Revival 5.25 Fisherman & Cruiser Review

There’s no doubt about it. Competition for the family trailerboat market has never been hotter, nor the quality of the products any better! Moreover, one group is profiting greatly, and that is the Australian boating public with the terrific range of high-quality boating packages currently on offer!

Melbourne-based Revival Boats have launched themselves into this highly competitive market with a ripper 5.25-metre package available in several variations to suit customer preference. Revivals owner and designer Sam Catanese has had a lifetime in the boating industry and has long held a reputation for innovation and beautifully finished quality. They have produced some very attractive packages, with a range that will appeal to a large variety of potential new boat buyers, with Runabout, Fisherman, and Cruiser versions.

The Revival hull reflects a time-honored formula of a 2.2-metre beam with a 20-degree deadrise, giving the boat very good handling capabilities. It is well suited for those after a family boat, where it can be a fishing boat in the morning, water skiing or wakeboarding during the day, and still comfortable enough for that late afternoon chardonnay cruise up the river.

We put all three of these great Australian-made packages through their paces for a wild and exciting ride in some very challenging conditions on Melbourne's Port Phillip Bay.

Pronounced Chine

Sam has put a slight variation in the new hull by molding a very pronounced chine that is nearly 250mm wide at the shoulders, and forms to a 75mm reverse angle at the transom. This has increased the stability of the package at rest and given the bow considerable lift. Whilst it can be a little hard and throws some spray in very choppy conditions, it ensures that the bow will not bury itself in a following sea. There has been considerable effort in ensuring that the weight distribution with the 90-litre underfloor fuel tank and equivalent-sized kill tank to the stern balances the hull nicely.

I was very impressed with the Revival's turning and tracking capabilities, and this is again reflective of Sam's long history with ski boats through his many years as owner of Stejcraft boats. He really does know what makes a hull perform! The two strakes give the boat very straight tracking and an easy transition onto the plane. It is a hull that you can be confident about, allowing novices to take the helm as it really has no surprises.

 All of the configurations look great! They have beautiful, yet simple moldings with an exceptionally high degree of gel coat finish. Structurally the Revival is laid up using 24 oz woven roving’s giving a strong, reinforced base to the 600 kg hull. The engine fit ups are neat and tidy and certainly allow the hulls to work to their maximum capabilities with no evident cavitation or slip. Our three test boats were fitted with a 115HP Yamaha Saltwater Series, 2 stroke on the runabout, whilst the fisherman had a 115HP Evinrude ETEC and the Cruiser a 115HP ETEC. All configurations gave very satisfying performance.

Power Me Up

The Revival 525’s are rated to take all current V4, 2 stroke engines and 100HP maximum for the heavier 4 strokes, all with 25” transoms. The boats really did like the extra power of the V4’s, and to be honest you would really be splitting hairs to choose between the Yammie and the ETEC except that the Evinrude is definitely much more economical at the fuel bowser.

 Both the “Fishing Cuddy” and the “Cruiser Deluxe” are identical in the hull and deck moldings. Visually, the boats are very attractive and have all functional day boats' elements. Typically, with cuddy cabin configurations, the bunks are quite short. Whilst they are large enough for a snooze, I wouldn’t like to spend the whole night. However, a bunk extension to take the length to 2.14 meters is available as an option. The cabin area is well laid out and provides very good headroom and protection from the elements, as well as storage via big deep side pockets and cavities under the bunk cushions.

Bow To Stern

From the bow to the stern, the Revival is well-designed. The molded bowsprit is not included in the 5.25 metres so the overall length is actually approximately 5.5 metres. The bowsprit and locking cross bollard enable the anchor to be stored outside the cabin, which is a real bonus with muddy anchors. Access to the bow area is through a nice big cabin hatch, and an attractive and strong split bow rail highlights the bow section.

At the helm, the dashboard is very simple, yet practical and attractive. The gauges are easy to see but there is no room for “in-dash” fitting of depth sounders or GPS/plotter. Instead, these must be top mounted on a bracket. Personally, I do not mind this at all, and it leads to very few long-term problems if electronics are to be changed or updated. The marine radio is recessed in the port side combing, just next to a stainless “Jesus” bar!

 The helm also features a pair of nicely upholstered bucket seats for the pilot and co pilot. There's also an attractive sports steering wheel, a perspex windscreen with a powder-coated frame, and a full-length stainless grab rail.

 Sam’s philosophy is to provide a large amount of deck space with nice high gunwales and toeholds for added security. After all, this is a day boat so deck room is the number one priority. The internal fit and accessories are a personal choice between the Cruiser or Fisherman configurations.

 The Cruiser version is worthy of even the most discernable customer, with a beautifully upholstered rear lounge incorporating icebox storage underneath. It also features a fibreglass seat box with a tackle box storage under the driver’s seat, as well as a removable table. The Cruiser Deluxe is carpeted throughout. and has padded side combings and an upholstery upgrade. The premium package is easily converted to a sportier alternative by removing the lounge, table and camper covers. Even the ski pole transforms to a cutting board if you wish to fish instead of ski.

 The “Fisherman Cuddy” is just a simpler version. It has a Flow coat floor with a centre carpet strip, optional fold down and removable rear lounge, big deep carpeted side pockets as well as dual seat pedestals and generally finished with an aftermarket cutting board/rod holder combination.

Runabout

If a runabout with a walk-through windscreen is more your preference, then Revival has a terrific offering with the 525 Runabout. I liked this more sports-oriented version of the same hull, and I see great benefits in the ease of anchoring and boarding a walkthrough offers. The bow area is complimented with simple and convenient storage and a nice wide and deep walk-through hatch. The minimal available dashboard space is fully utilized and compact, allowing a glove box on the passenger side. The Runabout has a nice, raised seating position that is a pleasure to drive and plenty of grab rails for those high-speed turns that this package invites. This runabout is built for fun!

 All configurations feature a large kill tank under the floor, rear mounted ice boxes including an aerator on the starboard side; bimini and rocket launcher combination, full navigation lights, waterproof switch panel, bilge pump, adjustable seat slides, and the packages are completed with “Trailer Made” galvanised drive on trailers with attractive mag wheels, walkway and a mounted spare.

There is a full range of optional equipment for all three versions of the Revival, including rear boarding platforms with stainless boarding ladder (standard on the cruiser) and electronic preferences such as sounder, radio and GPS/Plotter offerings to personal taste.

The Wrap

Revival boats have picked their mark in the market really well. The design of the three configurations can be mixed and matched to customers’ preference reflecting the wants and needs of a major proportion of the Australian boating market. The functional layouts will serve all family interests and a Seven Year Structural Warranty gives confidence in the manufacture. The boat handles well on the water in both flat and choppy conditions, and the available deck room really hits the mark for all trailerboat enthusiasts.

Well done Sammy !

Performance

 Revival Cruiser Deluxe fitted with Evinrude 115HP ETEC

 24 km/hr @ 2800 RPM (On plane)

31 km/hr @ 3000 RPM

40 km/hr @ 3500 RPM

48 km/hr @ 4000 RPM

56 km/hr @ 4500 RPM

67 km/hr @ 5100 RPM (WOT)

Likes

• Big Deck Room

• Practical & Functional configurations

• Convenient Anchoring layouts

• Nice upholstery and trim

• Plenty of Storage

• Pleasing performance

• Turns and tracks well

• Plenty of Options

 Not So Much

• Spray in chop.

• The big chines slap a little.

 Specifications

 Type: 5.25m Runabout & Cuddy Monohull

 Material: GRP hull

 Length overall: 5.5m

 Beam: 2.2m

 Deadrise: 20 degrees

 Towing weight: Approx 1350kg

 Hull weight: 600kg approx

Fuel: 90 litres

 People day: 6 @ 75kg

 Rec. Min HP: 70

 Rec. max HP: 130HP 2 Stroke

 Max engine weight:194kg

 Max load: 680kg

Supplied By Revival Boats in Kilsyth Victoria.

Ready to Set Sail? 

Find your dream boat online at Only Boats! We have great deals on boats for sale, including used boats and new boats. You can also check out our used boat buying guide.

If you enjoyed this review, you can check out the currently available Revival boats for sale on our site. If you're still browsing and want something similar, check out our fishing boats, fibreglass boats, or other monohull boats for sale.

If you're upgrading or planning to sell your boat, why not explore our expert guide on how to improve boat resale value. If you're planning to attend a boat show soon, we've also put together a detailed boat show buying guide that's perfect for first time buyers!

Smooth sailing starts with the right boat. We’re here to help you find it!

This article was written by John "Bear" Willis. Photos provided by John "Bear" Willis and Ellen Dewar. This previously appeared at TradeaBoat.com.au, now powered by Only Boats.

Found your perfect purchase? Let’s make financing just as easy!

Work with Australia’s best-reviewed finance broker for a great deal and a stress-free experience. With 2,500+ glowing Google reviews, you can trust you're in good hands! See what our happy customers say in Credit One reviews, or jump right in and crunch the numbers with our handy loan repayment calculator. Your ideal financing solution is just a few clicks away!