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- Australian Waterski Magazine, Volume 8, Issue 2
This large and
luxurious 22 footer combines all the features found in the inboard /
v-drive Skicraft range combined with a state-of-the art Mercury Verado
engine to provide an impressive package that is quiet, smooth and
luxurious.
We tested the C022 on a glorious 29 degree day at the Carrum Watersports
Centre recently and came away very impressed with both the boat and
engine.
The beauty of the C022 is that the look can be adjusted depending on your personal style. You can get a tower or high pole, if you want a wakeboard style boat, or you can drop all of that for a sleek sporty looking line. But no matter what extras you go for, this boat will always have a sporty edge to it - the massive engine at the back ensures you'll get plenty of admiring glances from those with a taste for speed.
If you're after speed, then the C022 is the boat for you. The one we tested was fitted with the new Mercury Verado 4 stroke, 275hp engine, and performance was nothing short of extraordinary. Even more impressive than the power and acceleration (which you can take for granted from an outboard with 275 stamped on the side) was the manor in which this engine delivers. To begin with, starting the motor required a simple turn of the key. Forget the smoke - there isn't any. From cold, the engine instantly settles into a smooth, vibration-free idle, which will leave people who are familiar with 2-stroke outboards scratching their heads. The quietness of the engine is the other very pleasing aspect. In fact, it's so quiet from the driver's seat that you may find yourself trying to turn the ignition key to start the motor, even though it's already running. Acceleration is phenomenal, but again it's the smooth, quiet way the power comes on that is even more impressive. The C022 becomes a very deceptive boat to drive because the motor, combined with the soft ride, can easily allow you to forget you are flying along at a very rapid rate of knots. Even at 55mph those in the boat can easily have a conversation without having to raise voices.
The model we tested had a simple grey and white interior, which complimented the red and blue graphics on the outside. As with all of the Skicraft models, you can pick from a wide range of colours for the interior and exterior paintwork. With the motor out the back, there was an enormous amount of room throughout the boat and with seating for 10 (including bow-seating), no one will ever get left behind. It doesn't take much imagination to picture the interior space that a 22 foot outboard bow-rider has on offer. The lounge seating travels from the observer position right around to behind the drivers seat.
You can get an optional screw-in table that fits nicely in the centre of the floor, with in-built cup holders and space for a picnic.
The high-rise windscreen delivers excellent wind protection and offers clear vision for the driver, and the driver's adjustable seat is spacious and comfortable. Skicraft has made the most of the large amount of space by clever use of storage areas. There are two deep storage containers at the rear (on either side of the engine), to house wetsuits, jackets and gear, or fat sacs for ballast, for those keen on adding extra weight for wakeboarding. Directly in front of the engine is a small compartment to house ropes and gloves. Under the back and side seats there is additional small storage compartments and there is a huge esky under the floor between the driver and passenger.
Skis, wakeboards and other equipment can be stored behind the passenger seat in a big compartment that cleverly runs underneath the bow seats. There is also additional space for skis in the pockets that run along each side of the hull.
With light, direct steering and instant horsepower on tap, the C022 becomes a fairly inviting machine to take for a quick spin. Perhaps even more impressive, though, is the boat's cornering abilities. From the driver's seat the C022 actually feels and handles more like an inboard boat, and certainly inspires a lot of confidence.
The ride is also of a high standard, smooth and
relaxed even through rougher water and when traveling over boat wakes.
The Verado
comes standard with electro-hydraulic power steering and SmartCraft
Digital Throttle & Shift, as well as Mercury's patented sound dampening
technology to make it the quietist engine in its class.
The engine is available in 200, 225, 250 and 275 horsepower
varieties.
| Length: | 6.7m (22 feet) |
| Beam: | 2.5m (8 feet) |
| Fuel Capacity: | 110 Litres |
| Seating Capacity: | 10 |
The C022 is a large boat, but at skiing speeds the wash is relatively flat. At wakeboarding speeds the wake will also certainly cater for beginner and social riders looking for a bit of air.
Curtsey by Australian Waterski
Magazine, volume 8 issue 2.
about this or any of our boats,
please click on CONTACT US.
