2009 Review: XFI Genesis

The recent heavy rains in South East Queensland has topped up some of our dams with much needed water. Until that occurred, many of them were closed to the boating public due to chronically low levels that had the surface strewn with tree stump tops and the boat ramps finishing about 150m away from the water's edge.

With the gates to Somerset Dam re-opened the week before, we decided to take the XFi Genesis for a blast on this scenic impoundment that is a mecca for skiers but also for those chasing bass and yellow belly.

COCKPIT COMFORT

Inside the cockpit the accent is on smooth rounded lines with plenty of quality upholstery.
The observer's seat is about one-and-a-half normal seats wide in a corner lounge style with the front of the engine cover diagonally across. The seat is tucked into the corner, so there is plenty of security when manoeuvring in tight fast turns. The seat top is about 200mm off the carpeted deck and when the cushions are removed, rota-formed stowage trays can be found underneath.
A panel in the back rest is also removable revealing stowage right to the front of the nose cone for skis and boards.
In the deck between the observer's seat and the helm seat, a removable hatch reveals an insulated icebox big enough for half a dozen cans and plenty of ice.
The helm chair is slidable forwards and back, and a multi-positioned steering wheel base is fitted.
Mercruiser instrumentation is neatly laid out on a patterned, polished alloy inlay around which are installed switch panels.
One of these switches operates a pump that fills a rear tank to sink the transom so that the boat produces a nice curling wakeboarding wash.
Although fitted with a hand throttle/gearshift, a foot accelerator is an option.
The engine box opens in two stages: the first allows you to access the top of the engine for checking coolant and oil levels; and when that is locked down, the entire box is hinged and opens to allow access to the front of the engine for checking and maintenance of pumps and pulley belts.
The sideliners in the cockpit are all upholstered with open access for stowage and short net fronts to prevent contents rolling out. The rear seat is also plush and features wraparound ends. The seat cushions also lift up, exposing stowage trays inside the rota-molded base, and the entire assembly is removable and may be put on the beach for seating for three. Over the back are two grabrails above a wide swim platform, the top of which is about 200mm above water level. Centrally located on the transom is a tow ring for ropes if not wanting to use a skipole which is available in different lengths and inserts into the deck forward of the engine box.

CONSTRUCTION

The makeup of this boat is something to look at.
The bearer system is full fibreglass, and the topside and hull are joined together both internally and externally. The manufacturer claims maximum strength and flexibility is obtained by using core matting and bi-axel roving placed in strategic positions throughout the hull. As such, they can offer a lifetime structural warranty for the original first owner of the hull. All major components are through bolted to the bearer system using stainless steel nuts and bolts.
On the water this rig is a beauty. It has a tonne of torque and acceleration is exhilarating. We towed one skier with the XFi on doubles, single and barefoot, and this was by no means a test of its capabilities. The maker claims it will pull three large adults up on slalom skis with ease but we were not in a position, manpower wise, to test this fact.
Without a skier aboard, it is a fun machine and you can throw it around effortlessly. In hard cornering at high speed, some water did run off the forequarter and spray back to the cockpit, but when in normal use and the boat planing, the spray was barely noticeable. We wound it up on the speedo to around 50mph, which is 80kmh with the engine revving out to 5200rpm. During normal skiing use, the maker also claims a fuel consumption of between 15 and 16lt/h which is quite economical.
The XFi Genesis is a quality fun skiboat at a price one can justify if just starting out with skiing or boarding. For those who are old hands, you will find the simplicity of this machine and its power most welcome.

WHAT WE LIKED

Tremendous torque
Easy engine access and option for lounge on the beach

NOT SO MUCH

Spray during hard turns but this is something that cannot be remedied with such a low profile hull unless the wind deflector is increased in size, in which case it would have to be see-through. Taking a towel is easier!

Specifications: XFi Genesis

HOW MUCH?

Price as tested:                          $45,590
Options fitted:                          Clarion stereo, vinyl upholstery upgrade, galvanised trailer upgrade from paint version, bimini top, and storm cover
Priced from:                            $45,590
Material:                                  Fibreglass
Length overall:                        6.1m
Beam:                                       2.2m
Weight:                                   1450kg on trailer

CAPACITIES

Fuel:                                        100lt
People:                                     6

ENGINE

Make/model:                             Mercruiser Black Scorpion
Type:                                       V8 petrol w/ multiport fuel injection (MPI)
Weight:                                     373kg
Rated HP:                                 330
Displacement:                           5.7lt
Gearbox:                                 Borg Warner forward and reverse direct
Propeller:                                  12.5 x 12.5-inch four-blade cnc routed

Websites: www.xfiboats.com.au

Originally published in TrailerBoat #224