Sure to be steady as she goes

Stabicraft's new 2050SC is an evolution of their popular 589SC. As Mike Rose reports, the changes are all good

No one ever accused a Stabicraft of being pretty. From deep down in Invercargill, they have always been designed to do their job rather than to appeal to the eye. In that, they are not that different to archetypal "Southern Man" glorified in the beer commercials.

However, if their new 2050SC is anything to go by, the 2010 Stabicraft models (two more are being unveiled this week at the Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show in Greenlane) might just be ready to shed that un-aesthetic reputation.

While not exactly beautiful, the 2050SC has a rugged charm that was perhaps missing in earlier models. Make no mistake, this is no sleek and slim GRP lookalike but neither is it an ugly duckling.

The lines have been smoothed out, the pontoons appear to meld better with the superstructure and the hardtop (despite being raised) is very much in proportion and comes with an attractive rake.

All that is just external appearance of course and not many boaties chase a Stabicraft for its looks. They seek one out for its sturdy construction, for its superb seakeeping and for its almost total unsinkability.

In those, most important of regards, the new model performs at least as well as its predecessor. The distinctive tube shape provides lift at speed, cushioning passengers with a pocket of air while providing bite during turns. Stepped chines turn away the water providing a dry ride. The standard non-feedback steering ensures manoeuvring remains easy.

The tubes and coamings have been designed to maximise internal beam and storage and to do so without taking away from the 1830 litres of reserve buoyancy.

With air trapped in four separate sections through the tubes and under the fully welded tread-plate floor, the boat is virtually unsinkable. All four chambers would need to be punctured and the chances of that occurring are slight.

Performance is another area where Stabicraft has long deserved its impressive reputation, especially in waters that are less than smooth. The 2050SC is rated for outboards up to 150hp yet, unless one has a great desire to travel at high speed or intends to regularly carry hefty loads, a 125hp or a 115hp will surely be adequate.

On an afternoon of two-boat testing, the Propeller magazine team compared a 2050SC with 115hp Evinrude E-Tec and a Mercury 125hp Optimax. The E-Tec managed a top speed of 34 knots at 5250rpm while the Mercury hit 37 knots while pulling 5800rpm. However, it seemed that the smaller E-Tec would have benefited from going up another hole on the transom. It was also fitted with a 17in propeller: great for getting on the plane quickly but nowhere near as good as a 19in if top end is the aim.

Yet even disadvantaged like that, the smaller engine proved 115hp is quite adequate for this 1200kg, 17.5 degree, 6m vessel. The fuel economy was quite good too: 50 litres over 4.3 hours of running, much of it battling 25 knots, a breaking sea and rain, while maintaining speeds of around 20 knots.

The evolving of the 589SC into the 2050SC is part of a deliberate Stabicraft programme to improve vessels. Every model undergoes a design review every two years.

As a result, the new 2050SC has a hardtop that is more than 50mm higher than it predecessor. This provides greater visibility for those under its shelter and also makes it more comfortable for those of a lofty disposition.

Another tweak has been around the driving position, where the positioning of the controls has been adjusted, making them easier to use, and the footrest modified to provide greater comfort.

Despite those earlier comments on the Stabicraft's utilitarian nature, this applies only externally. On board, the 2050SC is the equal of any alloy boat. The aluminium is highly polished and all the edges are smooth. The chequer plate floor is both attractive and functional and the cabin area and wheelhouse are fully lined with carpet. There is also a sliding window on the driver's side of the hardtop, a great feature often overlooked by those who design and build these structures.

As a fishing and diving platform the 2050SC is hard to fault. The large side lockers are deep enough and with a large enough opening to accommodate dive bottles. Rod holders are customised for each owner.

There is ample space for two adults who like a bit of room and who both like to set numerous rods; or for four with more modest tastes.

The port section of the transom has a walk-through with removable sliding door and the large boarding platform on either side of the outboard is sure to find favour with divers and those who like to stand out board to do their fishing.

Other features include easy access to the foredeck along wide side decks, a traditional Stabicraft helm with its neat, tidy and practical layout and a large spacious dash that just cries out for a large multi-functional screen.

Standard seating is pedestal for both skipper and passenger although there are options: either a fold-down rear bench seat or a King/Queen seat with alloy swivel.

Single or twin wipers are also available as options.

STABICRAFT 2050SC

LOA: 6.4m

Hull length: 5.87m

Beam: 2.31m

Deadrise: 17.5 degrees

Trailerable weight: 1200kg

Recommended hp: 115-150 knots

Construction: Aluminium

Price: From $60,244

A full review of the Stabicraft 2050SC is in the April-May issue of Propeller magazine or visit www.propellermagazine.co.nz.

Contact Marine editor Mike Rose on (09) 483 8284; 021 735 015 or email: mrpr@xtra.co.nz.