was hands-off-the-wheel stuff. Underway, the hull was very quiet thanks to the underfloor foam that while providing inherent sound qualities, also rigidly tied the hull and the one-piece internal liner together, as one.

As you can tell by the performance sidebar, while the dynamics of the engine changed as it proceeded up through the speed range, the net result is you would go a long way on a 310L tank. The features in general were quite exceptional and certainly the way it was built and presented is what we have come to expect – nothing less!

The hardtop was the crowning glory; there is nothing quite like cruising back to base after a big day on the sea, in the comfort, sanctity and yes, dry and windless luxury of a hardtop configuration. The 685 is certainly not a cheap boat – there is no such beast when you take into account the level of specification – but from a value for money perspective the reality is the next step up from this 685 – is a full-blown cruiser at 8-10 times the cost!.

Cruise Craft

• Boat make: Cruise Craft
• Model: 685 Explorer Hardtop
• Designer: Cruise Craft
• Priced from: $AUS105,000
• Price as tested: $AUS122,000
• Type: Cabin
• Hull construction:   GRP
• LOA (metres): 7.20m
• LOH (metres): 6.85m
• Beam: 2.50m
• Deadrise: 20-degree
• Hull configuration: Vee-bottom monohull
• Trailerable weight: 2800kg (approx)
• Height on trailer: 3.3m
• Engine capacity:   Maximum 300hp
• Power options: Outboard only
• Fuel capacity: 310L / 370L
• Water capacity: 60L
• Electronics: As required
• Entertainment: As required

Performance

rpm                knots    L/h         NM/L     L/NM

1000               5.3         4.9          1.08       0.9

1500               6.9         8.1          0.85       1.2

2000               8.1         13.0       0.62       1.6

2500               11.6       18.5       0.63       1.6

3000               19.8       23.7       0.84       1.2

3500               25.2       31.7       0.79       1.3

4000               30.4       44.2       0.69       1.5

4500               33.5       53.0       0.63       1.6

5000               38.3       67.0       0.57       1.7

5500               40.3       79.5       0.51       2.0

5900               42.5       91.0       0.47       2.1

(speeds recorded on a Lowrance GlobalNav 12 hand-held GPS)

As can be seen from the graphs, the most economical cruising speed is 21 knots, at a little over 3000rpm, burning a whisker under 1.2 L/NM.

• Make: Yamaha
• Model: F250B
• Power: 250hp
• Cylinder Configuration: V6
• Displacement: 4.2 litres
• Maximum rpm: 6000
• Propeller: Yamaha S/S, 17”
• Retail Price: $AUS28,772.00
• Make: Cruise Craft, by Mayfair Marine
• Model: RE-230 THD-EH
• Brakes: HydraStar
• Suspension: Leaf springs
• Multi-rollers: Yes
• Retail Price: RRP $AUS13,300

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Cruise Craft Explorer 685 Review

Explorer returns 

Cruise Craft’s new model can be a family cruiser or top offshore sportfishing package – discover the options.

WORDS + PHOTOS: WARREN STEPTOE

The Cruise Craft Explorer 685 deviates from the company’s well-established traditions. Until now, Cruise Craft Explorer models have always favoured cabin space over cockpit area, while its Outsider models go the other way and feature walk-around decks.

But now the Explorer 685 also has narrow walk-around side decks down each side of the cabin and a bigger cockpit than the preceding Outsider 685 – a boat that was quite a standout among its peers.

Whether or not this is merely a ‘refined’ version is a moot point.

There is an all new cabin and deck mould with both more cabin and more cockpit space and narrow side decks.

Rough Water Handling Any changes to the hull itself are subtle and on the water she still handles superbly. Like the Outsider 685, the Explorer 685 still doesn’t ‘rise’ onto the plane, but passes a point where the hull breaks free of the water’s grip.

This is one thing that made the Outsider 685 an exceptional rough water boat, because it doesn’t waste time ‘flapping its bow in the air’ in transit between displacement and planing speeds.

Cruise Craft would have been silly to change anything about that characteristic and they’re certainly no fools! The Explorer 685 version is simply one of the best rough water outside fishing boats built in this country today.

We were able to run two Explorer 685s side by side during this test, one a basically equipped boat powered by a single Yamaha 225hp four-stroke and the other an all bells and whistles rig fitted with a pair of Mercury 135hp Verados.

Single or twins Stepping from one to the other confirmed what I had suspected.

The single outboard hull was more nimble in tight, slow speed turns, while the twin installation’s movement showed that it carried substantially more weight on its stern.

The twin Verados were only 2.1 knots faster than the single Yamaha, which shows how much extra drag is involved in a pair of lower units as opposed to a single one.

But anything lost on that ‘swing’ was regained on the available power ’roundabout’ in the low to mid range.

There’s also a gain in safety by opting for a twin installation. Many Explorer 685s are likely to be operated in remote locations like the Great Barrier Reef and the Top End. So any minus points incurred by the substantial extra cost of twin motors has to be weighed against the safety of a separated system.

Forgetting about budget, the single offers simplicity, while the double offers safety – you decide.

Over the course of a day on the water, which actually includes some fishing (how else can you properly test an offshore fishing boat?) we got to give both boats a very detailed going over.

The Explorer earns a big gold star for good attention to fine detail.

All Cruise Craft boats are beautifully built, but even by those standards, the new Explorer 685 is outstanding. Top to toe excellence

Extensive use is made of individual mouldings to finish off the interior and the result is excellent. Full marks to Cruise Craft for achieving a package that meets the imports head on.

As a local, it’s gratifying to note that returning across Moreton Bay from South Passage after a brisk sea breeze built the usual wicked little wind chop – the GPS SOG readout flickered around 50 knots. But the hull acted as a tight unit with no creaks or crunches, something few boats in this country have achieved, imported or otherwise.

I won’t describe all the details that you can see in the photo spread, but there are some I must elaborate on.

The Explorer 685’s cockpit floor now has enough camber built into it to drain any water on the deck into a channel down each side, so it runs to a collection point and is pumped overboard. Which is how a fishing boat should be built.

Unlike others in the Cruise Craft range, the Explorer 685 does not lean towards either family cruising or serious fishing, although fiddling with the options list can easily make her one or the other.

Priced at $98,830 this Cruise Craft is by no mean an inexpensive boat, but you have to remember she’s fully rigged for sportfishing, right down to her LMS337C sounder/GPS combo unit.

2014 CruiseCraft Explorer 685

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Cruise Craft 685 queries

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couple of questions for any CC owners 1/ where in the Outsider does CC fit the optional water tank? 2/ Has anyone weighed their boat accurately on the trailer? cheers guys

Re: Cruise Craft 685 queries

Shoot a quick email to Cruisecraft, I am sure they can give you the details on the water tank. Probably give you a guide on weight as well. I would be guessing somewhere between 3000-3500kgs with full fuel and water and gear. IMHO you would need a minimum of a Landcruiser/patrol for a tow truck. Nice boat though, good luck!

Hi fisho, With the sink module the 50L bladder goes under it, i.e. fwd of the PT side pocket, just behind the cabin bulkhead. The additional 50L bladder for the f/water deck wash is located opposite, on the STD side, i.e. under the binnacle control. Mine are quality 50L bladders (Plastimo from memory), however as the space is restricted and the bladders are turned half on their side, it is a little difficult to get 50L in them. Note: They are designed to lay flat, hence when turned half on their side the 40/50mm fill point (and breather) connection is not at the top of the bladder, hence air is trapped. You can fill them up by squeezing the air out (compressing the top of the bladder), but it is a bit finicky. Maybe they have now sourced bladders with side connections? I have thought about adding breather connections but have not investigated it! My OS685 BMT went 2470kg bone dry on the trailer, with no liquids but with safety gear and bow anchor; 15lb plough, 22kg 6mm short-link chain (=22m. Note 7m is std), 100m of 12mm nylon rope (approx 15kg). My alloy trailer went 600kg even. Donk is a Yammy F250A. I have quite a few options on my boat, probably adding 100 – 150kg or so over the std boat. Cheers Brendon

Wouldnt waste your time with a CC 685, i have one and have had major structure issues with the transom and so has another 685 here, They are made cheap and are way over priced for what they are.

What engine combo do you have Wardo ?

Originally Posted by Homer_Jay Shoot a quick email to Cruisecraft, thanks, CC wasnt much help on the weight, their online specs are 2600kg BMT on a steel trailer, and via email "you wont get it under 3 tonne without an aluminium trailer". Other than that though they were pretty helpful. Havent asked them about the water, I assumed it was an under floor tank but it appears not?

Originally Posted by gofishin Hi fisho, With the sink module the 50L bladder goes under it, i.e. fwd of the PT side pocket, just behind the cabin bulkhead. The additional 50L bladder for the f/water deck wash is located opposite, on the STD side, i.e. under the binnacle control. Mine are quality 50L bladders (Plastimo from memory), however as the space is restricted and the bladders are turned half on their side, it is a little difficult to get 50L in them. Note: They are designed to lay flat, hence when turned half on their side the 40/50mm fill point (and breather) connection is not at the top of the bladder, hence air is trapped. You can fill them up by squeezing the air out (compressing the top of the bladder), but it is a bit finicky. Maybe they have now sourced bladders with side connections? I have thought about adding breather connections but have not investigated it! My OS685 BMT went 2470kg bone dry on the trailer, with no liquids but with safety gear and bow anchor; 15lb plough, 22kg 6mm short-link chain (=22m. Note 7m is std), 100m of 12mm nylon rope (approx 15kg). My alloy trailer went 600kg even. Donk is a Yammy F250A. I have quite a few options on my boat, probably adding 100 – 150kg or so over the std boat. Cheers Brendon thanks gofishin, good info. Id assumed the water was in an underfloor tank. So thats 2470 on an ally trailer? mines a twin so Id guess maybe 150kg heavier.

Originally Posted by WardoSS Wouldnt waste your time with a CC 685, i have one and have had major structure issues with the transom and so has another 685 here, They are made cheap and are way over priced for what they are. I always thought they were a well build boat (cruisecraft in general) and priced accordingly. Care to elaborate further? Some pics would be good.

2x 115 Yam 4 stroke

where did the cracks appear ? i did hear that some early 685 Outsiders that had big block Verado's ahd some trouble but Cruisecraft rectified any problems and then the 685 Explorers were rerated to 300hp they beefed up the transoms ???

I had a new 685 Explorer built last year by Cruise Craft and had it weighed on a weigh bridge prior to hand over and it came in at 2.32t, no fuel or gear with a Dunbier alloy trailer and Suzuki 250hp. Haven't had an issue with it yet and is the best boat I've owned by far. Everyone I know owns one has never said a bad thing about them. It has the 50l fresh water bladder fitted but not sure where the bladder exactly sits. Actually thought it was under the floor as you have the option for the larger fuel tank or the fresh water bladder so i thought it was in the floor cavity. Im sure a call to Keving at cruise craft would answer this. Stu

Fisho, Yes, an Ally bunk/skid trailer. Is yours being built? What twins are you going for? Wardo , Your Ausfish history totals 7 replies to 4 threads, and all bagging CC with fairly serious claims! Others have requested more detail after your previous posts (on other threads), because all to often on here you see bogus posts from ‘fake’ people with an agenda, i.e. selling other brands etc. Unfortunately the pics you posted in the other thread do not work either. However, you could also be genuine in that you have had an issue (or two) and don’t believe you have been looked after properly (which I find surprising). Cracking, two transom replacements in one year(!!), and a reference to an article where a boat sunk from an obvious transom issue – but no mention of boat make or size or age or condition etc…. CC build a premium aussie boat, and the company has a very proud and long heritage - and have an excellent reputation. I, like many others on here, can vouch that they back their product 100% many years after it leaves the showroom, and, there’s a lot of old CC’s still going round as strong as the day they were built! I have also heard about them going far above an then beyond in terms of customer service and any warranty issues etc, hence I am surprised about your claims of not being looked after. I would be very interested to hear about your dramas, as I am sure others would; i.e. exact nature of problem(s), why was the transom replaced twice in a year and who did the work, was it the same problem twice over, age and condition of the boat etc etc. Regards Brendon

I hope the mods keep an eye on claims about particular businesses because as the post above says it can cause harm if a unsubstantial claim is allowed to stand. Put up or shut up is an oldie but a goldie.

I would like to know about these faults as well, have a couple in my club and they are very happy with them, I looked at one a while ago and thought that construction wise they were very good, as far as finish goes they would have to be the best in the country, the quality of the targas on them is well above anything else going around IMO, I ended up with a HH 650 because it rode a lot better with a lot less banging. Apart from an import like a Grady or something similar, I only looked at the CC, Evolution, and the Haines H, nothing else really fit the bill as an allround fishing platform . As far as cost goes, are they any different to all the other brands that cost a bloody fortune to own, lot of bucks for a hunk of petro chemicals.

I owned a HH 650 Classic for three years before i bought my 685 Explorer. The HH is ten centimetres narrower and IMO does not ride significantly better. It is a sportier hull and can be thrown around easier, but in terms of ride over various sea conditions theres not a lot in it. Whilst I owned my HH a mate had a CC 685 and I travelled many times to Moreton and to Fitzroy and Musgrave off 1770 trying to leave him behind, without success. I am very happy with the ride quality and would only replace it with another cruisecraft. Its stability and handling in a following sea are its strengths. Ride quality into a sea is greatly improved with trim tabs. I also would like to hear more about the claims made regarding transom failure. My CC has a seven year warranty and has carried a large 250 yamaha for the last three years. I have no issues with cracks anywhere in the transom. The build quality is actually superior to any boat I have previously owned. Some 685's carry two 135 mercury verados giving a total of nearly 500 kg hanging off the back; I imagine that sort of weight would soon find any flaws in construction!

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CRUISE CRAFT EXPLORER 625 HARDTOP REVIEW

With the success of the big Cruise Craft Explorer 685 Hardtop, the pressure has been on this Queensland-based fibreglass boat builder to produce more hardtop fishing boats and other variations. The latest Cruise Craft boat to transform into a hardtop is the Cruise Craft Explorer 625. What a difference a hardtop makes to the look and protection onboard.

CRUISE CRAFT BOATS

There are a number of key factors to consider in the design when it comes to hardtops, in particular maintaining the aesthetics to suit the boat. As well, the hardtop should be: of a top-quality build strength that is not too heavy to affect the ride; as aerodynamic as possible to reduce unnecessary resistance; insulated and have the correct ventilation; and, able to maintain clear visibility with minimal blind spots. It’s time consuming, costs a whack, but when you get a cracker end result it’s well worth it – and Cruise Craft have.

Cruise Craft fishing boats are popular throughout the country and are easily identifiable on the water. Instead of producing one style of hardtop, Cruise Craft boats has gone one step further and offers the option of a hardtop with glass sides and screen, or a hardtop with clears in place of the glass. This is a great idea as the hardtop with glass option won’t suit everybody, especially those from up north who experience high temperatures on the water. With clears you can open it up for ventilation, while still having a rigid structure above for protection and mounting of gear. For those not interested in hardtops, there are still the standard bimini options available as well.

The Cruise Craft 625HT test boat had the full-glass option and with winter in full swing and a rough day on the water it was most welcoming. Vision was good to the front and sides, there was no restriction on internal space, it has a solid build, looks awesome and felt warmer too. Besides looks, I like the fact that there is less movement than on a standard bimini, as well as it having areas where extra accessories can be mounted, such as compact stereos and speakers, as well as lighting and other gadgets. It’s a great design and works exceptionally well.

The balance of the layout on the Cruise Craft Explorer 625 is a combination of open space with plenty of fishing options. They include large livewells, fancy baitboards, big moulded sidepockets with inbuilt rod-racks, under-seat icebox options, removable carpets, rear seating, good storage, comfortable cabin and so much more to suit those big days offshore and family boating alike.

OUTBOARD ENGINE COMPARISON

In the past the larger Cruise Crafts were fitted with V6 four-stroke Yamaha outboard motors up to 300hp. The last year has seen some significant development on the motor side, Yamaha releasing the 200hp inline four-cylinder four-stroke outboard to start off with, and most recently the 175hp four-cylinder. These motors are already proving extremely popular – as well as weight advantages the performance is amazing, as is the economy for their sizes. The benefit? Where certain boats were only rated to 150hp due to weight, they now can run the 200hp Yamaha.

I had the chance to test the Cruise Craft 625 Explorer HT with both the latest Yamaha 175hp and the Yamaha 200hp four-stroke outboard engines – the 175 being based on the 200. To be honest it wasn’t an astronomical difference. A slight difference on the torque curve and a tiny bit less on the top end when you do proper speed trials might be noticeable. Overall the performance is exceptional considering the size of the engine, but if I had to choose I would probably still opt for the 200hp, just to have that little bit more.

The Yamaha 200hp outboard has more than enough guts to whack the Cruise Craft 625 onto the plane without effort. In comparison with the V6 motors the four-cyinder seems to have a unique power tone to it, a sort of crackle as it winds up the revs – and I quite like it. Combined with the 625’s hull shape, the motor runs sweet and on the plane at just under 3000rpm where fuel consumption is a modest 12.5 to 17lt/h depending on conditions. Gone are the days of emptying the wallet at the fuel bowser after each trip.

HANDLING AND RIDE

Ideal cruise speeds on the Cruise Craft 625 are between 3500 and 4500rpm, ranging between 18.8 and 24kts. Again fuel consumption is good considering the size of the boat and motor: 19.4lt/h at 18.8kts and 34lt/h at 27kts. Wide open throttle on the 200hp produces an impressive 39kts at 5800rpm, which is more than enough on the top end for me. Overall, it’s a very impressive boat-motor combination.

As per all Cruise Craft boats, the ride is consistent with above-average stability, comfort and handling throughout the rev range. In rough conditions I found the sweet spot to be anything between 18 to 25kts, which is good as it’s the most comfortable and economical speed to travel at on most boats of this size.

The ride is dry and with the assistance of trim-tabs you can fine tune the ride to suit the conditions. The bay was as rough as guts on test day, the boat flogged in all directions to the chop … and I didn’t go near the wiper switch to clean the screen – pretty good going I reckon. Basically sit back, relax and enjoy the ride.

THE VERDICT

The Cruise Craft 625 Explorer Hardtop is a classic all-rounder and one that’s geared to suit the serious offshore fisherman, but which works just as well as a family boat. She’s a bit smaller than the Cruise Craft 685 but that makes it easier to tow and store, and it is still packed with heaps of features and space to keep everybody happy on the water. If a Cruise Craft 625 is still a bit big don’t fret, as Cruise Craft has just released the 595 Explorer Hardtop – and that is a head-spinner of note!  Watch this space.

• Protection from the elements on rough days

• Unrestricted vision through screen, plus wiper

• Space, fishability and finishes

• Personally, I prefer a bit more angle to the dash

CRUISE CRAFT EXPLORER 625HT SEA TRIALS

Single 200hp Yamaha F200 GETX outboard motor.

*Sea-trial data supplied by the author.

CRUISE CRAFT EXPLORER 625HT SPECIFICATIONS

PRICE AS TESTED

OPTIONS FITTED

Lowrance HDS 12 GPS-sounder combo, trim tabs, custom Cruise Craft trailer, windlass anchor, plumbed livewell, deckwash, baitboard, rear lounge, padded coamings, two-tone colour, under-seat iceboxes, bunk infill and tiger spotlights

PRICED FROM

$91,898 w/ Yamaha F150 outboard motor            

TYPE Planing monohull

MATERIAL FRP

LENGTH 6.45m overall   

WEIGHT 2250kg (Targa model)

DEADRISE 20°

PEOPLE (NIGHT) 6           

REC MAX HP 200              

MAKE/MODEL Yamaha F200 GETX outboard motor

TYPE Inline four-stroke petrol outboard

RATED HP 200

WEIGHT 227kg  

DISPLACEMENT 2785cc

GEAR RATIO 1.86:1         

PROPELLER Reliance 17in stainless steel

MANUFACTURED BY

CRUISECRAFT BOATS

1308 Lytton Road,

Hemmant, QLD, 4174

PHONE (07) 3390 4877

EMAIL [email protected]

WEB cruisecraft.com.au