Savage 585 Review – Tradeboats.

It’s said the family that fishes together stays together, hence Savage Fibreglass continues to focus on value-for-money family fishing boats.

Savage is yet another brand with roots firmly entrenched in Australian boat building history. In fact the Savage brand has been around for over 100 years and is now owned and operated by the industry giant, Telwater.

This is the same home as other iconic Australian labels such as Quintrex and Stacer, so these vessels have plenty to live up to in maintaining their rich heritage.

Inside, the Savage 585C has an open and refreshing layout, with the ability to transform from a keen fisher one minute, to a sporty speedster the next. Should a sunset cruise beckon, you can also dress her up with the innovative removable rear lounge and then you’re all set for a few Sav Blancs. The moldings are quite beautiful, with a very modern style, and appealing ergonomics teamed with a clever layout that permits full function no matter your intended boating pursuit.

The transom setup is something different. It features dual pull-out doors, which also make up the bolstered backrest for the rear bench. The doors lead out to a full width platform with stainless steel ladder making an ideal staging platform for watersports antics.

There is a good amount of secure carpeted deck room, twin swivel pedestal seats and a well laid out dashboard and helm. Families and fishos just love easily accessed half cabins and this one is a beauty. There’s also very good access via a large hatch out to the moulded bow sprit for easy anchoring.

The overall quality is reflected in the premium gelcoat finishes and minimalist custom graphics that enhance the sweet lines of this curvaceous package. Add a removable baitboard and some stainless rod holders, reposition the modular rear seats and the Savage 585C becomes a capable fishing platform.

We have tested this package with a variety of engine configurations and in some quite sloppy offshore conditions and the Savage displayed a very confident attitude and solid seagoing credentials. It has a surprisingly soft ride, yet maintains good stability at rest.

Fishing isn’t always about gung-ho, balls-and-all masochism, and that’s where the Savage 585C fits the design criteria for a reasonably priced family fisher/fun boat.

There’s a big underfloor kill tank that we would love to fill with snapper on ice, given half a chance. The trim is sensible and appealing with a nice moulded liner and plush lining.

Savage presented a decent package to do battle at AGB, via Gippsland dealer Crawford Marine. It had the gutsy new 115hp Mercury four-stroke outboard motor on the back, this one without the new Command Thrust drive option.

The hull of the Savage 585C fishing boat is rated to a maximum of 150hp and our minds began wondering just how extra-exciting the package could be if fitted with Mercury’s sensational 150hp lightweight FourStroke outboard.

As veteran judge Kevin Smith concluded: “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.

“In turns, the hull tucks in nicely, tracks well with a following sea and overall, is just a pleasant boat to drive.” It’s worth noting that most of his testing was done off the Southport seaway in less than perfect conditions…

Overall, the Savage 585C rated really well in Handling and ride, Stability at rest, Ergonomics and Value for money, making it a well-rounded and very versatile boat package that provided some real contest for our AGB showdown.

She fills her design brief perfectly and holds plenty of pleasant surprises when you get her in the briny.

Match all that with beautiful lines, great looks and attractive cosmetics and Savage has come up with a very attractive offering at a most reasonable price.