Two models in four
Quicksilver and Bayliner, two brands of the Brunswick Group, are each launching two new open hull models for the fall of 2021, but designed on the same M hull. For the former, it's the 475 and 525 aXess, a new range of small boats for the first-time buyer, for the latter, it's the M15 and M17, replacing the Element E16 and E18 launched a few years ago, and offered at an aggressive price.
These four models, measuring 4.63 m and 5.18 m in overall length, are ideal for spending a day on the water with family or friends thanks to a deck layout dedicated to comfort. There is plenty of seating and it can easily be transformed into a sunbathing area. Their transportable size - 2.04 m for the smallest and 2.31 m for the largest - is also an asset that will appeal to first-time buyers, who can store their boat out of the water.
A deck plan designed for relaxation and comfort
The 475 aXess, M15, 525 aXess and M17 also share the same deck layout. A simple and well thought-out layout, ideal for novice boaters. On the smallest models, there is a bench seat for 3 people at the rear of the cockpit with a storage locker under the seats. The console is off-center on the starboard side and offers a convenient dashboard with a pilot's seat. On the bow, there is an L-shaped seat on the port side and a single seat on the starboard side. All are equipped with backrests and handrails to hold on while sailing. The bow can be transformed into a large sundeck with the addition of a cushion.
On the two larger models, the layout remains quite similar, but with some additional features, starting with the two seats integrated on the rear deck, facing the bathing skirts and equipped with a backrest. The aft bench seat also serves as a pilot's seat, with the console to starboard. A port side seat faces the rear bench and becomes a small sunbathing area by adding a cushion.
The bow offers a U-shaped seat that can also be transformed into a sunbathing area, notably with the addition of a central backrest to close the bowrider. A windshield with central opening is standard on Quicksilver and optional on Bayliner.
If the hulls and deck plans are similar for both brands, the difference is in the equipment. This is standard on Quicksilver (foamed floor, cushion), and there are only 3 options for the 475 aXess (water ski mast, hydraulic steering and anchor cover) and 4 for the 525 aXess (the same as above plus the SIMRAD GO 7 GPS/chartplotter with HDI sensor).
At Bayliner, all the equipment is optional (cushion, sunbathing, awning, bimini), which allows to obtain a very accessible price. The M15 is marketed between 15euros756 euros TTC with a Mercury engine of 40 hp and 17euros457 euros TTC with a 60 hp, its maximum power. The M17 has a price of 19euros242 euros TTC with a 60 hp engine and up to 24euros123 euros TTC with its maximum power of 115 hp.
At Quicksilver, the 475 aXess is displayed at a price of 18 euros 840 euros (40 hp) and up to 20 euros 540 euros (60 hp). Finally, the 525 aXcess comes out between 23euros400 euros TTC (60 hp) and 29euros260 euros TTC (115 hp).
Boats better suited for flat water navigation
It is in the south of France, in the bay of Mandelieu that we had the opportunity to test these models. With a short and cross chop, as it is often the case in this area where many yachts sail and anchor, the sea conditions were not the most ideal for these small hulls of 5 m and less, rather adapted to a smooth sea or to a navigation on lake or inland waters.
If the largest euro model, the M17 or 525 aXess euros, does well by offering a rather comfortable navigation, without hitting the waves too much, the M15 (475 Axess) does less well in these conditions, making navigation uncomfortable at times. It must also be said that the boats are very low on the water, which adds to the feeling of being tossed around. Nevertheless, with a very simple cockpit and a short length, one feels easily at ease on these boats and reassured. The driving is easy, as well as the maneuvers. The boat turns easily, and remains rather flat in turn.
For our test, the M17 received its maximum power, a Mercury Four Stroke of 115 hp, perhaps a little over powered. At maximum speed, at 6euros060 rpm, the speedometer shows 34 knots for a consumption of 43,2 L/h. At cruising speed, the M17 displays 18.9 knots (3euros500 rpm) and a consumption of 12.5 knots. The lift-off speed is about 7 knots (2euros500 rpm), reached in a little less than 2 seconds.
On the smallest model, the M15, we had a 60 hp Mercury Four Stroke, its maximum power again. At 6euros030 rpm, it reaches its top speed of 28 knots (20.4 L/h), but its cruising speed is 16.9 knots (4euros000 rpm) with a consumption of 9.1 L/h. The boat also skims at 7 knots (about 3euro500 rpm).
Easy and practical for a day on the water
If our sea conditions were not ideal for this type of boat, we have no doubt that they will be very pleasant to drive on flat seas, the program for which they are designed. Well equipped, easy to drive, they will seduce a young clientele or first-time buyers who are looking for a small boat that is easy to store and to use to spend a good day on the water.
