QUICKSILVER 705 REVIEW

The 705 Quicksilver was released in Europe in 2012 and promptly made its way to Australia to meet the locals at the Sydney boat show. This launch brought immediate success internationally, winning Best Starter Boat at the 2012 London Boat Show.

QUICKSILVER BOAT DESIGN

Against a white hull there are distinctive black sides, trimmed with an electric blue stripe, following curved lines that drop away at the stern where sculpted white bodywork dominates. Deep chines flow right through to the high bow giving an almost tri-hull look to the boat from some angles and the beam is carried well forward for a strong, big-shouldered look.

LAYOUT

A wide platform on the low transom greeted me aboard at the Cruising Yacht Club in Sydney’s Rushcutters Bay and I first noticed a three-section lounge across the rear of the self-draining cockpit that has a portside opening for access to the cockpit. The central seat folds forward to allow the motor to be lifted clear of the water when on a mooring. An extra seat base can be fitted along the starboard side of the cockpit creating an L- shaped lounge that converts to an alfresco dining area by erecting a table stored in the lazarette. A bimini can also be unfolded to shade the entire area for an even more comfortable dining experience.

As the boat is equipped with an electric winch it should only be occasionally that crew go forward for anchoring but the foredeck has a sunpad that will no doubt prove attractive for tanning. Entry to the cabin is through a wide three-section sliding door which, when open, allows easy interaction between passengers from cabin to cockpit. As the photos show, the cabin is a light-filled space where wide side windows, glass doors and the one-piece windscreen allow an almost 360 degree view.

ADJUSTABLE LOUNGE

To starboard is a twin forward-facing seat but, as I found, things are not quite that simple. A faux teak walkway leads between the helm seats— a double for the driver and a single to port, but there were a few surprises still in store.

The backrest on the twin helm turned into a rear-facing lounge. It then produced a table and legs from a dedicated locker to create a dining setting, before the cushions and table were almost magically rearranged to produce a double berth!

But wait, there’s more: a central opening up forward led me down one step to a cuddy cabin with a double berth at an angle across the boat leaving space for an enclosed head to port with a flushing toilet connected to a holding tank. Considering the boat is really destined for day use and occasional overnight stays it has been well designed within the confines its length.

HELM

With the boat’s weight approaching two tons, I wondered how it would perform with a 150hp engine, but before testing its potential I settled into the driver’s position to get acquainted with the layout. The helm has a simple cushioned bench seat and I found it elevated me so that my feet rested naturally on the raised footbed. Instruments are neatly laid out against a black background and include Mercury Smart Gauges, as well as separate trim and fuel gauges either side of a Lowrance HDS7 GPS/sounder. There is a neat row of toggle switches, separate winch control and a stereo connected to roof mounted speakers. Two stainless steel cup holders are set into neat mouldings and there’s a grab handle for a passenger who might like to stand in the cuddy cabin entranceway when under way.

HANDLING AND RIDE

There was a steady 18kt westerly blowing down the harbour as I clicked the engine into gear remembering that there is no digital control for the 150 four stroke. We were on the plane at 14kts with 3100rpm showing on the tacho so the boat takes a bit to get it motivated. By 4000rpm we saw around 22kts on the GPS, which is a good mid-range cruising speed. The boat turned well at speed, as might be expected from a hull with such prominent chines. Playing boy racer into sharper, slower turns, the hull tends to drop off the plane and there was some cavitation. Top speed ran out at 31.8kts (58kmh) where it felt well balanced and safe.

Stability at rest was very good as the hull turned sideways to the wind and that’s a good sign as I’m sure there will be plenty of owners who would occasionally like to use the boat for fishing.

THE VERDICT

The base boat is priced at $88,829 but as tested with a long list of options is still good buying at $105,856. A trailer would be extra, but isn’t out of the question, despite the 2.55m beam.

The Quicksilver 705 would be happy cruising the coast or taking friends out on the harbour for a pleasant lunch. With some covers over the rear lounges you could bloody the deck with a kingie or two and sleep off occasional excesses tucked up in a quiet little cove. I liked the way the 705 hasn’t narrowed its options by appealing to any particular segment of the market and in so doing has almost become a boat for everyone.

QUICKSILVER 705 PERFORMANCE

4.5kts (8kmh) @ 1000rpm

6kts (11kmh) @ 1500rpm

7kts (13kmh) @ 2000rpm

8.5kts (16kmh) @ 2500rpm

13kts (24kmh) @ 3000rpm

14kts (26kmh) @ 3100rpm — on the plane

17kts (31kmh) @ 3500rpm

21.5kts (40kmh) @ 4000rpm

25.2kts (46kmh) @ 4500rpm

27.8kts (51kmh) @ 5000rpm

31.6kts (58kmh) @ 5500 rpm — wide open throttle

ON THE PLANE...

• Extremely accommodating for a 7m boat
• Performs surprisingly well with only a 150hp Mercury four-stroke on it’s rump
• Versatile interior
• European flair at a bargain price

DRAGGING THE CHAIN...

• Curious how it would’ve performed with more horsepower
• Substantial towing prospect, but still an option

QUICKSILVER 705 SPECIFICATIONS

HOW MUCH?

Price as tested: $88,829

Options fitted: GPS, stereo, fridge, winch, sea toilet, cockpit shower, coloured gelcoat, opening deck hatch, bow cushion.

Priced from: $105,856

GENERAL

Type: Monohull cabin cruiser

Material: Fibreglass

Length: 7.05m

Beam: 2.55m

Weight: 1796kg

CAPACITIES

People: 8

Rec. HP: 150-200hp

Max. HP: 200hp

Fuel: 220lt

Water: 45lt

ENGINE

Make/model: Mercury F 150 EFI

Type: Four-cylinder four-stroke

Weight: 206kg

Displacement: 3000cc

Gear ratio: 1.92:1

Propeller: 16inx13in SS Enertia

MANUFACTURED BY

Brunswick Corp. Belgium

SUPPLIED BY:

Collins Marine

26/17-21 Bowden St Alexandria NSW

Tel: (02) 9319 5222

Web: www.quicksilver-boats.com.au