cruise craft outsider review

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Cruise Craft 595 Outsider review

December 1, 2011

For logistic reasons we took both boats offshore, so each could be tested and alternately used as the camera boat. And of course there was a bit of fishing thrown in for good measure. In this review I will be focusing on just the larger of the two models, the 595. I will cover the 530 in a later article.

The Cruise Craft 595 Outsider, which has been badged the OS, is a totally new model from the ground, well actually, the hull up. It hasn’t been cut, stretched or anything else and as Kevin Nichols from Cruise Craft commented, “It’s brand new from the lead in the pencil to the finished product.” The new hull has increased in size from the keel to the gunwale, which has given it higher sides and allowed for a gentle flair.

Although this section of the hull has increased, the distance from the keel to the top of the windscreen has remained in proportion to other models. Thus there is a larger hull with more super structure for increased strength without any additional overall height. Another feature that has been incorporated into the new design is a one-piece moulded floor liner. This fully moulded fibreglass liner is removable if work needs to be carried out after the boat has been built.

The internal side panels have also been given a facelift and are now in two pieces. Once again, allowing for easier access if required. In creating this new floor lining the team at Cruise Craft has created a fully sealed platform. Part of the reason for this is to clean up the production process, as well as allowing areas where foam couldn’t be sprayed to become airtight voids when the layers are sealed, adding to the safety of the vessel.

The drain plug has also been removed from the well in the cabin as part of having the sealed floor lining. In addition, the kill tank has been moved to the aft of the fuel tank and all new models will now be fitted with a 12V flood drain valve which can be operated by the flick of a switch. This will allow control of water flow without having to get on your knees to undo or put in the bung. So in essence the new model 595 has three membranes incorporating the hull, floor liner and deck, which have been joined to make one solid and functional platform.

Adjusting the hull enabled a finer entry which has improved the smoothness of the ride into the waves. Although the test day was a cracker in terms of weather, we still managed to find a few waves. And as you can see from the photos, Bill Corten is pointing Justin Nichols in the right direction to find a few for photos. Other alterations to the design include changes from the old scuppers to quick release deck stainless drains.

Previously the windscreen was four-piece, but the new model has incorporated a two-piece design with only a join in the middle. The additional struts give it support and also provide a cleaner line. In keeping with the cleaner lines, a totally new stainless targa and rocket launcher has been designed. It has been modified to allow easier access around the side, giving you good vantage points to grab on to. Although the targa is now connected to the boat at only two points on each side it actually has more strength and moves much less when fully loaded with rods and while cutting through chop. However, this could also be due to the new hull, but is probably a combination of both.

Other nifty improvements include the newly designed seats. These are extremely comfortable and I really like the design. As these boats were hot off the factory floor, the grab handles hadn’t been fitted at the time of testing, but they will give the crew something extra to hold on to. I also liked the new colour, especially when I saw it outside in the light. With the early morning sun reflecting off the side of the hull it looked a treat as we made our way down the Rainbow Channel.

But more importantly, how did the new hull ride – did it do what it was meant to? Well the short answer is yes it did!

PERFORMANCE

Although a totally new design, concepts from the 685 and 625 have been used towards the stern of the hull, ensuring it remains stable at rest and providing a good fishing platform. I have been lucky in that I’ve spent many hours, even weeks fishing out of various Cruise Craft models, so was intrigued by the new model. With a hull length of 5.95m and a 2.44m beam, the final result is a welcome addition to the range in that it provides a capable offshore fishing vessel that is easy to tow, launch and retrieve. This model is sure to generate some interest from people looking for their first offshore boat or those upgrading existing boats.

A massive list of standard inclusions consists of a full length folding rear lounge, upholstered seats and bunks and cockpit carpet, just to name a few. With a base price from around $79,000 you get plenty of standard fittings. Actually all you need to add is your choice of sounder and GPS and you have everything needed to hit the water. For more information and a full list of inclusions on this or any of the other Cruise Craft model, give the guys at the factory a call on 07 3396 9777 or drop in and see them at 31 Fox St, Wynnum.

About Ben Collins

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2018 Cruise Craft Explorer 685 HT review

With more than 300 models plying aussie waterways, cruise craft's flagship 685 explorer is a resounding success story. we thought it time to revisit this modern classic..

The Explorer 685 cabin cruiser has been a stalwart of the Cruise Craft range since its debut in 2007. For offshore trailerboat fishing and day cruising it has few peers, the Explorer's quality of construction, handling and performance keeping it at the top of the sales charts. The current model, upgraded with new interior features and a semi-enclosed helm station, further boosts the attraction of this big Aussie trailerboat. We tested this finely crafted Cruise Craft model paired with dual Yamaha 150hp four-stroke outboards.

The Cruise Craft Explorer 685 launched more than a decade ago in the wake of the arrival of the similar-sized Outsider centre cabin model.

The two shared the same 20-degree deep vee hull, but the deck, cabin and interior layouts differed. The Outsider was more family orientated with a larger cabin and more family-friendly features. The new Explorer targeted offshore anglers with a bigger cockpit and a slightly smaller cabin.

The two boats were built side-by-side for several years, but the Explorer proved to be the clear leader on the sales charts, so the Outsider model eventually was dropped.

Today, the Explorer 685 stands as the flagship of the Cruise Craft range and one of five Explorer models - nine if you count the hardtop versions as separate models.

The first version of the Explorer was available only with a stainless steel framed soft-top bimini. An open hardtop boat followed, and finally, the latest hardtop model with deck-to-hardtop tempered glass windscreen and sliding side windows to semi-enclose the helm station.

The Explorer 685 has always been available with single or dual outboard engines. Early models were available with different outboard brands, dealer fitted. Today, the boats are factory rigged exclusively with Yamaha four-stroke outboards, ensuring each boat leaving the factory is set up perfectly.

The test boat for this latest review was paired with dual Yamaha 150hp four-stroke outboards in the extra-longshaft (25-inch) configuration.

Price and equipment

Brisbane's Wynnum Marine has Cruise Craft 685 Hardtop package prices starting from around $140K with a single Yamaha 250hp four-stroke outboard and a Redco tandem axle galvanised steel trailer.

The package includes hydraulic steering, digital engine gauges, digital throttle and shift, as well as the hardtop with full-height glass windscreen and sliding side windows.

You also get a foam-filled, composite cored hull (no timber), a lockable forward cabin with dual side berths, deluxe pedestal helm chairs on stainless steel frames, a large dash and fascia to take big electronics displays, a vast, carpeted rear cockpit, padded coaming bolsters, full length, above-floor side pockets, transom door, boarding ladder, EPIRB, fire extinguisher, six stainless steel rod holders, and more.

Our test boat also came with a heap of options, lifting the package price to a substantial $218K. The upgraded boat was paired with dual Yamaha 150hp four-stroke outboard engines, along with a deluxe Easy-Tow tandem-axle alloy trailer with electric-hydraulic break-away brakes and mag wheels.

The test rig added a Furuno NavNet TZTL-15 touchscreen multifunction display (combining a fish finder, GPS Plotter and auto-pilot), Furuno VHF and 27 MHz radios, Fusion RA55 stereo, Stressfree anchor winch, coloured hull sides, hardtop canopy extension, triple batteries with voltage-sensitive relay and charger, SeaDek flooring, premium bait board, bait tank plumbing, folding rear lounge, raw and freshwater deck wash, centre cabin bunk cushion, a pair of removable 110-litre iceboxes with cushions, port side windscreen wiper, plumbing to bait tank, insulated kill tanks, storm cover, and more.

Design and layout

The Cruise Craft Explorer 685 is a good-looking boat, made more attractive with the addition of the hardtop and semi-enclosed helm station.

Tacking a hardtop onto a half cabin boat can make it look a bit odd, but that isn't the case here as the shape of the hardtop, side windows and windscreen integrates nicely.

The Explorer hardtop is also functional. There is ample space underneath to stand at the helm with an unrestricted view, and the hardtop, windscreen and side windows provide full shelter from the weather.

The hardtop also acts as a base for LED lighting, radio aerials, and a rocket launcher rod rack.

The boat can also come with a stainless steel-framed canopy that slides easily out over the cockpit from the base of the hardtop. The helm and dash is upgraded in the latest Explorer 685. The fascia is now large enough to take two small displays, or one monster-size display such as the Furuno NavNet TZTL-15 fitted to our test rig.

There is also provision above the main fascia, via a separate panel, for a Yamaha Command Link-Plus digital engine display , along with a compass, switch panels, etc.

A radio box in the ceiling houses the GME marine radios and a Fusion stereo head unit.

The steering wheel and binnacle-mounted throttle box is within a comfortable reach of the skipper, either while standing or seated in the deluxe bucket helm chairs.

The latter are mounted on stainless steel frames with space underneath for two optional 110-litre removable iceboxes, as fitted to the test boat.

An angled foot rest beneath the steering wheel provides additional comfort and support.

Over on the port side there is a storage recess on top of the dash, along with a large, two-shelf glove box, and a passenger side storage pocket with cup holder.

The forward twin-berth cabin is behind a lockable fibreglass sliding door. It has a twin-berth configuration with a stepped central companionway leading forward to a large deck hatch.

Families will find there is ample headroom above each of the two permanent berths, along with safety gear storage lockers under them.

An optional infill board and two cushions reconfigures the two single berths into a double bed.

There's also provision underneath (on the companionway step) to mount an electric toilet, along with upholstered side storage pockets, carpet lining to the ceiling, and a wiring box cover behind the helm.

Climbing up through the hatch puts you standing before the large anchor well and bowsprit. Our test boat was fitted with an optional Stressfree drum electric anchor winch, though you could anchor the boat manually easily enough.

Cockpit and fishing features

Most Explorer 685 HT buyers are fishermen, and there is a very good reason for that. The rear cockpit and transom layout in this big Cruise Craft are superb for sport and game fishing.

The cockpit is not just long and wide, but uncluttered and deep - with 750mm of freeboard.

Anglers can stand up against nicely padded coaming bolsters, feet braced under the elevated side storage pockets (or under the folding rear bench seat) to fish securely and safely in choppy offshore seas.

There is not the space here to detail all of the great features. However, the photos reveal recessed coaming rails and pop-up stern cleats, the dual, mackerel-size underfloor kill tanks, starboard side transom live bait tank, six standard stainless steel rod holders (with nylon inserts to protect rod butts), horizontal under-gunnel rod racks, and optional SeaDek foam rubber flooring.

An optional bait board mounted over the transom is a top-class unit, ideal for reef fishing trips and for pilchard cubing from a still boat. If you want clear decks for lure trolling you can remove it.

Other features on the test boat included a transom-mounted switch panel, port side transom door with sheltered battery box underneath, optional raw water and freshwater deck wash, and the three-quarter width cushioned bench seat that folds neatly out from the transom wall.

On the water

The Cruise Craft Explorer 685 is a proven sea boat, the 20-degree vee hull providing a comfortable, stable and dry ride.

Offshore, the hull is well mannered, predictable and well balanced. It handles inshore bay chop with aplomb, and the boat is rock solid at rest inshore and offshore.

Lenco trim tabs were fitted to our test rig, but they are only needed to balance up the boat in a stiff cross breeze. Otherwise, the hull responds quickly to fore and aft engine trim, allowing the boat to be set up nicely for the prevailing sea conditions.

With dual Yamaha engines on the transom, in addition to the trim tabs, the skipper has the tools to set the boat beautifully for any situation, and to maximise the ride comfort and performance of the deep vee hull.

Plenty of these big Explorers have sold with a single 250hp or 300hp Yamaha four-stroke outboard, but we reckon dual engines are the go for offshore fishing applications. With the duals, the Explorer has a big, cruiser-like feel to it, whilst maintaining the handling and agility of the single engine rig.

The extra motor may also come in handy should you have trouble with one of them when fishing two dozen miles or more offshore. Being able to get back home under your own steam is certainly preferable to having to call up the Coast Guard or VMR.

Dual engines may also be preferable for lure trolling as you can switch one engine off and alternate the engines throughout the fishing day, thereby reducing the engine hours on each motor and conserving fuel in the process.

In short, 300hp is a realistic maximum power recommendation for the Explorer 685 as our test boat was agile and quick from idle through to a wide open throttle top speed of 42.7 knots.

We found the boat/engine combination to be most economical whilst burning 37.1L/h at 3500rpm for a boat speed of 22.5 knots. This combination yields a maximum range on 95% of the 310L fuel supply of 178.60 nautical miles.

The Cruise Craft Explorer 685 HT is an excellent all-weather offshore sport and game fishing boat, and a very competent family cruiser. It is superbly designed, wonderfully appointed, safe, seaworthy and comfortable.

Combine these attributes with world class build quality, and the popularity of the Cruise Craft Explorer 685 going forward seems assured. More than 300 have sold to date, and we expect many more to roll out of the Cruise Craft factory in coming years.

PERFORMANCE - SPEED 4.3kt (8.0km/h) @ 1000rpm 6.1kt (11.3km/h) @ 1500rpm 7.3kt (13.5km/h) @ 2000rpm 10.1kt (18.7km/h) @ 2500rpm 16.8kt (31.2km/h) @ 3000rpm 22.5kt (41.7km/h) @ 3500rpm 27.4kt (50.7km/h) @ 4000rpm 31.7kt (58.7km/h) @ 4500rpm 35.6kt (65.9km/h) @ 5000rpm 39.4kt (72.9km/h) @ 5500rpm 42.7kt (79.1km/h) @ 5900rpm (WOT)

PERFORMANCE – ECONOMY (BOTH ENGINES) 6.2L/h @ 1000rpm 10.1L/h @ 1500rpm 17.0L/h @ 2000rpm 23.2L/h @ 2500rpm 29.0L/h @ 3000rpm 37.1L/h @ 3500rpm 46.7L/h @ 4000rpm 60.9L/h @ 4500rpm 78.3L/h @ 5000rpm 99.9L/h @ 5500rpm 117.2L/h @ 5900rpm (WOT)

MAXIMUM RANGE ON 95% OF 310L FUEL TANK: 178.60nm @ 3500rpm

SPECIFICATIONS: Cruise Craft Explorer 685 HT Price: $217,789 including dual Yamaha 150hp extra-longshaft (25-inch) in-line four-stroke outboards with hydraulic steering, digital controls, an Easy-Tow tandem axle aluminium trailer with hydraulic break-away brakes, Furuno NavNet TZTL-15 touchscreen multifunction display ($26K pack incorporating fish finder, GPS Plotter, auto-pilot and more), Furuno VHF and 27MHz radios, Fusion RA55 stereo, Stressfree anchor winch, coloured hull sides, hardtop canopy extension, Lenco trim tabs, triple batteries with VSR and charger, SeaDek flooring, premium bait board, bait tank plumbing, folding rear lounge, raw and freshwater deck wash, centre cabin bunk cushion, dual removable 110L iceboxes with cushions, port side windscreen wiper, plumbing to bait tank, insulated kill tanks, storm cover and more.

$140,000 with a single Yamaha 250hp extra-longshaft (25-inch) V6 four-stroke outboard with hydraulic steering and digital controls, tandem axle Cruise Craft galvanised steel trailer, and the fibreglass hardtop with full-height tempered glass windscreen and sliding side windows.

SPECIFICATIONS: Cruise Craft Explorer 685 HT Length overall: 7.20m Hull length: 6.85m Beam: 2.5m Deadrise: 20 degrees Hull weight: 1830kg (est) Weight on trailer: 3420kg (wet, est) Maximum power: 300hp Engines as tested: Dual Yamaha 150hp four-stroke outboards Fuel: 310L Water: 60L Bait tank: 49L Flotation: Basic standard Maximum persons: 7

Supplied by: Wynnum Marine

What we like

• Versatile fishing/family cruiser
• Excellent fit, finish and build quality
• Proven hull - comfortable, dry, stable
• Factory rigged Yamaha four-stroke outboa
• Terrific cockpit for fishing

Not so much

• Big ticket price for optioned rig

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Cruise Craft 575 Vs 625

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Thread: Cruise Craft 575 Vs 625

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Hi all I'm trying to compare these boats, around 2005 models. The 575 Outsider has a Black Suzi 140 The 625 Outsider has a White Suzi 200 If anyone can help with cabin/bunk sizes, deck layout, weight, good/bad handling habits? Thanks

Last edited by Dantren; 23-07-2014 at 07:00 AM . Reason: add info

Re: Cruise Craft 575 Vs 625

Explorer or Outsider? - 2 different layouts

They are outsiders wags. Thanks

The boating section would probably get a bit more response, but, I would make sure I checked out a 2005 Suzuki 140 properly.

If I was getting one, my pick would be the 625. Bunk sizes are very similar. The 575 would be slightly softer into a head sea but the 625 would definitely be better in a following sea. The 575 would have better economy fuel wise but the 625 wouldn't be too far behind and also have more cockpit space for fishing. My 2 bobs worth. Duck

Not sure about comparison but you'll be happy either way, love my 625

You'll love that extra meter or so on the 625 in a choppy sea !

Sunshine Coast - Kevlacat 5.2

both would be good, if ya got the coin the 625

Originally Posted by Noelm The boating section would probably get a bit more response, but, I would make sure I checked out a 2005 Suzuki 140 properly. Thought this was the boating section...

It has been moved, it was in the General Fishing chat section.

Remember to always log on before heading offshore.

if you had this two boats side by side and dolar is not problem I would go for 625

i have just move from a 5.5m boat to a 6.25m and the differance in chop is very noticeable have not found the new boat any harder to launch solo either i would be leaning towards 625 if i were you. extra foot of fishing room never goe's astray either

happy days ahead summer is coming

Hi Dantren, You will find a few relevant threads within the last month or two in the Boating section, otherwise the Search function is your friend A few other suggestions: Does the 625 have Tabs? These will be a 100% necessity with this combo (V6), so allow in the budget. 12 x 9 if plate tabs. What is the ATM on the 625 trailer, is it on a gal trailer and does it have a breakaway breaking system on the trailer? If a gal trailer, and you want to be 'legal' (read insurance), an ATM of 2000kg will not be sufficient. Back in 2005 some dealers possibly still did not stringently follow the law, or were possibly swayed too easily and sold them on 2000kg trailers. Cheers Brendon Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

apparently the 625 Outsider cant handle a V6 4 stroke, and it ruins the boat according to people who owned them. Cruisecraft dont even recommend a v6 4 stroke. There are heaps of other 21 foot boats that can float a V6 4 stroke though. Even some 19 footers....

Dantren, my last boat was a 625 CC outsider and I loved it. It had a 200 Verado which was an awesome engine (I thought anyway) and I dont know why Cruise Craft would not reccommend the V6 (maybe listing??) but the Verado cracked my transom out and Cruise Craft could not do enough to help. They said they would have fixed it even if it was out of warranty, they repaired it and done a perfect job. It would have benifited from trim tabs but I never felt I had to put them on. Things to check would be the cracking arond the stainless targa (had to get mine rewelded), and in '05 they changed from 5-7 year hull warranty, the 7 year warranty had a foam filled hull, and try to get the larger 240l fuel tank. I used to fish in my father in laws 575 explorer and definatly enjoyed the extra room of mine. Mine weighed 2.42t no fuel Bunks were big enough for two blokes (need to be good friends!) Deck lay out was great after I replaced pedestal seats to rail type to hold eskies Great bait boards, I know its not a biggy but you appriciate it if you go back to a crap one Look for on with cabin curtain

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TEST: CRUISE CRAFT EXPLORER 575

At any ramp there are a number of boats that will stand out from the crowd, and just two of them are the Cruise Craft 625 Outsider and the 625 Explorer. They’re the sort of boat that many might aspire to own. Certainly they’re not the cheapest boat on the block but they are models that exude quality in workmanship and design. My well used adage of ‘Rolls Royces are never cheap’ works well here. Their popularity and desirability to own can be measured by the healthy resale price of these and other Cruise Craft models. These two boats are by no means at the top end in trailer-sized rigs but they are large. And, for a variety of reasons, some people are precluded from crossing the line into the Cruise Craft 625 model ownership circle. A couple of these reasons are: its size could make it difficult to manage for older people at wind swept and swell prone ramps, and fitting it into some driveways and undercover stowage areas could be difficult. If you’re sitting back wishing to yourself ‘if only’, the light at the end of the tunnel is reflecting off the Explorer 575 - a rig that will lay to rest those and no doubt many other concerns of pondering buyers. This 575 has been modelled for 2006, and was released at the Sanctuary Cove Boat Show in 2005. Its predecessor has been on the water for about three years.

ROOMY AND WORKABLE The revamp sees the helm station bulkhead moved forward 130mm with a stand-alone anchor well introduced. This results in a roomy, workable cockpit for serious anglers and families that like some space around them on weekends at the beach. The latter will find damp stowage space for togs, towels and the like under a central hatch in the deck between the swivel bucket seats. Back inside the cabin, its liner, surround pockets and bunks are moulded in one for smoothness of lines and inherent strength. This vee-berth is available with an optional infill to make a bunk which, at a squeeze, could fit two small adults for a kip. It sits two or three comfortably with a leg well of decent size when the infill is removed. The usual stowage is available under the berth cushions. The ugly spaghetti associated with the rear of a lot of helm stations is shrouded with a moulded fibreglass hinged and clipped lid, making for a neat finish in this section. A two-tier step-up to get one’s torso through the ample cabin roof hatch to work the ground tackle is nicely designed, height wise, for the average person. The cockpit liners are also fully moulded, featuring the same full-sized side pockets incorporating rod and gaff holders as this boat’s big brother. The dashboard at the helm has also been improved, with an increase in size and the sensible location of instrumentation to enable the flush mounting of a couple of large sounder and GPS cabinets. There really is nothing more frustrating than finding a sparse spread of instruments that make installation of serious fish finding and navigation equipment impossible! Those very same serious anglers will appreciate the full size live bait well that sits in the transom, emulating its big brother in size once again. A bait rigging station featuring a sink under the cutting board with rod holders inserted within rounds off a nice work platform. A full beam drop down and removable rear lounge against the transom bulkhead makes the transition of this boat from fun to fishing machine a simple operation.

STABLE AND SPRIGHTLY We took the 575 out on Moreton Bay on the eve of a strong wind warning. Northerly winds of 20 to 25 knots and the threat of a thunder squall had the low tide waters rolling from a swell to a chop of green pea soup closer in so we opted for the calmer waters of the bay. With a 140hp Mercury two-stroke, this rig was very sprightly. With correct trim, the mechanical helm was easy on the elbows and the boat very manoeuvrable at speeds. If strength of the crew is one of the reasons you would look for a vessel of these dimensions do them all a favour and get hydraulic steering, which makes life so much more comfortable, especially when working at speeds just off the plane in tight confines, perhaps manoeuvring at jetties and piers or working around big seas. Also noticeable was how dry the windscreen remained with so much wind and chop coming from the forequarters. Some spray was generated when the rig was pushed purposefully hard into the oncoming sea but, all in all, the faces above the built-in grab rail surrounding the windscreen remained relatively dry. Running along the chop and swell, the 575 tracked without error and was equally at home running with the sea, showing no broaching whatsoever. Stability dead in the water was good and, moving about the boat, it remained at a good attitude, with the chines holding onto the surface. With only the bare safety equipment aboard, stability would rise with increased payload. Due to the prevailing conditions I opted not to wind the Mercury out to its limits but it feels like a ‘75’ boat without too much trouble. A comfortable cruise speed of 45km/h was realised at 3000rpm and, typically Cruise Craft, it was just a nice boat to be in. And the finish? Impeccable, as expected.

WHAT WE LIKED Looks and handles like its bigger brothers, the 625 Explorer and Outsider

NOT SO MUCH Nothing

Specifications: Cruise Craft Explorer 575

HOW MUCH? Price as tested:    $51,715.00 Options fitted:    Stainless steel targa bimini, front and side clears      Sliding shade extension, stainless steel seat      Frames, deluxe bait board, padded side      coamings, live bait tank and saltwater      deckwash, 27meg GME radio and aerial Priced from:    $49,788.00 (BMT)

GENERAL Material:    Fibreglass Hull design:    Moderate ‘V’ mono hull Length overall:   6.097m Beam:     2.37m Deadrise:    20° Weight:    About 1740kg (boat, motor (130hp) trailer)

CAPACITIES People:     6 Fuel:     160lt

ENGINE Make/model:    Mercury    Type:     V6 carburetted two-stroke Rated hp:    140 Displacement:    2507cc Weight:    184kg Gearbox ratio:    1.87:1 Propeller:    19in

SUPPLIED BY Cruise Craft Boats Pty Ltd, 1308 Lytton Road, Hemmant, Qld 4174. Phone: (07) 3390 4877 Fax: (07) 3390 5756 Website:    www.cruisecraft.com.au

Originally published in TrailerBoat #203

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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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How Mary, Queen of Scots Inspired Dior’s Cruise Show

Maria grazia chiuri’s dior cruise 2025 show, held in the formal terraced gardens of drummond castle, was a love letter to scotland and to scottish craft, writes alexander fury.

Certain fashion houses have histories that stretch so far and wide, almost any theme or locale can find anchor in their heritage. Christian Dior is one such label: take Scotland, an unexpected bedfellow for a storied Parisian label, even if Dior himself named a look in his sophomore collection Écosse . But he also presented a collection in Perthshire in 1951, and again at a charity fashion show in 1955. After his death and under the ward of Yves Saint Laurent – coincidentally, also under Marc Bohan, who at that point was head of Christian Dior London – the house staged another charity fashion show at Scone Palace. And, of course, through the history of Dior there have been asides to Scotland, heathery tweeds and Scottish tartans and riffs on kilts. It’s all there, in the past, waiting to come back.

So there’s the foundation Maria Grazia Chiuri needed to ground her journey north of the border, staging her latest Dior Cruise collection in the formal terraced gardens of Drummond Castle, where the models wound their way around shrubs and flowers in early spring bud, the beds and topiaries seeming to emulate embroidery placements.

That was no accident: one of the key inspirations behind this collection was the book Embroidering Her Truth: Mary, Queen of Scots and the Language of Power by Clare Hunter. Mary Queen of Scots was imprisoned for the final 18 and a half years of her life before her execution in 1587. She spent much of that time on embroidery, some of which is now held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. Nicholas White, an envoy of Elizabeth I, reported of a conversation with Mary: “I asked her Grace, since the weather did cut off all exercises abroad, how she passed the time within. She said that all the day she wrought with her needle.”

But this was no passive pastime. Filled with veiled symbols of protest – a phoenix, a powerful symbol of rebirth, or a figure rising again; and even a crowned ginger cat menacing a meek, grey mouse – they are powerful autobiographical totems, worked by the doomed queen’s own hand.

A woman scorned, protesting through her work – Mary Queen of Scots naturally appeals to Chiuri, who has taken inspiration from feminist icons and iconography across the ages. So this collection was an ode to her, in its rich surface decoration of embroideries and laces, its Tudor gestures of high collars and heavy jewels. But it was also a wider love letter to Scotland, and to Scottish craft – plenty of tartan, running the gamut from romantic Braveheart historicism to punk, collaboration with Johnstons of Elgin, Esk cashmere and Harris Tweed, and co-designed pieces with Samantha McCoach of the brand Le Kilt . Long knit became trailing renaissance gowns, tartan dresses were cut away to allow the limbs to move freely, and even sinuous gowns in metallic fragile laces wound up resembling armour more than delicate princesses. Indeed, fusing those hardy fabrications with Chiuri’s 16th-century heroine, Dior’s women this time felt like warriors more than Dior’s conventional Femmes Fleur. As they marched through those flowers, the women weren’t the embroidery – indeed, they seemed to be tramping it underfoot. And kudos to Chiuri for ignoring the suggested connotations of Cruise – there was little flimsy or summery about this offering, which instead felt built for all the eventualities of life, then and now.

In all, though, the most interesting aspect was how lightly the collection bore the weight of its themes, how natural it all seemed to re-tread the path Christian Dior himself followed. Although the attitude was decidedly 21st century – via the 1500s.

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