Silvercraft 36CC Reviewed

Silvercraft's immaculate 36CC is a silver surfer

The large boat (30ft and over) market exists without a doubt thanks to the U.S.A with their faster, bigger, and better philosophy in life. Are they on top of their game when it comes to producing the top sport fishing consoles in the world? In my opinion, it's a resounding yes. However, there’s quite a few new kids on the block sneaking in from other countries around the globe, and that’s due to the popularity of these versatile and multipurpose craft.

A prime example would be the new Silvercraft boats distributed locally by Spirit Marine on the Gold Coast. The Silvercraft fleet is manufactured by Gulf Craft in the U.A.E. Producing boats for over 30 years, Gulf Craft are renowned both in the U.A.E and around the world for their powerboat building capabilities. And, I must say, they have an interesting range of pretty stylish fibreglass mono and cat hulls, ranging in sizes from around 30–47ft in length, with outboard, inboard, cuddy cab/cab, and centre console options to suit day boating and the odd overnighters.

ON OFFER IN THE LAYOUT

The layout of the Silvercraft 36CC is far from complicated, with no major bells, whistles and yuppy bling. They have kept it open and clean — sort of like less is more — and I don’t mind that, particularly when it comes to the price of this colossal centre console beast — this weapon, as tested, comes in at 335 grand, and that’s half the price of the upmarket American consoles in the same size. What do you get for that price? Well, don’t expect every last bell, whistle, and executive bling finishes to be included. As mentioned, they have kept the layout fairly simple, open and clean, however, what’s included is sufficient enough for comfortable day boating inshore and offshore.

A detailed look externally shows boarding access is via the port transom door, or hinged side gunwale door. Stepping onboard, I like the uncluttered and open non-slip wet decks, as well as the high gunwales for added safety onboard and comfort when fishing up against them. There’s an optional small live well hatch built in, as well as a fold up rear bench, a large-centred deck hatch with access to batteries and plumbing, port and starboard kill-tanks/storage hatches, recessed grab-rails, side pocket storage, and gunwale rod rack storage in the midships. As tested, its not set up as a turnkey sport fishing weapon, however, coaming road-holders, a nice bait-board and other fishing accessories to suit would be easy enough to add yourself.

You then have a transom facing wet-bar with plumbed sink, a large surface area for prepping foods/drinks or even baits, as well as numerous storage options below. It doesn’t have a built-in cooker, but I would be content with a portable gas cooker or small bbq that you pull out when needed. In saying that, there is an option for a full wet-bar set up ready to go with cooker and fridge, or even full tackle station.

At the helm there’s dual seating with flip-up bolsters suited both to seated and stand-up driving. The insulated T-top provides good shade, has a dedicated radar and antennae base, as well as extending over the front console seating. Although not critical, I wouldn’t mind seeing the hard-top extend over the wet bar, as well as a rail of rocket-launchers for rod storage and a few drain rails added as standard. As an option, you can get an extending bimini for the transom.

For the captain, I like the helm and dash design as it’s wide and spacious, allowing for twin 16in screens and a plethora of gauges and other electronics. The screen is small and suited to open summer boating, however, they do have optional full clears available — definitely something I would add. As mentioned, the front of the console has added seating which also opens up to a concealed head with vanity. It might be a small creature comfort to have, but worth its weight in gold.

For the entertainers and family boaters, the bow is monstrous and set up with the day-boaters in mind. Bow rider style seating is included and they do have an optional infill available to create a full day-bed. As a dedicated fisherman, I would add a drop-in table for the family days and wouldn’t mind having the cushions as clip-ins instead. Theres also plenty of storage below the seating and an extra flush deck hatch for fish or gear.

ON THE WATER

Moving onto the ride and performance, and this is where it’s interesting. The Silvercraft 36CC is only rated from 400-600hp, and that’s fairly low considering the size. As tested we had twin Suzuki 250hp 4-strokes, and, I won’t lie, I wasn’t expecting any eye-watering or white-knuckle performance to come.

To start, the hole-shot was a bit of a surprise for me as the 36 hops onto the plane quite effortlessly, and with minimal bow rise. It also planes at low revs, around 2700rpm/13kt, indicating a limited deadrise, but efficient hull design. If that’s the case, I assumed there may be a potential compromise on comfort at speed and in the chop.

Acceleration through the mid rev-ranges was again surprising, and although it felt gradual, it was just an illusion due to the size of the boat. Cruising at 3500rpm is the sweet spot for efficiency, maintaining a speed of 22kt, and a mild fuel burn of 50.72L/h combined. Rpms of 4 grand bumps you up to 27kt, and fuel burn still minimal at 67.38L/h. Knocking the hammers down to wide open throttle, well again I was surprised as the twin 250’s crack up a decent 41kt, with expected fuel burn at 166L/h.

As for comfort, my assumption of then ride was wrong. Surprisingly, the 36 has a combined efficient and soft ride, and that’s in rough conditions too. By the time we finished the photo shoot, the wind was cranking a brisk 20 knots outside the seaway — perfect conditions to see what the 36 has to offer on the offshore front. As I headed towards the Gold coast seaway entrance, I think my passenger, Peter Nicholson (MD of Spirit Marine), expected me to turn away. However, offshore was on my radar as I wanted to see if this boat could tackle the kind of conditions occasionally encountered when coming back from offshore fishing trips.

Heading into the south-east swell and 20kt mongrel chop and breeze, I easily maintained a comfortable 20–24kt speed, and without abuse to the body. From 25–30kt the ride is still pretty good, however, you obviously can’t sit back and relax. Side on to the swell, wind and chop, 26–28kt is the magic number, and with the swell its slightly higher at 28–30kt. Another interesting point to the ride is the decent stability, both at rest and underway. I’ve only just realised that there were no trim-tabs on this boat, so clearly the hull rides level. Are tabs necessary? In my opinion yes, as they can only benefit the fine tweaking of a ride, so I would add them.

Like any boat, there is always some form of compromise when it comes to the ride, performance and handling. In this case the only thing I can comment on is she throws a little bit of spray in the rough, but that’s a small compromise that can be lessened with a slightly slower speed and a bit of extra trim in the rough if it bothers you.

Back to the efficiency of the hull, and where does it come from? Well, clearly they have nailed the hull design to create good economy and a decent ride. I also think the hull weight of 3560kg contributes towards it. Now I’m assuming that’s hull only, so with motors and a full load of fuel you would potentially be looking at around 5.5 tonnes, and that’s still exceptionally light in comparison to other brands of a similar size.

THE WRAP

Overall, I was pleasantly surprised with the ride and handling. The layout is simple and open, but you can easily trick it up to suit. Going back to the price tag, and, as mentioned, these boats cost considerably less than the top global brands many people can only dream of. Like anything, if you’re chasing a high-end product, you are going to pay accordingly. If you’re happy with something a bit more basic but can do the job, then the Silvercraft 36CC is worth a look.

Whether it be day boat mellow cruising, heading out to the islands with the family and friends, diving, or fishing the shelf, you can do it all on the Silvercraft 36CC. If centre consoles are not your forte, take a look at the Spirit Marine or Gulf Craft website as they have number of other interesting models available, and particularly so in the power cat range.

This is our first Silvercraft review, but you can read up on plenty of other reviews here.

FACTS & FIGURES

FRICED FROM: $295,000

PRICE AS TESTED: $335,000

OPTIONS INCLUDED:

• Twin Simrad NSS 12 Evo3 units
• Halo Pulse Radar
• VHF Radio RS20s Class D DSC
• Spot light 
• Windless Electric Anchor 
• Fusion - Apollo 6 speaker stereo over 3 Zones (built in Amplifier)
• Swim platform
• Anti-foul/underwater boat protection
• Transom Shower
• Head, vanity and wet bar

GENERAL

TYPE: Centre Console day boat 

MATERIAL: GRP

LENGHT: 36 feet 10.9 metres long 10.9m (35ft 9in)

BEAM: 3.3kg (10ft 10in)

WEIGHT: 3560kg

DEADRISE: N/A

CAPACITIES

PEOPLE: 12 (day)

BERTHS: N/A

REC. HP: 400–600hp

MAX HP: 600hp

FUEL: 1130L   

WATER (FRESH): 150L

ENGINE

MAKE/MODEL: Suzuki DF250AP

TYPE: DOHC 24-Valve 4-stroke 

WEIGHT: X: 290kg, XX: 299kg

DISPLACMENT: 4,028cm³

GEAR RATIO: 2.08:1

PROPELLER: N/A

MANUFACTURED BY: Gulf Craft

SUPPLIED BY:

Spirit Marine

Check out the newest releases and Silvercraft boats for sale here, or enquire about the Silvercraft 36CC here.