Southern Boats has been building top-quality aluminium trailer boats for more than three decades. Its factory in Mosgiel has gained a reputation for extremely well-finished and high spec products. The latest model, the XF650, is a departure from the norm for Southern, aimed squarely in the middle of the fishing boat market rather than at the higher end.
So while the XF650 is constructed to Southern’s usual impeccable standard and with the same proven hull design, it forgoes some of the luxury features and fishing touches that generally make Southern’s range stand out. The model designation XF differentiates it from the higher-end XP models, and Managing Director Peter Carlson says this is in response to current market demand. He says the boat was built to meet the $100K price point, with the base hull, motor and trailer packages retailing at $99,995. The model as tested comes in at $129,995 with its additional fixtures and electronics.
In the words of Carlson, “We have down-spec’d this model a bit from the usual high-spec Southern.” Changes include a basic hardtop cabin from aluminium rather than fibreglass, and flat glass rather than the usual but more expensive curved glass windscreens. The hull is vinyl-wrapped instead of painted, and the cockpit is unlined, although the cabin retains its insulating carpeting on the sides and ceiling.
The boat was fitted with the highly-regarded Yamaha 150hp four-stroke outboard, and Carlson says this again is what most buyers in the current market are looking for. The hull is rated up to 225hp, so a prospective purchaser can also choose a more powerful, pricier option if they require more speed or pulling power. A windscreen wiper has been installed on the starboard side, as another ‘essential luxury’ for the serious fisherman.
Under the treadplate deck is a 200-litre fuel tank, as well as
a wet locker suitable for dive gear or other storage. The helm and passenger seats are fully upholstered bolster types mounted on top of solid no-frills aluminium pedestal pods. Under the pods are chilly bins, each with a padded squab to provide additional seating facing aft. A nice touch is the rubber feet under the bins, preventing them from sliding around when underway. Carlson says other seating options are possible, and they will customise the layout to suit the purchaser.
The transom includes a live-bait tank under the step-through to the boarding platform. A large, removable, powder-coated unit on the transom holds a bait-board, rod holders and a drawer for fishing gear. A boarding ladder on the boarding platform, and U-Dek foam decking on the gunwales and boarding platform, are other touches of luxury the XF650 has retained.
Since this boat is directly aimed at the fishing market, its wide coamings with that U-Dek covering and plenty of rod holders were must-haves, as were the full-length parcel shelves that can safely store rods lying down. The obligatory rocket-launcher-style rod holder along the rear edge of the hardtop holds another seven rods, so there is no shortage of fishing rod storage. The cockpit is wide and provides plenty of space for up to six anglers, and the high gunwales impart a sense of security, whether leaning against them or sitting on the coamings while fishing. Those seat bases also maximise the usable deck space, intruding minimally into the cockpit deck area.
The helm is well laid out, with a 12-inch Garmin Echomap touchscreen multifunction chartplotter/fishfinder dominating the space. A pair of Yamaha digital gauges provide engine data and steering is hydraulic, with a conventional throttle and shift control on the side of the cabin. A Fusion stereo, GME ‘Black Box’ VHF radio and controls for the Lenco trim tabs, as well as the Maxwell anchor winch, complete the helm layout. A dual bank of switches controls the lights, live-bait tank, washdown pump and other electrical items.
The forward cabin with squabs either side is useful for storing gear or for a mid-afternoon snooze, but is not intended for overnighting. Together with the hardtop, it provides shelter from wind and any rain showers, which is likely to be its prime purpose. There was no toilet fitted to the review boat, but this could be installed as an option. A hatch opens to the forward deck where the Maxwell winch takes care of anchoring duties.
Out on the water the boat performed exactly as expected for a 6.5m aluminium hull. Which is to say it accelerated fast and easily reached 30 knots of boat speed and more. Carlson says he has had the boat up to 38 knots in light trim mode, and expects that a larger motor would give a top speed in excess of 40 knots. However, we found the 150hp had plenty of power with three adults onboard and a full fuel tank, so for most users it would be perfectly adequate.
The most economical speed seemed to be around the 25-knot mark, where the motor was cruising comfortably at 4,400rpm
and using just over 30 litres of fuel per hour. Pushing the throttle a bit harder took us well over 30 knots, and she remained perfectly comfortable at that speed. Naturally the fuel consumption jumped a fair bit compared to cruise speed, so
I wouldn’t recommend running at high speed for long periods. At cruise the boat should provide an effective range slightly in excess of 150 nautical miles, meaning that even extended game fishing trips would be possible in the XF650.
We did find that judicious use of the trim tabs was necessary with three people on board, since three bodies means the weight distribution naturally tended to be unbalanced. However, the Lenco trim tabs responded quickly and it was easy to keep the boat on an even keel. The hull only has two partial planing strakes in the forward part of the hull, to help lift the bow when accelerating. The lack of planing strakes in the rear, combined with a 20o deadrise at the transom, gives the boat a smooth ride – we could power through the usual ferry wakes and harbour chop at speed without any undue lifting or slamming from the hull. The flipside of that smooth-riding, moderately deep-vee hull profile is the need to use those trim tabs in certain conditions.
The XF650 handles well, is quick to accelerate to cruising speed, smooth in the turns and nicely responsive to throttle and helm inputs. Being an unlined aluminium hull with an open-back hardtop, engine noise is quite apparent from mid-throttle and above, but never unpleasant. At rest the boat is reasonably stable, and although three of us standing on same side did cause the boat to heel over somewhat, it was nothing to be concerned about. I think the excellent ride quality more than compensates for any slight tenderness. The live-bait tank built into the transom step means the rear opening is high off the water, reducing the risk of water coming aboard over the stern, whether from large waves or from backing up at a moderate speed.
After taking photos we headed back to the boat ramp and trailer, trying out
a mixture of speeds, turns and jumping a few ferry wakes. After having our bit of fun, we were back too soon and sliding her effortlessly back onto her custom-built tandem-axle aluminium trailer with hydraulic brakes and mag wheels. Towing weight is estimated at 1,700kg, so within the towing capability of most utilities and many modest SUVs.
Overall, this is a boat that does exactly what it sets out to do – a mid-size fishing boat priced to meet the market, but built solidly to withstand years of hard use. With few frills, maintenance will be easy and
a thorough freshwater hose down is all that is needed after a day on the water. The new and used boat market is undeniably tough right now, but the Southern XF650 should cater nicely to anyone on a slightly more modest budget still wanting a well-built, capable deep-water trailer boat.
