Challenger has long built its reputation on solid engineering, and the 595 lives up to that legacy. Designed by Tauranga-based naval architect Terry Read, the brief was clear: create a hull that cuts cleanly through waves rather than bouncing over them. Launched in the mid-1990s, the result is a hull that’s heavily reinforced — with polyester resin up to 12mm thick in places — giving it more weight than others in its class, but delivering a noticeably smoother, more composed ride.
Remarkably, nearly three decades on, the Challenger 595 is still in production. As of 2025, you can buy a brand-new updated 595-se model from Auckland Marine in Auckland or Boat City in Wellington.
Or second-hand you can buy a 595-se model through Tradeaboat.
Built with input from composite specialists High Modulus (who in 2013 rebranded as Gurit), the hull design delivers both rigidity and comfort. Even in rough weather, the 595 feels planted, with none of the flexing or jarring bangs common in lighter, less robust boats.
Sensible layout, built for comfort
At 5.95 metres in length and with a 2.3-metre beam, the Challenger 595 offers a balanced layout that caters to both recreational boaters and fishing enthusiasts. The cuddy cabin contains two moulded-in bunks and full-length parcel shelves, while buoyancy under the squabs ensures positive flotation.
The cockpit features twin pedestal seats with reversible backrests and dry storage underneath. Full-length side shelves provide extra space, and carpeting throughout the cockpit suggests a family-friendly focus. Still, the boat doesn’t shy away from fishing duties — new, it comes with four rod holders, padded gunwales for leaning into big catches, and low-level LED cockpit lights for night use.
Well-equipped helm and functional features
The helm is laid out cleanly, with clear Honda gauges offering RPM, fuel, trim, voltage and speed readouts. A VHF and GPS/fishfinder are well positioned. The ergonomics are spot-on, with the helm seat properly aligned for steering — a detail many boats in this size range get wrong.
Forward, a sensibly designed hatch offers anchor access, stopping upright to protect the windscreen. A stainless steel fairlead and a strong bollard provide secure anchoring.
The test boat was paired with a Honda BF135 four-stroke engine — a 2.3-litre, 135hp unit weighing in at 217kg. This sits at the upper end of the recommended power range and delivers quick planing and respectable fuel range via an 80-litre underfloor tank.
Put to the test — and passed
The 2007 test took place in harsh Auckland conditions, with gusty winds up to 40 knots and choppy seas. Similar conditions to what boaters experience today. The 595 immediately impressed with its composure and balance. Even with three people leaning to one side, the boat remained level at rest.
Out on the water, the hull performed exactly as intended — cutting cleanly through waves and maintaining course with minimal correction. The boat remained dry thanks to well-designed chines, and there was no hull flex or slamming, even when jumping ferry wakes. It planed quickly and tracked straight, with impressive grip and no tail squat.
Even docking in tight, gusty conditions posed no major issue, thanks to responsive low-speed handling and a well-balanced hull.
Final thoughts
The Challenger 595 stands out as a well-thought-out, well-executed design. It’s not just tough — it’s intelligently built for real-world boating. With excellent ride quality, functional features and attention to detail, the 595 still holds its own against newer designs. For those wanting a versatile family boat with a bulletproof feel and solid handling in rough water, this classic Kiwi craft is well worth revisiting.
This is a rewritten version of the original article published in Tradeaboat in 2007 by Norman Holtzhausen, and republished again in 2017.
