NEW RELEASES: Savage Boats
Since buying the iconic Savage boating brand last year, new owner, Gold Coast based boat manufacturer Telwater, hasn’t rested on pre-existing laurels. A recent media launch saw new Savage fishing models unveiled alongside revamped models, and the unveiling of the company’s first ever all fibreglass sports boat.
The new Savage range offers boat fishos another brand alternative in the competitive alloy fishing boat market; buyers too now have the freedom to specify their choice of outboard engine brand through participating dealers. The Savage brand now boasts a 22 model range that includes open dinghies, several revamped runabouts and bluewater cabin fishing boats -. refinements include the introduction of the Maximum Ride Hull – on specified models – and upgraded flotation material used across the range.
Savage’s fishing boat range includes old favourites such as the Jabiru – which has undergone a makeover – the Blue Water cuddy cabin series and a new Piranha model. The Jabiru 435 Pro is another in the pointy nosed punt niche that features most of the standard features estuary and impoundment fishos require.
A side console 435 Jabiru Pro at the launch was fitted with a max power rated 40hp Mercury four-stroke and features Jabiru’s pre-existing hull. In Fisho’s opinion the sportfishing punt coped quite well in the confused sea conditions of the Gold Coast Broadwater. The Pro is distinguished from a standard Jabiru via its standard fit bow and stern casting platforms and wide rolled gunwales. It also features large up front wet storage/live well (plumbing optional) and additional under hatch storage under both casting decks. Most buyers of this model are likely to opt for extras such as bow-mount electric mounting plate, live bait tank, extra rod holders and rod storage pocket. Priced at around $18,000, the 435 Jabiru Pro should prove a popular entrant to the pointy-nosed punt ranks.
The new 495 Piranha side console – also available in centre console option – is a roomy, open style five metre dinghy, reminiscent of similarly configured boats from Quintrex (Top Ender), Stacer (Barra Pro) Trailcraft (Pro Fish) and others. A dinghy with good freeboard and space to spare, the Piranha features Savage’s new Maximum Ride Hull for better performance and ride, a rolled deck, plumbed live bait and kill tanks, padded transom for fishing comfort and a max power rating of 90hp.
The versatile looking package handled the Broadwater’s messy chop with aplomb, giving an indication of its versatility for inshore waterways while looking a viable offshore option in reasonable seas. The 495 Piranha is dealer priced at around $32,000.
The Blue Water range consists of 515 and 545 models. These models reintroduce Savage’s combination of moulded fibreglass cuddy cabins and alloy rolled deck hulls. Fisho was impressed with the dry, comfortable ride and handling of the 545 Blue Water, which is sure to garner interest from offshore and family fishos in the market for this popular style of boat. While the Blue Water’s cabin bunks are realistically only long enough for kids, the walkthrough section gives good access to the bow hatch and anchor well. With four on board the max power rated 115hp E-TEC saw the 545 with power to spare, the boat exhibiting impressive ride and handling in broken water, despite heaviness from the standard cable steering – hydraulic is optional. The 545 Blue Water is priced at around $49,000.
Stay tuned for video footage of the 2009 Savage boat range at www.fishingworld.com.au.
For more information go online to: www.savageboats.net.au
By Mick Fletoridis
