Extreme Boats has earned an enviable reputation building quality aluminium boats for more than two decades that give nothing away to their fibreglass competitors in terms of looks, performance and comfort.
It is therefore no accident that Extreme has become New Zealand’s most-awarded aluminium boat manufacturer, and the latest 696 Xpedition Amphibious continues that trend.
The design of this model began with the well-proven 696 hardtop hull used for Extreme’s 696 Game King. This stable, safe and predictable-handling hull already had the volume and sturdy backbone needed to accommodate an amphibious drive.
Although this is not Extreme’s first amphibious model, the 696 Xpedition is the first to feature the new Anura S25 drive system, powered by the well-proven 40hp four-stroke Briggs & Stratton petrol engine. The system uses three hydraulically powered all-terrain wheels, all of which retract well clear of the waterline when not in use. This gives the 696 Xpedition true go-anywhere capability while having minimal impact on its internal space or on-water performance.
Extreme’s designers have done such a good job of concealing the Anura components that, apart from the wheels at the stern, you would have difficulty identifying this as an amphibious model while on board. The auxiliary engine and hydraulic system are discreetly tucked beneath the transom and rear bench seat, while the necessary air ducting is cleverly hidden beneath the gunwales and within the side pockets.
This careful concealment of such relatively bulky components also means the engine runs remarkably quietly. The front wheel is invisible to occupants while the boat is on the water, tucked beneath the bow within a pocket designed to prevent spray from the forward leg reaching the windscreen. Even the two rear wheels, which retract to approximately the same height as the boarding platform, do not intrude into the usable stern area.
The result is that the Xpedition has virtually the same cockpit and stern layout as the Game King. This includes a full-width platform between the outboard and transom that can be walked along while fishing. An optional cage or rail can also be fitted to turn this into a secure fishing area.
Although the review boat did not have this option installed, there was still more than enough cockpit space for four to six anglers to manage their lines at the same time.
At the helm
The helm position is well laid out, with a massive 17-inch Garmin multifunction display complemented by a Yamaha CL5 colour touchscreen engine display. The Anura drive controls are positioned on either side of the Garmin, while a switch panel, VHF radio and Yamaha digital throttle and shift controls complete the instrumentation.
The Seakeeper Ride system is controlled through the Garmin touchscreen, while the switch for the recessed drum anchor winch is discreetly positioned to the right of the helm. The left side of the helm features EVA cushioning to protect phones and other loose items from damage if knocked around, together with a raised edge to stop them bouncing off.
The helm and passenger seats are upholstered in textured vinyl that has the feel of a luxury fabric but retains the practicality of a wipe-clean surface. The seats slide fore and aft and rotate to face the cockpit, although they do not adjust vertically.
The skipper’s seat has a folding bolster, allowing it to serve either as part of the seat or as lower-back support when standing. A fixed footrest, topped with another EVA pad, creates a comfortable seated driving position. The seats are arranged in a king-and-queen configuration, with a removable rear-facing seat concealing a huge dry-storage compartment.
The entire cockpit is covered in soft, brushed SeaDek EVA flooring. The same material is used on the gunwales, creating a comfortable, non-slip surface underfoot in all conditions. The gunwales are also comfortable to lean against or sit on while fishing.
Cockpit and stern
The cockpit feels even wider than its 2.42-metre beam, helped no doubt by the absence of anything intruding into the available space.
The rear bench seat, which conceals the engine and hydraulics for the Anura drive, is spacious yet discreet. The bait board, complete with an integrated drawer, can be accessed by pulling it forward on its adjustable transom mount. Alternatively, it can be pushed aft so the bench seat can be used without any danger of hitting your head on the bait board’s sturdy frame.
On either side of the transom are step-throughs leading to the boarding platform. These are low enough to step through comfortably and provide easy access around the stern of the boat. Removable inserts close off the openings while under way, while the wheels of the amphibious system remain clear of the area used for serious fishing.
The gleaming-white 4.2-litre V6 Yamaha F250 fitted to the review boat is a surprisingly compact unit. Its integrated electric steering means there are no hydraulic hoses or steering ram cluttering the stern platform. The motor can also be tilted fully clear of the water with the bait board in either its forward or aft position, with no risk of the two coming into contact.
Safety is important on every boat, and the Extreme 696 does not skimp in this regard. Sealed buoyancy compartments on either side of the central fuel tank provide flotation even in the event of swamping. Should water enter the cockpit, drains on either side, each served by its own bilge pump, allow it to be removed quickly. The wide beam and high gunwales make the boat feel secure and comfortable, even in rough conditions.
Performance and ride
Performance is crucial for any boat and the wind picked up while we were taking photographs, giving us some genuine conditions in which to test the Xpedition.
The additional weight of the amphibious drive is partially offset by a flooding-keel system, which drains while the boat is under way. We found the handling very good indeed.
The Xpedition powered confidently through heavy chop and waves, while the rigidity of the hull was clearly evident in the quietness and smoothness of the ride. Despite its weight, the boat is no slouch and was very quick off the mark.
We could not test its top speed because of the conditions, but we were soon travelling at 30 knots with more than 1,000rpm still in reserve. Throwing the boat around presented no problems, with the hull heeling in a controlled and comfortable manner even when pushed hard.
In the sloppy conditions, we simply left the Seakeeper Ride motion-control system operating in automatic mode, and there was honestly little reason to do anything else. It took care of the side chop and easily compensated as our weight moved around the boat, delivering a smooth and stable ride.
When we selected the Seakeeper monitoring display, we could see the system actively adjusting its controllers multiple times per second. The result was a smoother and more comfortable ride that was also more efficient, potentially contributing to reduced fuel consumption.
At rest, the same hull rigidity we had experienced under way again translated into quietness, with surprisingly little noise from chop slapping against the sides. As the keel flooded, the hull settled deeper into the water, limiting chine slap and improving stability. We saw negligible movement as the three of us moved around the boat at rest. Casting soft-baits was a relaxed and drama-free activity, although sadly we did not manage to bring any fish aboard on this occasion.
Amphibious operation
The Anura amphibious drive is well respected within the amphibious-boat market, and for good reason. Driving the boat out of the water and onto the beach was child’s play. We simply started the auxiliary engine, deployed the wheels and drove towards the beach. Once the wheels gained purchase, we switched off the outboard, tilted it slightly – although this was not strictly necessary – and drove up onto the sand.
Once ashore, we could ‘kneel’ the boat to make getting on and off easier, although there is also a step alongside the rear wheel to assist with boarding. After completing the photographs, we reversed the process and drove back into the water. We started the Yamaha once there was sufficient depth and retracted the wheels after getting under way.
The entire exercise was simplicity itself, as it should be, and no special training is required to operate the amphibious system.
Finish and features
The review boat was finished in the increasingly popular combination of a white hull with black trim and graphics, although other colour options are available. The paintwork, like everything else aboard this boat, was finished to a very high standard and gave us nothing to criticise.
The boat abounds with thoughtful finishing touches. These include custom sliding side windows fitted with rubber seals to make them completely watertight. The hands-free hand washing system on the port side is another clever feature, with a switch that can be activated using your knee when your hands are dirty. The live-bait tank integrated into the port-side transom step is so low-profile that it could easily be overlooked.
Verdict
Overall, we found the Extreme 696 Xpedition to be an extremely – pun intended – well-built boat, finished to a very high standard and offering the performance and features to match. The addition of the Anura amphibious drive has sacrificed virtually nothing in terms of usable space or performance, while adding the level of versatility that many boat owners dream of.
BNZ
Extreme 696 Xpedition
| Extreme 696 Xpedition | |
|---|---|
| Packages from | POA |
| Manufactured by | Extreme Boats |
| Website | www.extremeboats.co.nz |
| sales@extremeboats.co.nz | |
| Phone | 07 308 6063 |
| Highlights | |
|---|---|
| Well built vessel finished to the highest of standards | |
| Amphibious ability makes the Xpedition even more versatile | |
| Performance is good on and off the water. Quiet operation on land is a notable feature, along with a generally smooth, comfortable ride on water |
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| LOA | 7.07m |
| Beam | 2.42m |
| Transom & hull thickness | 8mm |
| Side & deck thickness | 4mm |
| Deadrise | 20 degrees |
| Recommended HP | 250hp |
| Fuel | 260 litres |
| Height on trailer | 2.76m |
| Garaging length (crouched on keel) | 8.50m |
| Garaging length (wheels down) | 8.10m |
| Height (wheels down) | 2.95m |
| Cruise speed | 25-28 knots |
| Max speed | 35 knots-plus |
