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Cruise Craft Outsider 575 Review

CRUISE CRAFT OUTSIDER 575

It is a timeless conundrum: "What do I want in a boat and what will I be really using it for?" Is it just for my use, or will there be family and mates involved? (There'll always be mates involved!) Will it be used just for fishing or leisure? Will watersports be a prime concern, or will it be a combination of all of the above? If you're anything like me, you'd be wanting a craft that can handle a bit of everything. A boat that can handle a few of the boys for a day's fishing, be used heaps during the summer for towing the kids on inflatable water toy,s as well as lounging around doing jack. Cruise Craft answers the call with a variety of craft. They are moderately priced, have years of heritage as a family company since 1946, and constructing fibreglass craft since 1967. If safety is a prime concern with the "tin lids" Cruise Craft feature foam-filled hulls for added floatation, plus they're dinki-di Aussie from bimini top to keel. The Cruise Craft 575 Outsider will go a long way to answering that difficult question - especially for a family. Trailer Boat sourced a new 575 from Coastlife Marine at Wyong just north of Sydney, and we hooked up and headed to the Gosford boat ramp to sample the 2006 model on Brisbane Water as it flows into the lower reaches of the Hawkesbury River. The 575 is the smallest of the three Outsider walkaround models, but it's certainly not short of the pedigree that's made Cruise Craft range such a well-respected name in Australian marine circles. It possesses everything to make it a strong option for the family who wants a craft for a variety of uses. Unless you clamber aboard via the trailer, boarding is via an access door port rear onto the spacious deck. This also makes an ideal swim platform as the two step stainless steel ladder is recessed into the back deck. Underneath the transom bulkhead the battery, bilge pump, deck wash pump and oil tank are hidden, and they're - all easily accessible. Included in the bulkhead is a generous live bait tank than can be optioned up with plumbing and sitting proud was the deluxe bait board with raw-water deck wash hose attached. Of cantilever design, a rear seat is folded away in the transom. It doesn't intrude when not in use and swings out with two sturdy hooks attaching to points at the front of the transom. Optional padded combings along the gunwales offer more support as they are just the right size for getting purchase against your thighs when leaning over the side. Another feature that aids in surefootedness and peace of mind is that there is room under the gunwale storage racks to slide your feet for added balance. In the cockpit there are two seats on aluminium pedestals, and both swivel although only the captain's rest can be moved forward and aft. Beside both seats are two storage compartments - one for keys and phone with larger space at the bottom next to the gunwale storage for bulkier items. Instruments consist of large Bombardier tacho as well as trim and fuel gauges with a slanted space in front where a flush-mounted fishfinder and GPS combo can be fitted, directly in front of the helmsman. There's waterproof switches including bilge pump and optional bait tank plumbing and 27 Meg radio. A handy feature in the cabin is a removable shroud that covers the wiring for the instruments and steering. What it loses in headroom makes up for ease of access, tidiness and for waterproofing purposes. There is plenty of space on the v-bed and an overnight expedition is certainly not out of the question. There's a generous hatch that big Shane proved is built for all sizes. The hatch is moulded to form a seat that comes in handing for throwing a line off the bow while your mates use the deck behind. Also the prow is a moulded part of the hull as well adding for strength with a generous stainless steel bow rail as standard that doubles as a handrail for the walkaround that is easy to negotiate. One thing that is missing is the lack of drink holders around the craft. Sure in this day and age of responsible boating, manufacturer's may wish to paint a positive picture but just because it fits a can or a bottle doesn't necessarily mean it has to contain alcohol! With its foam filled hull it loses out a bit on storage space compared to other hollow hulled vessels. While that provides peace of mind in flotation fixes it limits the amount of gear like skis and wakeboards that you may store out of toe tapping way unless everything is placed on the V-bed up front as so often happens. Under the fully carpeted floor is a reasonable kill tank or icebox but most of the underfloor space is taken up by the centrally located 160litre fuel tank that is accessed by a screw panel. There is also a deep storage well in the centre of the V bed but along the side there are smaller spaces for little nick knacks as unseen available space is again taken up with the foam core Sitting in the comfortable upholstered seats there is plenty of protection from the elements while under power with the four piece wraparound screen also giving good vision when giving the legs a rest. This craft had an optional bimini with Max adding they are designing a set of wraparound clears that will be available shortly. For extra support there is a moulded foot rest for captain and passenger while behind the seat are two stainless grab rails that are handy for others to stand while underway but if sitting down is the option there is the folding bench seat that hooks to the front of the transom. There are four rod holders around the gunwales while there were a few more on the bait board. A rocket launcher is an option. At 5.712 metres it's a craft that is easy trailerable but light enough at around 1700kg not to need a Mack truck to tow. It can be put in the water one-out plus it is offers decent handling qualities that like it's name suggests will let you go outside even with a swell running.. The added safety is in what you can't see with the foam filled hull that adds to the confidence of owning a sure footed craft constructed to handle rough stuff. Fitted with a 150hp Johnson two stroke it would be interesting to see how it would handle four blokes of varying size from straw-weight me to man mountain, Shane, our craft master from Coastlife along with our snapper Bazz and Max Wicks who had organised the test. With over 300kgs of weight just in passengers, the Outsider didn't even wheeze hesitate or burp when the question was asked to get on the plane. It did it effortlessly being remarkably responsive, Max explaining that the strake and chine design enables the ease of physics transfer to get us motoring On full noise 100kmh is attainable with the Johnson spinning over around 5000 rpm. For pleasant motoring and better fuel economy it ticks over at 3000RPM at around 60km/h. The crew were keen to demonstrate the boats handling and it wasn't long before Shane had us pirouetting in the briny and no mater how hard he threw it into a turn it tracked well and held its line with very little tendency to cavitate. Sure it did do it a couple of times but Shane was really pushing it. The surprise was the lack of spray in the turn as it isn't noticeable until the rear third of the craft with none coming over the gunwales - even in very hard turns. It was the same when hitting a swell or wake with no one in the boat copping a drop. The ride through swell, chop or wake is up there with the best. Very smooth and no need to really brace your body as the hull absorbs the impact sensationally well.  We even got a fish in while we were out. With three adults there is no trouble moving about the deck, casting and baiting up. Also the moulded seat in the forward hatch is a real bonus for a relaxing fish. I even managed to jag a Sergeant Baker on a squidgy!  We were fishing in the adjacent to the narrow channel that runs out to Pittwater and this is used by a variety of craft, one of which was a huge passenger catamaran. The wakes that swept passed us amply demonstrated the crafts stability at rest. With its 40cm draft and 2.37m beam we weren't a wine cork bobbing about and  it was back to steady afloat in no time. If you want a more fishing orientated craft the similarly priced sister 575 Explorer may be what temps but as for the Outsider it is a definite top of list option for a family all-rounder that will serve you many happy times. Indeed this craft isn't just a cruise as the name suggests as it can head outside to fish, drag the rellies and kids behind at pace or just relax on a calm bay.

Specification: Cruise Craft 575 Outsider

Price as tested: $53,926 Options fitted: 150hp Johnson two-stroke, Bogey trailer with brakes, bimini, live bait tank plumbing and deck wash, 27 meg radio, stainless steel boarding ladder Priced from: $49,276 with 90hp Johnson two-stroke, trailer and regos

Type: Deep-vee monohull cuddy cabin Material: GRP Length overall: 6.097m including bow sprit Beam: 2.37m Draft: 40cm Deadrise: 20 degrees at transom Weight: 1720kg with BMT with 175hp

Rec/max HP: 135/175 outboard Fuel: 160lt Capacities: Six adults Accommodation: Two adults

Make model: Johnson 150 V6 Type: Fuel-injected two-stroke Rated HP: 150hp Displacement: 2589cc Weight: 186kg Drive: 1.86:1 outboard

SUPPLIED BY

Coastlife Marine, 300 Pacific Hwy, Wyong North, NSW. Phone: (02) 4353 3644 Web: www.coastlife.net.au.

For your nearest dealer call Cruise Craft Phone: (07) 3390 4877

Originally published in TrailerBoat #197

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Cruise Craft 550 Outsider

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g'day , i have recently found a cruisecraft 550 outsider that i am interested in , just after some opinions on value. it's a 1997 model with 115 2st yammy (with 300 hrs) , sounder , gps, vhf , 27 meg radios . duel batteries , kill tank , live bait tank and full storm covers . the asking price is $40 ,000 ?? what do you guys think ? is it worth it?? thanks jason

... i only work to support my fishing addiction.....

Re: Cruise Craft 550 Outsider

Mate, I'd reckon way dear...its nine years old...couldn't be much more than $50ishk new...tell him he's dreamin!!!...late 20's-early 30's maybe...but I'd still be building a platey for 40k or a little more Saw your post about letting the alleycraft go..that'll be a sad day mate but can see with your growing family you'll need something a little bigger...for $40k I'd be wanting something really late model as new...just my opinion, but I'm sold out to plate mate! Have you checked out Riptide or fisher to see what they could do a newy for - you may be pleasantly surprised? good luck Rhys

><((((º>.¸.•'´¯) Life is a mystery to be lived, not a problem to be solved, Gabriel Marcel

g'day rhys , yeah mate have checked out the platey's but for 40k you dont get much guess i'll have to keep looking around. cheers jason

G'day Jase, A mate of mine just sold his super console...nearly a centre cab...6.5metre (nearly 7mt to rear of pod) Riptide with a late model low hours (less than 100hrs) 175 yam with everything for $40k...less than 2 yrs old I reckon there are better buys out there Will keep my ear to the gorund cheers Rhys

Hi longtail, personally, spending $40K I'd look for something with a brand new motor, unless I knew it's history intimately. Are u sure there aren't new boats to suit ur needs for 40 thou. Buying boats is lotsa fun hey, cheers Steve

Hey Jase, You will find much better than that deal. The same boat is on ebay at the moment for buy it now of 25k, without trailer. Add new trailer and clean up, and your still talking under 30k. For 40K i'd be looking elsewhere. Have a look for a Southwind SF20, they are rare but they are fantastic (I used to own one!), and you should get one for about 30K. Regards Darren

Yep waaaay to dear, they are a nice boat though. Wynnum marine had one a while back that was featured in Trailer Boating magazine also a 115hp with full covers etc etc and it went for around the 30k mark. Keep your eyes open they do pop up but they move pretty quickly too. Just out of intrest there is a 542F Signature at Wynnum marine at the minute with a 135hp electric everything covers etc etc which could be worth a look. Damn aint boat shopping fun! Good luck with whatever you get mate Cheers and Beers Scott

"Mystique" Haines Signature 580BR with 175 of Mr Suzuki's finest ponies

this looks like a better buy, http://cgi.ebay.com.au/MUSTANG-2250-...QQcmdZViewItem

I think Jason, you must be congratulated for even asking the question here. Far too many ' think " they are onto a bargain, only to be disappointed down the track. You hold the $'s, you are in the box seat. Look far and wide for the rig. Personally, I reckon you'll find something with a 4 banger or HPDI 2 stroke for the 40K. And to the respondents, good input and info, pat yerselves on the back. Cheers Phill

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Never been in either boat, but to me going on the adds, the Mustang looks a far better buy! Cheers mate, best of luck with it, as stated above, you have the$$$$$$s, be patient (always the hard part for me I'm afraid!) and a bargain will present!

Glad all these other fella's replied Jason, as i thought you were a bit upset when i told you it was over priced. That's the biggest problem is the old dollar burning a hole in the pocket. The right boat will come along for you Helen and the kids, you just have to find it mate. Darryl.

not upset darryl , just surprised that's all i have done a bit of research on the net today actually and it seems i was letting my love of cruisey's get the better of me i'm going to hold off from doing anything for a while now anyway , and wait for that perfect buy to come along thanks everyone for the replies jason

Jason, I will send you a copy of the flyer for the yalta 6m that i am looking at for 40k new with warranty. I am taken with the c/c as well but that one you are looking at is to dear for the age. you could do a lot better than that Graeme

send them a copy of this chatboard.....then offer 30K

Originally Posted by mcgilld send them a copy of this chatboard.....then offer 30K lol it's funny you should say that ....... the seller is one of this chatboards advertisers

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Cruise Craft

By olitay March 28, 2009 in Boating

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Anyone got one or know about them? would love some feedback in particular why they are comonly refered to as "Bruise" Craft. I can only guess that they are are a not too forgiving heading into a sea???

Any comments would be appreciated as im thinking of purchasing.

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Wantingaboat

Like i said had a few beers and the Mrs has gone to bed so thought i might try and do a bit of research. Hope this helps.

Outsider 550

Specifications

� Length 5.50 m

� Length with Bow Sprit 5.90 m

� Beam 2.37 m

� Maximum hp 150 hp

� Fuel Capacity approx 160 L

� Weight Hull Approx 720 kg

Here is a quote:

"We tested a few boats when we were looking.

My personal opinion:

Haines 580 breeze and Haines Signature TC175 all felt too narrow and I felt crowded on the "dance floor" as far as fishing room was concered.

Took a Quinnie 570 Spirit out on the water and was really disappointed. Bad ride, bad tracking, and the Mercury Salt Water 115 hp 2Stroke was just horrible. Shocking cavitation, needed heaps of revs to get 4 people out of the hole and needed to be trimmed all the way in all the time. Pedastal seats felt weak and in danger of breaking off at the base - it just all felt wrong and uncomfortable.

I would have liked to test a Streaker but we just don't see them up here in QLD - but everyone else on here raves about them so if I were you I'd at least get a test in one if I could.

We tested a Cruise Craft Outsider 550 - end of story. I just couldn't believe how well it rode, turned, tracked and planed. it's got all the gear so it was bloody expensive but it's a hardcore boat with soft touches like toilet, camper covers etc so the misses loved it too. We took it out to the Jumpinpin Bar in 1.5m-2m wind chop and it just lapped it up and stable as hell. I took a mate who has always been a plate boat junkie - I think he has a bit peeved that it went so well!

So that's what I think...good luck! "

Thats cut and pasted from another site and a genuine review. Sounds like a beast to me. I aint trying to flog them i own a tinny.

ive never been in a 5.5metre outsider but i have spent a bit of time in an old 5.5 cruise craft reefranger

and i have to tell you that old hull impressed the hell out of me ,at the time i had a 17ft Caribbean and the difference between the two boats was enormous

take it for a spin ,thats the only way you can be sure you will be happy parting with your hard earned

cheers arman

Anyone got one or know about them? would love some feedback in particular why they are comonly refered to as "Bruise" Craft. I can only guess that they are are a not too forgiving heading into a sea??? Any comments would be appreciated as im thinking of purchasing.

I've never heard that before.

I've owned a few fibreglass boats in my time and been on quite a few. None of them have impressed me as much as the Cruisecraft I recently sold to my brother in law.

They are expensive, but they are a fantastic boat.

Thanks for all the help guys. Appreciate all the feedback!

Anyone else know about these boats?

“Hi BillyD, you getting rid of the Signature?, my mate has a Cruise Craft Outsider and I would rate the ride of your Signature to be a better, softer and much better overall performer!. They have been referred to as “Bruise” craft because they tend to bang about in a head wind, a much heavier boat than the Signature too. Thats just my 2 cents worth.”

Cheers Doggers, just enquiringly for now. Thanks for the comments!

Thanks for all the pms guys, have decided against the Cruise Craft in the end. Looks like My Signature will better suite my needs at this stage!. I just need to pimp her up now, bring on the Lowrance HDS, SS rocket Launchers and away i go!

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Cruise Craft Explorer 625

Author : Barry Tyler

Going Exploring

Having put to bed the complete re-vamp of their bowrider side of the expansive Cruise Craft range, next in line for Nichols Bros was their cuddy range. Some models are to receive a cosmetic make-over to bring them into line with the very latest market expectations, in instances such as their latest Cruise Craft Explorer 625 however, it was a complete new ‘generation’ upgrade from stem to stern for what would be the largest boat in their Explorer Series.

The second boat in the Cruise Craft range to fully comply with level one of the new buoyancy regulations, this Cruise Craft Explorer 625 model replaces the legendary Explorer 600, arguably one of the most popular Cruise Craft models ever made. Nichols Bros knew what they wanted to do to improve their ‘old’ model, and they figured the only appropriate way to keep the boat still in proportion – was to start with a new model rather than simply lengthening the old 600. Ostensibly the Explorer range is fishing orientated, seriously fishing orientated, so they needed to incorporate even more of the one most important pre-requisite to a fisherman – space. Especially in a boat of this size and stature that fits so conveniently into the ‘bluewater’ category. It is this bluewater aspect in fact that is of paramount importance to the Cruise Craft team, for as CEO Kevin Nichols so rightly points out, “Our boats are perceived as one of the top offshore platforms, and when you fish the outer reefs it is a long way home when the weather changes as it can do, so dramatically and so quickly,” he said. “We owe it to the people who buy our boats, to provide them with the very latest in hull design and thinking, so they can fish these reefs relaxed in the knowledge they are in safe hands when the weather cuts up.”

‘Just a Fishing Boat’ It is in fact what I felt was the ultimate insult to describe this boat as just a ‘fishing boat’, for it was a lot more than that. Yes, it had a large cockpit, courtesy of the extra length Nichols mentioned, plus the helm is further forward in this new model too, further accentuating the size of the ‘self- draining’ cockpit – but there was so much more to this boat that so purposefully leads it into the ‘family’ boat category also. Non-fishing items such as carpet, windscreen grab-rail, stern eyes, step-thru transom upright, transom boarding ladder, deluxe seats, on S/S frames, upholstered storage bins, cabin shelving – all combined well with optional extras such as folding rear lounge, cabin lining, and the rocket launcher Targa arch and bimini. While these were nice features for fishermen they are not necessarily mandatory. But in a ‘family’ situation they may be just the items to ‘tip the scales’ and get the family interested in boating and fishing also. From the moment you stepped aboard you were left in no doubt this was still a fairly serious fishing boat, despite their slight attempt to disguise the fact. No duck-boards, a boarding ladder that folded up right out of the way, an uncluttered portofino platform if you did need to get right to the stern to retrieve your fish, a remote deck-wash hose, transom live-well, padded coaming faces, cockpit lighting, recessed grab rails above these, good wide coaming tops that were comfortable and wide enough to sit on, recesses for fire extinguisher and EPIRB, full-length cockpit side pockets for storage of rods (in special racks) and incidentals, and as already alluded to, a good big uncluttered cockpit working area.

The rear in particular, of this new Explorer model, was a real work of art – quite different – and the real bonus was it would appeal to both the fisherman as well as the family situation. Most obvious was the walk-thru transom aperture that could be closed off by the swinging door. Below this door there was a storage locker and beside it a natty fold-down or entirely removable, rear lounge. Not full width obviously, so as to not interrupt the concept of the walk-thru transom, but it was a brilliant ‘family orientated’ feature that in no way encroached into the space required by serious fishermen, at the rear of the boat. With the seat folded down the actual backrest then doubled as a coaming pad – a pad incidentally that blended in well with equally deeppadded coaming pads along each side. The significant bait station, out of the way of passengers’ heads, and the outboard when it trimmed right up, complemented the ‘fishing’ ideal nicely. The Seats Are Back When talking of changes to the Explorer, perhaps one of the most obvious was the return of the old style of Cruise Craft seat configurations. ‘Back by popular demand’, these seat frames were in fact a direct response to a significant demand from buyers who suggested the stainless steel frames were practical as a substantial and strong mounting point for the seats, a great feature for passengers to hang onto in rougher seas, and a great space-saving area to put bulky items like chilly bins. Out of the way of foot traffic, tie them around the frame and they don’t move. While the helm area was only very slightly higher than usual, these frames were a great way of securely mounting the associated higher seat level.

The extra height in the helm area also provided the added bonus of great cover from the elements, in bluewater conditions – either when standing or seated. This is after all the main logic behind the cuddy style of boat, but through clever design styling in this instance Nichols Bros have been able to

make the concept less obvious from a side profile perspective. The seating was good, the wellappointed dash, complete with four different levels of electronics, BRP instrumentation, was just what any discerning owner could ask for, and the seating position in relation to the rest of the boat and remotes and the like, was also good. The seats understandably only slide back or forward, for as Nicholls suggests, “Our customers are too busy catching fish way out to sea, to have time to turn the seats around and sit down!” Between the seats and ahead of the underfloor 240-litre fuel tank, was a huge underfloor fish bin, or alternatively wet storage or even perhaps an ice box. The only thing in the helm area I wasn’t happy with was the non-feedback rotary cable steering – too light in my opinion, but Nichols informs me hydraulic steering is available, if you prefer it. Perhaps the best feature of the helm area though, enhancing dramatically the aesthetic appeal of the boat, was the overhead protection.

A very serious and beautifully built rocket launcher Targa arch, a folding example at that, so you could get it into a lowslung garage (height on trailer is 2.43m) if need be, supported an equally substantial bimini structure that fully enveloped the entire helm. Add the front and side clears, and you were completely cut off from the elements, and if you wanted more shade further back in the cockpit there was even a slide-out extension kit available, as an extra. Extending the vessel’s usage outside the parameters of a dedicated fishing vessel, the Explorer offered as another ‘extra’, an extension kit to the bimini that completely enveloped the cockpit, transforming the Explorer into a full camping situation. The whole concept of a cuddy cabin has been turned around too, with the space available down below in this example. This cabin (liner) module was great to sit in, for two adults, but with the addition of an infill and cushion you could very definitely stretch out and have a kip. The cabin was lined, had upholstered back rests and V-squabs, and featured one of the most sensible foot areas I have seen. Two levels of steps (one could accommodate a Porta-Potti if so desired), above the floor level, lead you up to an acceptable level from which to stand up through the overhead hatch and (easily) access the bowsprit and fairlead. You could walk around the outside if you so desired, for there was a split bowrail, indecently wide coaming tops and plenty to hang onto with the Targa arch.

Johnson Power

The stats of the rig included an overall length of 6.54m, a beam of 2.45m, a 240-litre fuel capacity, a rear deadrise of 20 degrees, and while the 625 model will handle the weight and power of a 200hp outboard, Cruise Craft recommends a 150hp outboard as the ideal package. In this instance the Explorer was fitted with a JL150PL 2-stroke, carburetted, 2589cc, V6 150hp Saltwater Series Johnson outboard, running a 17″pitch SST 3-blade Johnson propeller. Everyone seems to swear by 4-strokes in this day and age, for performance, speed, noise, pollution, you name it – but I have to say this 2-stroke engine was definitely the exception to ‘their’ rule. It was so quiet I thought initially it was a 4-stroke, sure it growled a bit when it got up and running, but to me there was nothing like the raw power and acceleration of a 2-stroke. This is not a small boat by any stretch of the imagination, and the engine is only mid-way through the horsepower range, but in my mind it was the perfect combination of boat and motor, power to weight, for an across the board all-rounder application. My GPS averaged out at a top speed of 42.3mph, and at that it ran at a nice level attitude, handled well, and held good directional stability through the chop and cross-seas. It turned well, especially when thrown aggressively into a turn, and manoeuvred well at low speed when berthing or pulling up to another boat.

Stability at rest was a revelation, it is a big beam and with the reverse chines I suppose you would expect that, but this was way better than I expected with four of us standing up against the coaming – in a beam sea! The best part about the performance though, for me, was the bluewater ability of the hull. Taking its heritage from their ‘Outsider’ hull (Nichols Bros believe in using a generic underhull shape) the ride in bigger seas was very good, most predictable, softer riding and most importantly, reasonably dry. I say reasonably, as you had to expect some water on the screen, from the sea spray.

I mentioned this boat was the perfect combination of boat and motor, power to weight, but it is also the perfect combo cost-wise too – there is nothing wrong with a 2-stroke carburetted engine, in this day and age of outboards. As a boat it is pitched at the serious fisherman, but it is good enough in my opinion to be pitched directly at the family situation also, and especially for those who like to venture a little farther a field. It is well presented, attention to detail is exceptional, it handles and performs exceptionally well even with a midrange engine, and at $76,000 for a top of the range bluewater boat, it should be seen as good value for money.

Specifications

• Model: Explorer 625
• Standard Package: $76,385 (150hp Yamaha 4- stroke)
• Price as tested: $94,568
• Designer: Nichols Brothers
• Builder; Extreme Boats
• Material: GRP
• Type: Cuddy Cabin
• LOH: 6.215m
• Beam: 2.45m
• Rear Deadrise: 20 degrees
• Hull Config: Deep-V mono-hull
• Trailerable Weight: 1930kg(approx)
• Engine Capacity: maximum 200 hp
• Power Options: Outboard only
• Fuel Capacity: 240-litre

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CRUISECRAFT OUTSIDER 550 GREAT CONDITION PRICE REDUCED   SOLD

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