KEY POINTS:
The Tristram 690 Cabriolet is the biggest bowrider in the Tristram range and shares an enviable hull pedigree with the 691 Millennium, one of the company's most successful models.
Until now, the 640 Cabriolet has been the biggest bowrider in the Tristram fleet. However, demand for bigger and better models is affecting all trailer-boat manufacturers and Hamilton-based Tristram Marine is no exception. Managing director Lance Fink is already hinting that an even bigger model could soon be on its way.
Lance Fink and his team had a number of new concepts they wanted to include in the Tristram 690 Cabriolet, their latest model. They wanted a bowrider section that was larger and the result is 200mm more length in the front of the boat.
Extra storage was also a priority and the 690 Cabriolet boasts a healthy ski and dive-bottle locker under the floor and large lockers under both the consoles in front of the helm and passengers' seats, which are conveniently accessed through large hatches on either side of the bow walkthrough.
Another great feature is an underfloor ice/fish bin and there is rod storage is in the lockers built into the cockpit sides.
Tristram Marine has built their reputation on the quality of their boats and level of appointments so it's not surprising that even though access to the bow and anchor-well is never a problem on a bowrider, they have decided to fit an auto rope/chain capstan as standard - allowing all the anchoring to be done from the helm.
Because this is a true sports boat and likely to be used by waterskiers, wakeboarders and divers, there's a removable seat in the aft port corner. Other seating options include a moulded seat base with back-to-back seating on both sides. There's more storage under the seat bases.
The Tristram team have designed the seats to face slightly inwards, compared to directly aft as on the 640.
This improves comfort and gives greater depth, making them far more pleasant to sit in rather than just perch on.
Skippers can stand or sit while controlling the 690.
When standing, the controls are still within easy reach and there is plenty of room to position the feet without feeling unstable.
When seated, a large footrest enables the skipper to really stretch out while remaining snugly in the helm seat, and the low-profile windscreen provides good protection from the wind.
Top-quality finish is very evident on the 690. Vinyl padding runs along the cockpit sides, creating a luxurious look.
A removable soft grade of carpet gives a warmer, more social feel when entertaining, and can be removed when you go fishing.
The ability to entertain was obviously well to the fore in Lance Fink's brain when planning this boat.
Entertainment features are everywhere, including stainless-steel cup-holders in the cockpit, comfortable seating in the bow section and a full sound system, complete with pull-out DVD screen. Polk Momo pod speakers on the wakeboard tower ensure that even the skier can enjoy quality sound. Tristram Marine had Ology Wakeboard Equipment manufacture a customised wakeboard tower for the 690 Cabriolet and the towers are now available as an option on all their bowrider models.
The new 690 has a conventional underwater shape with two strakes and a pronounced keel. A deep forefoot, a 22-degree deadrise at the transom and plenty of bow flare give a soft and dry ride.
The first 690, a demonstrator for the company, is powered by a Yamaha 200hp HPDI two-stroke outboard. With two people on board, a fairly full fuel load and just three hours on the hour meter, the 690 hit 74kph at 5900rpm. As HPDIs generally like at least 10 or so hours before delivering their full performance, expect a slightly higher top speed once these have been logged. The 690 is more than capable of handling a 250hp outboard.
With the 200hp Yamaha HPDI on the transom, the waketower and stereo system, some Lowrance electronics and a tandem Voyager trailer, the Tristram 690 Cabriolet costs $94,500. Packages, still with 200hp HPDI, begin from $84,500.
* For a complete review of the Tristram 690 Cabriolet see the latest Propeller Magazine Propellermagazine.co.nz
