Sam Catanese, founder of Victorian trailer boat brand Revival Boats, talks us through their new 525 MKII fishing vessel.
Please share some background about Revival Boats.
Revival Boats was launched in 2008, right in the middle of the Global Financial Crisis, with a single model – the original 525 Cuddy. At the time, I had just stepped away from the helm of Stejcraft, a fibreglass trailer boat brand I had built over nearly five decades before passing it on to my son, Tim.
But retirement didn’t gel with me. A few months later, I realised I had unfinished boating business and founded Revival Boats. I chose the name to reflect my goal of helping revive the recreational boating industry in the wake of the downturn. I like a challenge! Since those early days, Revival’s range has grown to 12 models, from 5.25m to 7.6m, covering just about every trailer boat niche – from cabin cruisers and bow riders to centre consoles and enclosed hardtops.
How would you describe the Revival Boats brand?
Revival Boats harnesses over 60 years of boat-building expertise to create class-defining models that respond to the needs and ambitions of Aussie boating families by creating stylish, soft-riding fibreglass trailer boats that present outstanding value.
Where does the new 525 MKII sit within the Revival range?
The 525 MKII is a gateway model in the Revival fleet and shares its hull with the R520 Runabout and 530 X-RIDER.
What initial feedback have you received from customers about the 525 MKII?
Revival introduces new models to its range in response to feedback from our customers and dealers to ensure a receptive market at launch. The original 525 launched the Revival brand back in 2008 and has held its own within the market for an impressive 17 years and still commands top dollars on the used-boat market. Initial response to its successor, the 525 MKII, has been overwhelming despite the tough financial climate. We’ve had interest – and sales – from both current Revival 525 owners as well as recruiting aluminium boat owners looking for a more stylish and softer riding alternative.
Please share the top five features of this boat.
- Firstly, the 525 MKII offers incredible value for money.
- The walk-through cabin layout provides unimpeded access to the bow for easy anchoring while also opening up – pun intended – a secondary fishing zone over the bow. Smaller kids will love the added protection and cosy isolation from the
elements.
- A large flat dash accommodates big screens and loads of tech accessories.
- The soft riding fibreglass hull boasts an impressive pedigree.
- A versatile rear cockpit boasts high sides, convenient grab rails and numerous above-deck and under-floor storage options.
How do you imagine people using this vessel?
Revivals are built for versatility and the new 525 MKII nails its brief. With bow-to-stern access, the fisherman-friendly layout provides unparalleled fishing opportunities. Rated up to six persons, the 525 MKII is also an ideal package to entertain family and friends with a deep and spacious cockpit, soft reassuring ride and hidey holes for everyone’s gear. It’s also a very family-friendly vessel and junior crew members can make the compact cabin their own. That said, it’s still a compact boat, not a Tardis, so owner discretion is always advised.
Tell us more about the hull.
The 525 MKII’s hull is the culmination of all the experience and knowledge I’ve gained from over 60 years of building quality fibreglass trailer boats. It’s soft riding and quiet in short chop, tracks well with minimal input and is nimble in a turn. It’s relatively stable given its compact footprint yet feels like a more substantial boat from the helm.
Talk to us about Revival’s design and build team.
The Revival team has extensive boat building and fitout experience with many of the leadership group coming onboard when Revival launched in 2008. Our R&D crew comprise passionate boaties focussed on providing practical solutions that address owner pain points while retaining a stylish and cohesive design ethos.
How would you describe the ride?
The 525 MKII hull has evolved to straddle an ideal compromise between ride quality across short sharp chop, efficient planing and buoyancy at rest. The hull’s got a 20° deadrise and short planing plank with full-length reverse chines that also act as spray rails pushing spray down and away from the hull. Common feedback from customers suggest we’ve achieved our objectives with most saying that the baby in our fleet performs like a much larger boat.
What are some of the key design elements that set the boat apart?
Unlike its more classically styled predecessor, the new 525 MKII adopts contemporary Revival design cues like the full-figured cabin, tinted highlight windows and modern upright 5-piece windscreen. The large flat dash sets a new benchmark in this size class while the walkthrough screen and cabin not only add convenience but also dramatically increases the fishing real estate.
How well is the new 525 MKII suited to the Australian and New Zealand lifestyle and waters?
Water’s water no matter its geographic location. Revival Boats’ backyard is Port Phillip Bay which is notorious for its unpredictability and bone crunching short sharp chop. We’re confident that if our hulls can handle our home waters, it’ll be right at home anywhere in the world.
What are some key optional upgrades for buyers to consider?
The options boxes buyers tick most often include a bimini, front and side clears with roll-up centre panel, hydraulic steering, rear-boarding platforms, coloured hull, sides, flow-coated floor in lieu of standard carpet, fibreglass bait board and deluxe switch panel.
What types of buyers will this boat most appeal to?
Revivals are unashamedly built for families who want to do it all, and the 525 MKII exemplifies that focus. While many owners are hardcore fisherfolk comfortable testing the boat’s limits at the edge of its envelope, our core demographic are boaters who want to fish in the morning, pull a tube after lunch, and chase sunsets at dusk.
Visit revivalboats.com.au
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