Challenger is a New Zealand built boat brand with a loyal following and a strong history. It’s unique design made it the choice of discerning boaties for more than two decades, because, as the company logo attests, “the proof is in the ride”.
Wanting a New Zealand designed and manufactured trailer boat range to market exclusively from Boat City Paraparaumu and Auckland Marine Centre, Challenger teamed up with these dealers and invested heavily in tooling for updated decks and hardtops, and then ramped up Challenger production to meet it’s growing demand.
In recent years production had become sporadic, but Challenger was not forgotten, either by the boating public of New Zealand, or Ian Coutts, owner of Boat City near Wellington. Wanting a New Zealand-designed- and-manufactured trailer boat range to market exclusively from Boat City Paraparaumu and Auckland Marine Centre (AMC), a business Boat City recently acquired, Coutts secured the Challenger moulds, invested heavily in tooling for updated decks and hardtops, and then ramped up Challenger production, first in Morrinsville, then at Fibreglass Developments in Fielding.
Boat City and Auckland Marine Centre stock a full range of Challenger models, five in all, from the entry-level 550SE to the top-spec 720HT. All of them benefit from soft-riding composite (GRP) hulls designed by Terry Reid, who has also worked with highly regarded aluminium boatbuilders AMF and White Pointer.
The new CPC-rated (pending) Challenger models feature updated interiors and are available with a variety of outboard engines. Boat City is a Yamaha and Mercury dealer while AMC deals in Suzuki and Mercury outboards. Solidly built in hand-laid GRP, Challenger hulls have fine entries and no planing/lifting strakes. They are renowned for their soft ride, stability underway, and easily driven nature.
Boating NZ tried out the full range of Challenger models on the water recently during an event organised jointly by AMC and Boat City. While the models share the same DNA, they are different enough to offer customers options in size, power, price, and specification. All offer good value.
Challenger 550SE
The smallest Challenger in the range is also the most basic. It shares its strake-less hull design with the rest of the Challenger range and this easily driven hull performs well with modest power, in this case a Suzuki 90hp four-stroke. Like all the boats in the line-up, it’s easy to drive, tow, launch and retrieve.
The 5.45m long 550SE comes ready for action with a comprehensive list of standard equipment, including a 140-litre underfloor fuel tank. It weighs just 1250kg on its single-axle trailer, which is well within the towing capacity of the average family car.
Challenger 595SE
At 5.90m overall, the longer and beamier 595SE is a step up from the 550. Suitable for outboards between 115 and 150hp, the cuddy-style demo boat was fitted with a Suzuki 115hp four-stroke, which provided respectable performance. Like it’s smaller sibling, the ride quality is excellent for a boat of this size. Carried on a single-axle trailer, towing weight is 1350kg. Standard specification is generous and includes a 140-litre underfloor fuel tank. The 595 benefits from a Softrider pedestal seat for the helmsman and back-to-back passenger seats with storage underneath. A bimini top is an optional extra.
Challenger 650SE
The 650SE is the cuddy cabin version of Challenger’s 6.4m hull. Recommended for 150-200hp, the demo model sported a Suzuki 150hp four-stroke with hydraulic steering. There’s a Deluxe Softrider pedestal seat for the helmsman, plus back-to-back passenger seats with storage underneath.
Standard specifications are good, and the 650SE is carried on a tandem-axle trailer with a tow weight of around 1950kg. Powder-coated bowrails and the optional black, powder-coated T-Top style bimini were notable features of the demo boat. The sweet handling 650SE’s 150hp Suzuki gives 40 knots.
Challenger 650HT
Sharing the the 650SE’s hull and most of its standard specifications, the 650HT adds a bit more kit and the convenience and comfort of a hardtop. The hardtop is a new design that complements the boat’s lines – not too tall, but with sufficient headroom for taller passengers and a roof hatch for ventilation. The Deluxe Softrider pedestal seat for the helmsman and back-to-back passenger seats with storage under are standard. The large cockpit has high gunwales, top speed with a Mercury 150hp four-stroke is 40 knots, fuel capacity is 220 litres, and the tow weight on its tandem-axle trailer is 1950kg.
Challenger 720HT
The Challenger 750HT is a 7.15m model with a modern hardtop design featuring curved glass windscreens, a roof hatch and sliding side windows. The 720HT has a long list of standard specifications, along with an extensive options list.
The hull features a fine 47-degree entry with high, padded gunwales and a fishing-friendly cockpit with ample storage. Seating comprises a Deluxe Softrider pedestal and back-to-back passenger seats, plus a removable rear seat-bin.
The 720’s ride is soft with benign handling. Easy to drive and trim trim, its a good choice for boaters of all abilities. Recommended power is 200-250hp – the 200hp V8 Mercury Pro XS topped out at just under 40 knots.
The 720HT rides on a braked tandem-axle trailer with a tow weight of around 2450kg.
Look for a full review of the 720HT in a later edition.
