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marque.com.au
Though it’s made in America - aren’t most boats these days? - the pocket cruiser has definite application on our waterways. Measuring 27-foot overall, this is exactly the kind of cruiser that trailerboaters will consider upgrading to. Think of it as a weekender for two, plus two kids. And do spend Saturday night aboard, if not tied to a marina then on a mooring in a quiet bay somewhere. To this end, I would fit the boat with an aftermarket invertor to convert its 12-volt house-battery supply to 240-volt power for brief use of appliances (read toaster at breaky) and the microwave oven (for reheat and eat dinners). But that was about the only thinking lacking on this turnkey cruiser package. Though destined to be stowed at a marina or dry-stack boat rack, such as those that grace the shores of Port Phillip Bay, the 2600SE has a 2.59-metre or 8ft 6in beam, which means it can be legally towed. I’m told it will tip the scales at 3800kg drive away, so it’s F250 or Range Rover territory. Thankfully, the boat arrived at a nearby wharf whereupon I leapt aboard and sauntered up the flat foredeck, over the non-skid, before opening the windscreen and negotiating the moulded stairs in the cabin door. With a one-piece bow rail and moulded tow rails, the 2600SE has good access over the bow. But with an optional windlass fitted, there was no need to go forward to drop the anchor. Besides the usual spread of engine gauges for the upgraded 320hp 6.2-litre MerCruiser MPI motor, I found a stereo remote, controls for the windscreen wipers, trim tabs, woodgrain tilt adjustable wheel and matching dash panels housing a full spread of Faria engine gauges. The windscreen, held up by stainless steel supports, is a new rakish design that complements the boat’s trick engine vents and sculptured side panels. These curves and hips help disguise the on-water apartment below decks. The aft cabin has a big double bed and the easily convertible dinette in the bow turns into another double. Despite it’s modest length, the 2600SE has headroom in the cabin. The galley offers a single-burner stove and microwave oven, plus clever additional slide-out food-prep space. The bar fridge is big enough to carry a weekend’s worth of grub. Hot water also extends to the moulded head, with its electric loo and, albeit tight, showering space. So you get a lot of comforts for your cash in the cabin and no fewer amenities outdoors. Designed as an entertainer, the 2600SE comes with two different seating options: three-quarter length aft lounge with dinette or split aft-lounge with centre transom door. The latter might work best with the optional wake tower as a watersports-come-weekend cruiser. But for cruising with the clan you can’t beat the standard aft lounge/dinette arrangement. Time to explore the concept behind the so-called Active Seating. The aft lounge can be used three ways: for seating up to three people when cruising; as a sunpad for a couple with the backrest folded inboard; and as an aft-facing seat for doing sundowners or watching the kiddies splash about. Clever. Meanwhile, adults get the run of the helm seating area. At rest, the double helm seat swivels from its transverse position to a longitudinal position that faces the co-pilot lounge, which is big enough to seat three people or act as a daybed. Thus, the helm seating can be used as a social setting, shaded under the boat’s canopy, with good views extending out the deep windscreen panes. Nearby amenities include a sink with cutting board and an optional cockpit fridge. Meanwhile, there was nothing out of the ordinary about the engine installation or engineering, with good servicing room around the motor, which is accessed by pressing a button and raising the bonnet on hydraulic gas struts. But there is something to say about the performance. This was an especially quiet cruiser, with plenty of acceleration from the big-block V8 but no harsh roar. Family cruise of 23 knots at 3200rpm was delightful and 27 knots at 2500rpm was still comfortable. Above these speeds the boat leapt about on the bouncy water. Top speed was 36.5 knots, which isn’t that fast for a big-block V8. More to the point, the boat performs the role of comfortable cruiser very, err, comfortably. Once the anchor takes a hold and the engine is silenced, you have a floating hotel room with a clever seating arrangement up top. But Active Seating? Nah, it’s more for enjoying some zeds, lounging and kicking back with family and friends. Good value and a smarter pocket cruiser than many of its peers. lockwood@intercoast.com.au
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