Kiwi crossover the real deal

Saronic SX6.

Waikato powerboat builder offering a solid alternative to American-brand ski and wakeboard boats

Specialist ski and wakeboard boats (now increasingly commonly referred to as tow boats) are very different to other types of trailer powerboats. Whereas most trailer powerboats are, to some extent (and usually quite a large one), designed around pursuits such as fishing and diving, tow boats are not.

While one could, if one was really determined, fish off one, virtually every facet of their design works against it. One cannot stand up against the transom, there is big bench seat in the way; there are no rod holders and nowhere to stow either the bait or the catch.

With most Kiwi boaties keen (if not always competent) fishers, this means there has not, traditionally, been huge market here for specialist ski or wakeboard boats.

The market that does exist, however, is very dedicated. Those in it tend to buy well-established American brands such as Nautique, Mastercraft and Malibu and they tend to spend reasonably large amounts of money to do so. A typical specialist ski, wake or crossover boat is likely to cost north (and often well north) of six figures, despite being less than 7m LOA, no cabin and being severely deficient for fishing.

In fairness, one must point out that these boats also tend to be extremely well built, superbly decked out and finished, driven by powerful inboard engines and packed with comfortable seating, gleaming stainless steel towers and plenty of bling.

And now there is a Kiwi version, too: the Saronic SX6, designed and built in Hamilton by Mat Bailey and his company Matcraft Marine.

The SX6 is what is known as a crossover design, meaning it can operate either as a ski boat or as a wakeboard boat. For those unfamiliar with the difference: a ski boat requires a reasonably flat wake; a wakeboard boat a far more more pronounced one (enabling the wakeboarders to launch high and get plenty of air).

In order to satisfy both disciplines and make the boat as family-friendly as possible, Bailey has designed a hull with reverse delta technology and a fine entry bow. This creates a smooth and comfortable ride with a wake versatile enough for everyone to enjoy.

The boat achieves a flat slalom table for skiers, says Bailey, and, when the ballast tanks are full, the wake grows considerably to keep any highflying wakeboarder happy.

Adding weight, especially at the transom, is a strange concept for those unfamiliar with wakeboarding. Yet that is exactly what is required to create the deep launching pads required by board riders. Where other designers try to reduce weight and wake, Bailey and his colleagues work hard at adding it.

To that end, he has fitted ballast tanks under the cockpit sole (alongside the 120-litre fuel tank). With just a flick of a switch, these will quickly fill with 555kg of water, depressing the transom and creating the desired wake. (Another flick of the switch empties the tanks in just a few minutes). Those wanting even more weight can also place a heavy fat sack in the aft transom locker.

In order to carry half a tonne of water ballast, the crew (the Saronic SX6 can seat seven) and all their gear, these tow boats need a decent amount of power. In this case, Bailey has chosen a 5.7-litre MPI ECT MerCruiser.

MerCruiser TowSport Inboard engines provide the perfect pulling power and the right amount of torque for a vessel like the SX6, he says, while the company's extensive dealer network means Saronic owners can get their boat serviced pretty much anywhere in the country.

The 5.7-litre workhorse produces 315hp through a OJ XMP 13 x 11.5 propeller and can drive the SX6 to a top speed of 39 knots while pulling 4820rpm.

While boats like the SX6 have no need of the usual electronics one finds on trailer powerboats (fishfinders, chartplotters, MFDs), they do have other specialist electronics, such as the Stargazer Perfect Pass system. Linked into the MerCruiser engine, it allows the skipper to dial in the speed the skier or rider desires.

Once the throttle is applied, the Perfect Pass's on-board computer then keeps the boat at that constant speed.

An adjustable trim plate also allows the skipper to further flatten the water when skiing.

In their detailed review of the Saronic SX6, the Pacific Powerboat magazine team invited 2012 Men's Under 19 wakeboard champion Regan Carlyon and top skier Mike Wortman to ride behind and give opinions on how the Kiwi crossover performed.

Carlyon, who usually boards behind a Nautique was very impressed.

"As far as wakes go, it's what you want. It's really predictable, has a nice lip and, for a mid-engined boat, was really good."

Wortman was also impressed with the wake, especially when the aft trim plate was employed.

"That trim plate made a huge difference," he says. "The Saronic was every bit as good as the Mastercraft I usually ski behind."

Layout-wise, the Saronic is fairly traditional, with a conventional open bow (complete with forward-facing seats, backrests, hand holds and cup holders).

There is an aft-facing bench-style observer's seat opposite the helm and a bench seat across the transom.

At the helm, the comfy driver's seat is fully adjustable, as is the steering wheel, while a large rear vision mirror off the tower enables the skipper to keep an eye on both the passengers and the rider or skier behind.

Whereas one might expect to pay over $100,000 for an American name ski or wakeboard boat, the Saronic is available here from just $59,800.

That includes standard features such a fold-away walk-through wind blocker, Fusion stereo system, glass windscreen, bilge blower, tilt steering, 300kg capacity pump-free ballast system, chiller box and a removable swim platform.

Want to know more?

Check out the comprehensive boat test on the Saronic SX6 Crossover in the May/June issue of Pacific Powerboat magazine or at www.pacificpowerboat.com.

Saronic SX6

LOA: 6.40m
LOH: 5.95m (without platform)
Beam: 2.15m
Construction: GRP
Trailerable weight: 1700kg
Engine: Mercruiser 5.7L MPI
Fuel capacity: 120 litres
Water ballast: 555kg
Price (from): $59,800
Price as described: $69,000