In the automotive industry, when a model is successful it's often considered dangerous to change it too radically so a few cosmetic and styling differences are often all that separates one model year from the next. In the boating industry too many manufacturers hang onto models that are well past their use-by date and are desperately in need of a total full body makeover. However for some that is never further from the truth and the need to constantly introduce new models is considered a critical part of their marketing plan.

Buccaneer Pleasure Craft Ltd is one such company, that has never let the gelcoat dry too long on any one particular model and each year surprises us all with new and innovative design changes. Their Billfisher series for example was New Zealand's first successful walkaround production grp boat and the 635 Esprite DC gave us a whole new approach to big full bodied open bow runabouts.

Today the company has 16 models in their stable covering the whole gambit of runabout, bowrider, cuddy cabin and serious walkaround fishing boats. So it was no surprise that the 1999 New Zealand Boat Show earlier this year say the company unveil two new models, the 550 Billfisher for the serious fisherman and the 530 Esprite XL as an easy entry into the ski runabout market.

The 530 unashamedly uses the proven hull of the now discontinued 525 Esprite. After all, why change a good formula if it's working? However from the gunnel up the 530 is all its won and so radically different from the previous 525 that it bears little resemblance. Plus, the stylish soft curving deck has been matched to an all-new interior layout, seating arrangement, storage areas and even internal mouldings.

This is a boat that designer Gerry Gerrand has pitched directly at the recreational skier and wakeboarder, although without making it a serious skiboat. In other words the layout and styling is still very much a family runabout, but there are a few appointments that make it a little more suitable for those who prefer to tow water toys rather than lures. To start there is a very generous size underfloor ski locker which also is more than capable of stowing the wetsuits, ski vests and tow ropes. Being fully lined the skis don't scratch the gelcoat and get knocked around when underway. Any water is drained to the rear sump and a bilge pump takes care of the excess. Depending on the size of your wakeboard you may just squeeze it in the locker, but for now the best place is in the side storage trays. I say for now, because shortly Buccaneer will be able to offer a customized wakeboard tower on the 530 Esprite, complete with board storage, sky-hook and a fixed bimini. To complement the ski locker, a further storage area under the forward deck is also large enough to look after either ski apparel or a s somewhere to stow dry gear. The removable stainless steel ski pole and fold down boarding ladder are also standard items on the 530 Esprite XL.

Further storage is provided below the back-to-back seats and under the aft deck area. Our test boat, supplied by Roger Gill Marine of Hamilton, was fitted with the twin back to backs with the moulded bases providing a lot more storage space. You have the option of twin swivelling bucket seats or the popular combination of a back-to-back to port and a single bucket helm seat. Although you lose one seating position with this option you gain a lot of cockpit space. The rear seats form part of the aft deck moulding which also features an anti-skid pattern to increase grip underfoot. Removable cushions can be left out of the way when your skiers or wakeboarders are constantly climbing in and out of the cockpit.
At the other end you'll find a deep anchor locker that is accessed via the opening wraparound polycarbonate Taylor Sandbrook screen. It may be a bit of a stretch for some people, but most of the anchoring chores can be carried out without leaving the safety of the cockpit. If you do need to go on the foredeck - maybe to climb over the bow onto the beach - then the 530 Esprite XL has a step pad moulded into the deck to make movement forward easier.

Buccaneer have gone to a lot of trouble to refine the finish of the 530, right down to the company logo accents embossed in the moulded footrests and forward step and a far higher level of trim and appointments. Attention to detail extends to the moulded areas around the navigation lights, ski pole, handrails, fuel and oil filter and ladder mounting. Add to those the imitation burl elm on the instrument and glove box facias, plus a liberal use of padded panels on the side coamings and around the transom area and you have a very neatly finished boat. Small things, but they certainly make a difference. Under the fully carpet lined cockpit sole is a 90 litre alloy fuel tank - further aft than the 525 to allow for he ski locker - and there is still provision for a couple of tote tanks under the aft seating area. A vinyl clip-on curtain hides away the tote tank area, oil tanks and battery cut-off switch. The height under the rear deck area is such that accessing any mechanical or fuel supply fittings is no problem.

Cut and Thrust

Given the primary design criteria of the 530 Esprite XL, I thought that lake Karapiro would be the ideal place for our test session. Although a strong wind lifted the tops off the usually mirror smooth water, it was still perfect for our wakeboarder. The cut and thrust of hard cross wake manoeuvres were handled with ease and the boat never deviated from its set course. The Yamaha 115 pulled our wakeboarder up with ease and although we didn't get anyone to have a ski, I've no doubt the 530 Esprite/Yamaha 115 combination would be more than capable of handling the task. Top speed with two up and the engine trimmed to the max was just a tad over 50 mph @ 5800 rpm. Acceleration with the 19" three blade stainless Yamaha propeller was excellent; with the 530 Esprite XL rocketing to the top end of the speed range very rapidly. On the calm water, with the engine set on mid trim, the boat ran cleanly at 36.5mph @4500 rpm and even then with a punch of the throttle accelerated quickly to maximum rpm. Lowest speed recorded on the Eagle GPS was 4.0 mph @ 650rpm and the 530 dropped off the plane somewhere between 2500 rpm and 2000 rpm.

The driving position is such that when seated the throttle controls and steering are well positioned and the instruments are at an easy eye level. The small fascia on the test boat was fitted with tacho, speedo and fuel management gauges, high quality Carling rocker switches and an optional Lowrance fish finder. There is also room beside the no-feed-back Teleflex steering for a flush mounted CD/radio or a VHF.

The 530 Esprite XL is designed to be driven seated and although you can stand to drive, or even sit on the top of the seat, I found it more comfortable sitting. The high screen certainly fends most of the wind off your face and handles most of the spray as well.

This is more than just another runabout and is ideally positioned to do well in the recreational skiing and wakeboarding market. While it has never been designed as a serious contender against the likes of Mastercraft or Malibu, it's a great starter for those who are looking for a fun family ski boat that offers just a little extra. It's also a genuine all-rounder that will be just as comfortable with a couple of fisherman or divers aboard. Its broad recommended power range has been designed to cater for a wide range of applications and its overall size means you don't need a 4WD to tow it. With the addition of the 530, the Buccaneer Esprite XL range now comprises four models in both runabout and open bow styles from the 4.96m, 470 Esprite XL through to the 6.76m, 635 Esprite XL Dual Console.