Savage 585 Cabin Boat Review

The latest addition to Savage Fibreglass range is the Savage 585 Cabin. Although not entirely new to the range, it does boast quite a few changes and mods that make it fairly different to its predecessor.

From a distance, the Savage 585C instantly grabs your attention with its typically modern lines and subtle graphics. Cosmetically, it really looks the part and on closer inspection I was impressed to see some decent fine tuning on the external finishes. A good glossy finish to the gelcoat without any notable imperfections is always appealing.

On the inside, the 585C presents equally well, with a typical family cab-style layout. This consists of full-length rear seats, good access to plumbing, neat clip-in carpet with non-slip deck below, comfy helm seats up front and a well presented dash setup and screen, plus bimini top and an open entrance to a medium sized well-appointed cab. So you could say it’s a fairly standard layout and pretty simple, but there’s more than meets the eye here.

For example, the transom setup is something different. It features dual pull-out doors, which also make up the bolstered backrest for the rear bench.

FISHABILITY?

Then the fisherman in me noticed the lack of baitboard and livewell. But, it’s important to remember life’s not always all about fishing (heresy, surely?) and it’s (sometimes) also about family comfort (maybe). So, I took off my fishing hat and looked at the Savage from a family’s perspective. You could easily see the kids having fun at the back. Just as long as there was room for my retrofitted baitboard and portable livewell, of course.

The seating configuration also impressed me. Besides being super comfortable, it’s easily removable (suits fishing) and has dual storage bins in the base. These can be used for gear or even fish if need be. The fact they are designed to fit below the gunwale coamings also appealed to me. Where you would normally have side pockets, the split rear seats can be neatly placed into the gunwales and this really works a treat as another option for seating. Yes, you might lose the side pockets but that doesn’t bother me, as they often end up being used as an extra bin on my own boat. Amazing what you can find living in them after not cleaning up for weeks...

Another win for me was the larger (removable) flush-mount stowage hatch, or killtank, built into the deck. I couldn’t help but visualise the hatch stocked up with some cracking snapper floating in an ice slurry. Alternatively, fill it with cold beverages, or just general bits ‘n’ pieces for the less-adventurous.

INTERIOR LAYOUT

Now when it comes to driving, I’m quite fussy on dash angles and here they have a separate top section for gauges and reasonable sized flat dash below for flush-mount electronics. The angle is more vertical than usual and it worked for me as you don’t have to stand to see the screens. A dash angle like this also works well when viewing sounders while fishing from the stern.

The cab was also well presented, with plush lining throughout and neat upholstery. Not really big enough to spend a weekend in, but nonetheless, a good spot for the kids and with plenty of room to lob extra gear into. On top of all that, you also score a moulded anchor winch mount and a two-piece windscreen for extra strength.

HANDLING AND RIDE

After spying the latest 90-HO Evinrude E-TEC V4 on the transom I was a bit apprehensive about performance, considering it’s a fair sized boat at 5.85m. Also, I hadn’t tested the new V4 90-HO yet, so had no idea what to expect. All that was left was to knock down throttle and see what it could do. Wow! Considering it was only rated 90hp, I was blown away, to say the least. The holeshot was smooth but relatively quick. Once the exhaust valves opened up, the 90 unleashes the beast within and whips you up to top speed pretty quickly– 32.1kts to be precise. That’s not bad going, considering the boat’s size and weight.

The 585C is rated to a maximum of 150hp, but if the 90 was anything to go by, I wouldn’t bother roping in the big horses. In fact, I’m confident one of the latest 90 to 130hp E-TECs would do the trick more than adequately.

The 585C’s hull comprises a 21° deadrise combined with reversed double chines and moderate strakes. A small plank runs off the keel at the stern and there’s a bit of flare at the bow. Basically, it’s a good combination that produces a decent ride which is comfortable in the rough, but also maintains good stability underway and at rest, and is dry across all angles of swell and chop.

It definitely wasn’t a high speed weapon in the rough, but it does do a bloody good job of maintaining a civilised speed suited to comfort and economy. In turns, the hull tucks in nicely, tracks well with a following sea and overall, is just a pleasant boat to drive seated or standing. It’s worth pointing out that most of our trials on the day were done offshore in conditions that one would generally steer clear of.

THE VERDICT

Overall, I think Savage Fibreglass has done exceptionally well to produce a package that has plenty to offer in terms of layout and now offers more refined finishes throughout. Yes, it might lack appeal to very serious fishermen, but the positives on the boat definitely override all of that. Simple solution: add accessories to suit as you need ‘em.

At 5.85m it’s neither huge nor too small for both inshore and offshore use, and at that size with a dry weight of 800kg, it’s no tugboat to tow around either. Combined with a 10 year hull warranty and a price of $43,990 for the base model as tested, that ticks most of the boxes for me. 

HIGHS

• Quality refined finishes
• Combination of softness, dryness and ride comfort
• Rear seating options
• Aluminium trailer in package
• Suitable for family boating AND fishing

LOWS

• Nothing really to bleat about

SAVAGE 585C PERFORMANCE

SAVAGE FIBREGLASS 585 CABIN SPECIFICATIONS

PRICE AS TESTED

$43,990 (standard package)

GENERAL

Type Family cabin

Material Fibreglass

Length 5.85m

Beam 2.38m

Weight 800kg (boat only)

Deadrise 21°

CAPACITIES

People 6

Rec. HP 115

Max. HP 150

Fuel 85lt underfloor

ENGINE

Make/model Evinrude E-TEC 90hp HO

Type Loop charged V4 60° E-TEC direct injection

Weight 177kg (long shaft); 184kg (ultra-long shaft)

Displacement 1727cc

Gear ratio 2.0:1 (short shaft); 2.25:1 (ultra-long shaft)

Propeller 15in stainless Viper

MANUFACTURED BY

Savage Fibreglass

Web Savage Boats

SUPPLIED BY

Whitewater Marine

10 Hinde Street, Southport, QLD, 4214

Phone (07) 5532 4 402

Web Whitewater Marine