Southern Boats' XP856 is a big, offshore-capable, aluminium powerboat that continues
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Boat review Southern XP856
Southern Boats' XP856 is a big, offshore-capable, aluminium powerboat that continues
S
tunning in black, the new Peter Carlson has owned Family an even better one. The all-black gunwales, heaps of freeboard and
Southern Boats XP856 Boats in Auckland since 1992. Family XP856 featured here is an example a remarkable stability at rest make
making a statement Boats is New Zealand’s largest dealer of the new breed. It reflects several the boat well suited to offshore
on Pauanui Waterways of the Southern Boats range, so when tweaks to the hull and a 2.8m beam. fishing; the capable, soft riding hull is
is the first of a newly Carlson and a partner purchased designed for bluewater use.
vamped line-up, following Southern Boats’ Dunedin-based Turn up the volume “Southerns have always been
Southern Boats' change of ownership factory last year, he was already The Southern XP856 is a huge boat good performers,” Carlson says, “but
last year. Matched with Yamaha V8 familiar with the brand. He and his inside, especially configured with an since taking over the company we’ve
outboard power, the XP856 goes as partner also knew how to make a open-backed hardtop. The massive made many small changes to some
well as it looks. good range of aluminium boats into chequerplate-decked cockpit, high models. These include widening the
16 Boating New Zealand February 2014
black
Words by John Eichelsheim Photos by Bryce Taylor
panther
“ Heaps of freeboard and
a remarkable stability at
rest make the boat well
”
suited to offshore fishing
a tradition of soft-riding hulls but benefits from new tooling and design improvements.
chine flats, making the hull entry a XP856 they work well, providing Enclosed hardtops are an cavity door in the cabin bulkhead,
bit fuller, adding planing strakes and a little extra lift to the bows, but option with this model, but this lockable for security. There is also a
redesigning the fibreglass hardtops, without noticeably hardening up boat is configured for day trips; it freshwater cockpit shower with an
which now come out of new moulds, the ride. A slightly fuller entry, is without doors across the back, a owner-specified, 90-litre freshwater
to make them even lighter.” compared to earlier Southern sink, fridge or cooker, all of which tank under the floor.
The XP856 benefits from these models, and changes to the are options. There is an electric Although overnighting probably
developments, among others. The reverse chines have resulted in a toilet in the forward cabin under won’t feature in this boat’s
strakes were subject to testing to stable boat, no doubt aided by its the squabs, with privacy provided programme, the macrosuede
get them just right, but on the new considerable beam. by a moulded fibreglass, sliding vee-berths in the well-lit, fully lined
subscribe online at www.mags4gifts.co.nz/boating-nz 17
forward cabin are a good size. They is operated remotely from the helm because its owners don’t require in high-gloss, midnight black
convert to a generous double berth station; a Maxwell rope-chain capstan one, but a superbly built factory above the chines with its black
when the infill squabs are inserted. An raises and lowers a Rocna anchor aluminium trailer is an option. The fibreglass hardtop incorporating a
acrylic hatch in the cabin offers easy which stows snugged up against boat sits permanently on a Jet Dock metallic fleck. It looks really good,
access to the capstan, while a So-Pac the fairlead. drive-on, drive-off floating dock in accentuating the boat’s graceful but
hatch in the collision bulkhead opens Drop covers close the hardtop front of the house – see sidebar. purposeful lines, and the paint’s
into the anchor locker. Anchoring when required, which is likely when mirror finish is highly reflective. On
the owners leave their waterfront Brilliant in black this boat the railings, rocket launcher
holiday home to return to Hamilton. There’s no denying the XP856 looks and dive ladder are also black rather
This particular boat has no trailer stunning in black. It’s painted than polished aluminium – even the
VHF aerial and spotlight are black.
If there’s a downside, black paint
shows dirt, sea spray and the inevitable
dings and scratches but other colours
are available. This boat had already
clocked up 30 hours in just over a
month, much of that time chasing fish
out of Tairua Harbour, so there was
the odd blemish, fish scale and some
Jet Dock docking systems
F
amily Boats is the New Zealand the cavitation plate is in the water,
agent for Jet Dock docking start the engine, release the winch
systems, a modular drive-on, cable and back off.
drive-off boat storage system for Jet Dock offers the convenience
boats and personal watercraft. of stepping on and off your boat
Constructed from UV-stabilised or PWC with dry feet. Once on the
PVC, the dock system uses dock, boats can be washed inside
interlocking blocks to build an and out and it’s an easy matter to
infinitely expandable platform with supply electrical power. The ability
cradles that will accept outboard and to add sections makes it simple
sterndrive boats up to 50ft long. For to expand the size of the dock
larger craft weighing more than 2.5 to accommodate a second boat,
tonnes, Jet Dock adds adjustable air a personal watercraft or floating
assist to supplement the platform’s lounging area.
natural buoyancy. A winch and pulley Unlike most other floating dock
system secures boats and watercraft systems, Jet Dock can rest on the
in their cradles. hard when the tide goes out without
Driving on is easy – simply slot damaging either the dock or the boat.
the bow into the plastic vee of the Jet Dock has minimal moving
cradle, apply some throttle and the parts, is expandable and its rugged
vessel will slide up onto the cradle PVC construction is virtually The well finished interior looks and feels
until the engine leg comes up against indestructible. spacious. Comforts include a plumbed
toilet and a freshwater shower. The boat's
the base of the platform, then secure Family Boats, www.familyboats.
vast cockpit is large enough for a game of
the vessel with the winch cable. To co.nz, peter@familyboats.co.nz, tennis, but it's uncluttered layout and high
drive off, lower the outboard/leg until Phone 09 274 0511 gunwales are ideal for offshore fishing.
The carpet is easily removed for cleaning
18 Boating New Zealand February 2014
Southern Boats pride themselves on presenting you with one of the finest
handcrafted Alloy boats available today. The team of skilled boat builders,
upholsterers and painters based at Southern’s Dunedin manufacturing facility
have spent thousands of hours perfecting their craft to bring you a boat with
proven performance, handsome good looks and heavy duty durability. Contact
us or drop into your local dealer and start making your dream a reality today.
021486
subscribe online at www.mags4gifts.co.nz/boating-nz 19
bait residue, but the boat still looks
great inside and out. Fit and finish has
always been good on Southerns and
this boat ups the ante still further with
its careful attention to detail.
Removable grey and black striped
marine carpets offer bare feet some
relief from the chequerplate decks
while grey cockpit lining and grey
and black upholstery ensure the
boat’s interior isn’t too sombre. Grey
neoprene is used to good effect
on the swim steps and coamings,
breaking up the black and adding
warmth and comfort.
“The XP856 could
be a serious offshore
weapon if that's your
thing… but it's also
a big, comfortable
family cruiser…”
With so much cockpit space, it’s
easy to fill this boat with whatever you
like. The owners have taken advantage
of its generous storage to stow fishing
tackle, including a longline and other
gear that stays on the boat semi-
permanently. We combined reviewing
the Southern with photographing
and reviewing a Brig RIB sport boat,
which will appear in a subsequent
The remotely controlled spotlight comes in handy when negotiating the channel to Pauanui waterways
in the dark. A Rocna anchor and Maxwell capstan take care of anchoring duties. Yamaha V8 power
delivers snappy performance, as well as an appealing soundtrack
20 Boating New Zealand February 2014
issue of Boating NZ. We filled the with additional rod holders, there’s no
XP856’s cockpit with props for the shortage of fishing rod storage. Full-
shoot: paddleboards, a kneeboard, length, triple-tier side pockets provide
fishing rods and tackle boxes, beach still more stowage for long items and
umbrellas and a picnic set, two full sets they’re wide enough for dive bottles
of scuba gear and our photographic too. Pipe tie-downs below the side
and personal gear. The boat cockpit pockets are a useful feature.
and cabin easily swallowed all of this The transom features a couple
“
with acres of space left over. Carlson’s of lockers for dry stowage, a good-
11-year-old daughter Charlie also
joined us for the day.
Fishing, diving and family
sized live bait tank to port and a
step-through transom with pull-out
door to starboard. The T-bar dive
ladder, also black, is mounted on
Sealegs has been the answer to our dreams for our
island beach-house. We need no trailer, no winch or
moorings and don’t need to worry about coming into
a wharf. We drive up and down the beach at any tide
and park on the front lawn.
“
-Brett Lornie, NZ
The XP856 could be a serious offshore the starboard side too, where it’s
“
weapon, if that’s your thing. It has all easily seen from the helm. Batteries,
the credentials for serious fishing and switches, pumps, filters and
diving, including gamefish trolling,
but it’s also a big, comfortable family
cruiser that should keep everyone
associated wiring and plumbing are
tidily installed under the transom
lockers behind an aluminium door
I spent 25 years of my life looking for good financial
investments and now after buying a Sealegs boat I am
going to spend the next 25 years of my life enjoying
one of the best lifestyle investments I’ve made
so far.
“
safe and dry if things cut up offshore. for protection. Access is good. -Phil Briggs, NZ
From Tairua, day trips to Mayor The cockpit drains to a sump,
Island or the Mercury Islands are pumped out by a 1250gph bilge
easily achievable, and there are lovely pump, there’s a saltwater washdown
secluded bays and beaches where on the starboard side and room for
you can go ashore or anchor off to fish bins, tackle boxes and other
spend time with the family. large items on the floor under the
This boat is not specifically set up bait tank and transom step-through.
for game fishing, though the owners Normally an underfloor wet locker
are keen on fishing, using the boat for is standard, but on this boat an
shorter trips to the Aldermen Islands extra-large 450-litre fuel tank, plus
and other locations. Tairua-Pauanui the water tank, leaves no room for
is close to a multitude of exceptional a wet locker. The fuel tank reduces
fishing and diving venues. the frequency of refuelling, which
Equipped with a well angled rocket has to be done using drums or a
launcher with integrated grab rails, trailer-borne fuel tanker. A new
six through-gunwale aluminium rod marina under construction at Tairua
holders and a removable bait board will include refuelling facilities for
New Zealand International
Sealegs International Ltd Sealegs International Ltd
Ted Dixon Damon Jolliffe
Ph: +64 9 414 3086 Ph: +64 9 414 3084
www.sealegs.com
021457
subscribe online at www.mags4gifts.co.nz/boating-nz 21
petrol boats, but it’s still six months of power, predictable handling and the waves. Conditions were quite safe, knots. Put the hammer down and the
off completion. an amazingly soft and level re-entry but even on a nice day the bar can 2.5-tonne boat, full of gear and fuel,
should you become airborne take break, especially at low tide. leaps forward, the engine growling
V8 grunt a lot of the anxiety out of heading What was immediately evident authoritatively, if remarkably quietly.
With a shallow harbour bar to through the bar. is the amount of available torque The engine note is quite distinctive
traverse, getting in and out of Tairua We headed back and forth through from the big Yamaha four-stroke. but never intrusive. There’s plenty of
Harbour can be challenging at times, the harbour entrance several times The XP856 slides onto the plane power on tap: top speed is around
but the big Southern is as safe a for the camera, Charlie squealing with with minimal throttle, the 350hp V8 41 knots at 5000rpm and a cruise
boat as you could wish for. Plenty delight whenever the boat leapt over holding it there right down to 11 or 12 speed in excess of 30 knots is easily
Pivoting
pedestal winch Winch-assisted launch system.
Makes pulling and Z - Pulley design pulls craft
launching your craft easy backward for launching
Bunk System
Cradles your craft
like a boat trailer
Fasteners
Create a strong,
stable platform
Aluminum Structural Beam KDS System
For strength and rigidity across Lifts the keel during
the dock, reducing friction and drive on
stress points on your craft
Hull Track
Recessed area guides
Buoyancy Beam and straightens your craft
Provides lateral support on the dock
021472
and extra lift when needed Cleats
Easy tie-off points
249 Ti Rakau Drive, Pakuranga, Auckland, N Z. PO Box 51340 Pakuranga.
021486
Ph: 09 274 0511 Fx: 09 274 0108 sales@familyboats.co.nz www.familyboats.co.nz
22 Boating New Zealand February 2014
OF SONAR
th A NEW SPECIES
A NEW SPECIESOF S
ision OF SONAR
ur boat with the photo-like
ar, the first high-resolution
o use CHIRP technology.
HIRP technology lets you CHIRP DownVision™
t fish like never before.
Yamaha F350 CHIRP DownVision™
Y
amaha’s F350 V8 four-stroke increases power and throttle
is the most powerful outboard response at low and mid-range
the company produces. A engine revolutions, ensuring plenty
large displacement but compact
narrow vee design, it was developed
specifically to power large, heavy
of sustained torque between 2500
and 3000rpm – just the ticket to
smoothly propel large, heavy boats
A NEW SPECIES OF SONAR
offshore powerboats.CHIRP DownVision onto™the plane. A range of propellers The New Dragonfly
Yamaha claims the big bore has been developed specifically
5.3-litre, double overhead camshaft for the F350 and the lower unit is Sonar/GPS with
(DOHC), 32-valve engine provides up engineered with additional hardened
CHIRP DownVision
The New Dragonfly
to 45% more thrust than 250hp V6 surfaces, ultra-durable shafts, gears
outboards. Launched in 2007, the big and special bearings to withstand
The New Dragonfly
Sonar/GPS with
block F350 was designed to produce
350hp at the propeller with less strain
the engines power and torque, as
well as the demands of pushing
View the world beneath your boat with the photo-like clarity of
Sonar/GPS with
DownVision™ sonar, the first high-resolution imaging sonar for anglers
CHIRP DownVision
on internal components than small
displacement, high output engines.
large, heavy craft.
Despite its impressive power CHIRP DownVision
to use CHIRP technology. Dragonfly’s dual channel CHIRP technology
Four oversize valves
View perthe
cylinder and large displacement,
world beneath your boat the with
F350 the photo-like lets you explore structure and target fish like never before.
increase engine breathing efficiency four-stroke meets emission targets
clarity of DownVision™ sonar, the first high-resolution View the world beneath your boat with the photo-like clarity of
and boost power and torque, while around the world. It is three-star
imaging sonar
seven sophisticated sensors constantly for anglers to use CHIRP
rated for ultra-low emissions by technology. DownVision™ sonar, the first high-resolution imaging sonar for anglers
measure atmospheric Dragonfly’s
conditions anddualthe
channel CHIRP
California Air technology
Resources Board lets you
to use CHIRP technology. Dragonfly’s dual channel CHIRP technology
engine functions so the ECM can
explore structure(CARB),
and the toughest
target emissions
fish like never before.
agonfly can do for you online at
precisely and instantly adjust the fuel-
air mixture for optimum performance
agency in the world and fuel efficient
for such a large displacement
lets you explore structure and target fish like never before.
ne.com/ga and economy. The ECM also precisely
controls the 81mm air intake; cylinder
engine. At 6000rpm (full revs)
Yamaha claims the F350 burns 31.7
air intake tracks are ‘pulse tuned’ US gallons per hour (139 litres per
to provide air at the precise volume hour), depending on the application, The CP100 now brings Dragonfly’s
and timing for maximum density and but average fuel consumption is See alllike
thatsonar
Dragonfly can do
DownVision photo imaging to for you online at
power, and dual, in-bank exhausts much less in normal operation. The www.raymarine.com/ga
exit through the centre of the engine Southern XP856 returned an average all contemporary
Ask about our complete Raymarine
rangeMFD displays
of fishing usingtothesuit
charts intuitive
our entire range
between the cylinder banks. of 25 litres per hour on her four-hour LightHouse
of multi functions user interface.
screens. Combo packages are available to suit both
Imagery for illustrative purposes only.
Variable camshaft timing delivery voyage from Auckland. large and small trailer boats at affordable prices!.
See all that Dragonfly can do for you online at See all that Dragonfly can do for you online at
See all that Dragonfly can do for you online at
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www.raymarine.co.nz
Imagery for illustrative purposes only. Imagery for illustrative purposes only.
Raymarine ASIA Pty Ltd
Suite 301, 2 Minna Close,
www.raymarine.com.au
Belrose, NSW, 2085
T: 02 9479 4800
www.raymarine.com.au
Contact your local Raymarine dealer or call
L&B: Auckland 09 415 8303,
Dragonfly (UK) 105 x 297.indd 1 Whangarei 09 438 6353, Tauranga 07 927 9270
21/02/2013 15:06
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021434
Dragonfly (UK) 105 x 297.indd 1
Lusty & Blundell 21/02/2013 15:06
proud supporters
Dragonfly Advert 230x300 0213 HR
Wednesday, 20 February 2013 5:20:56 PM
subscribe online at www.mags4gifts.co.nz/boating-nz 23
maintained provided sea conditions The comfortable ride comes switches, VHF radio, Fusion stereo occupied in New Zealand by small
are reasonable. They were pleasant from the boat’s variable deadrise head unit and the latest iPod dock motor launches. That said, boats
for our review. hull that tapers back to 20 degrees without looking overcrowded. It’s of this size and quality command
On the four-hour delivery voyage at the transom. Its handling is a big, tall boat and I couldn’t reach launch-like prices, and while this
from Auckland across the Hauraki equally pleasant: in sharp turns the the footrest seated at the helm, but XP856 is not set up for launch-style
Gulf, through Colville Channel, past amount of heel is nicely controlled, it’s positioned to suit the owner’s stay-away boating, Southern’s option
the Mercury Islands to Pauanui, the and for a big boat it feels nimble driving position, not mine. Sliding list is vast and includes enclosed
V8’s fuel consumption averaged 25 and responsive to the helm. Trim side windows were appreciated on heads/showers, galley and bi-fold
litres per hour. A V6 300hp would tabs were fitted but not used in the a sunny day – it was quite hot inside wheelhouse doors.
be adequate, according to Carlson, conditions and there was little need the hardtop despite its open back. Configured as a large day boat,
or you could fit a pair of V6 200hp to adjust engine trim attitude most Fibreglass seat bases provide lots the Southern XP586 still has a lot of
outboards, taking things out to the of the time. All in all the XP856 feels of stowage. They’re a new design appeal. The ability to berth it clear of
XP856’s maximum power rating. safe, fast and capable. using fresh moulds. With two the water on the Jet Dock offers all
Diesel sterndrives are also an option. Helming the boat was a pleasure. pedestals and two aft-facing seats the convenience of a marina berth
The XP859 is strongly built. The hull Visibility is excellent thanks to there’s fixed seating for four, but without the expense of antifouling
features 6mm bottom plates, seam narrow window mullions and the a pair of padded and upholstered and marina fees. From its Pauanui
welded on both sides, with a 6mm newly designed pedestal seats insulated ice boxes provide additional base, the boat’s owners are within an
keel strip providing extra protection provide comfort and support for seating if required. We left one of the hour or two of virtually anywhere in
along the keel line. The boat’s sides the driver and passenger. A single bins on the dock. the western Bay of Plenty, and with a
are 4mm aluminium with the decks wiper keeps the screen clear of spray boat of this size, they can also explore
and superstructure a mixture of 3mm on the driver’s side. The moulded Conclusion further afield if they wish.
and 4mm sheet metal. Longitudinal fibreglass dash console can take a The fast and capable Southern
beams, cross members and stringers flush-mounted 12-inch display – this Alloy Boats XP856 is strongly
Southern XP856
support the hull and decks and the boat had a Lowrance HDS10, but built and well finished. It’s a good ➤ loa 8.6m
sealed decks are pressure-tested in there was room left over – along example of the current breed of ➤ beam 2.8m
the factory, which offers a six-year hull with the usual electronic engine large aluminium craft, most of them ➤ draft approx 0.5m
structural warranty. gauges, anchor and trim tab controls, trailerable, now filling the niche once ➤ weight 2750kg (dry)
➤ construction aluminium
➤ engine Yamaha four-stroke
V8 350hp
➤ propeller 19-in SST
➤ deadrise 20° at transom
➤ fuel 450 litres
➤ water 90 litres
➤ cruising speed 30 knots
➤ max speed 41 knots
➤ price as tested $239,000
➤ Manufactured by Southern Boats,
www.southernboats.co.nz
➤ supplied by owner and Family
Boats, www.familyboats.co.nz
email peter@familyboats.co.nz
phone 09 274 0511
24 Boating New Zealand February 2014
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