Rock Star Revival

Revivals Sam Cantonese has built more boats than I’ve had hot breakfasts - and at my age, that's saying a mouthful. He has ridden the sloppy seas, peaks and troughs of our Australian trailer boat industry, which continues to bounce back with renewed vigour. At an age where most have hung up the laminating roller and put away the chopper gun, Sam is enjoying success with his range of aptly named Revival Boats. And he still reckons he's good for a few more new models.

Revival produces practical boats at realistic prices, and the 560 X-Rider package is a ripper. It may not have all of the chic bells and whistles, nor the kitchen sink we find in most of their imported competitors, but it doesn't need them. This great all-rounder will be the basis of fond family memories for a lifetime. She’s a spunky looker with a sporty attitude and a ton of ability and facility powered by the grunt of a mighty Mercury 135hp 3.0-litre, inline 4-cylinder 4-stroke outboard.

The versatile cockpit, functional helm, flexible open interiors, and bowrider combine with the outboard-powered hull for reliable boating

Nautical Eye Candy

The 560 X-Rider is a visual treat. Her curves are resplendent with sumptuous red sides, an ivory deck and dressed up with attractive decals, trims and accessories. The interior beckons you to step on board with the family or a bunch of mates for some quality time, or perhaps just a couple looking for a romantic cruise in comfort. Perhaps you would prefer to unleash its excellent sports fishing potential with a hull that’s equally at home in the sweetwater as it is challenging some real offshore potential. This functional bowrider isn’t there for the bling; it’s there for the fun – and it does it all so well.

At 5.6 metres overall, a 2.35-metre beam, and a nice deep hull with a 21-degree deadrise, the 560 X-Rider will accommodate seven passengers. She can be towed by most family vehicles and has a BMT weight of around 1600 kg, including its Dunbier Supa Roller single-axle trailer. This X-Rider has a beautiful hull that has been transformed from the larger R580 Cuddy, which is renowned as a true offshore performer.

The 560 X-Runner is quite beamy with pronounced reverse chines giving excellent stability both at rest and underway. The 21-degree deadrise, multiple chines and small running plank provide tremendous lift, getting her up and running quickly without any of the traditional bow rise we find from most inboard competitors. The flared bow moulds into a sharp stem that flows beautifully into the keel, providing a very soft and dry ride, impressive hole shot, plus predictable and playful agility. This boat will thrill your pants off but has no critical idiosyncrasies, providing total confidence even for novice drivers. Plus, she gets up and boogies!

The new R560 x rider has one overarching principle formed by years of conventional wisdom - fun!

With 130 litres of fuel underfloor and the efficiencies of the Mercury 135hp 4-stroke, she’ll run at speed all day! We found a pleasing top end of around 73 kph at a Wide Open Throttle of 6000 rpm with two people on board and a light fuel load. She launched out of the hole with the 17” Enertia propeller, providing a well-balanced package. Those looking for the wind in their hair may opt for the maximum 150 hp, and whilst I was certainly impressed with the package as displayed, I would love to try her out with a 150 Pro XS to really take the wrinkles out.

Australians Love Outboards

The 560 X-Runner has a fairly standard bowrider layout but with some nice refinements. Let’s face it, Australians love outboards, and the transom setup with its launching platforms on either side, a telescopic boarding ladder, and a lift-out cockpit walk-thru is ideal for water sports. At the other end, many imported bow riders do not cater to easy anchoring, whereas the X-Runner has a nice moulded bow sprit and anchor well that is already strengthened for an optional electric winch.

The driver and passenger are treated to a comfortable pair of swivel bolster seats on pedestals with plenty of legroom and adjustable slides. The helm is simple but efficient with flush mount engine controls, switch panel, refreshment (or mobile phone/knick-knack) holder, Smart craft gauges and enough dash space for a 7” sounder/multi-function display. The “soft touch” wheel feels great with the positive control of hydraulic steering. There’s a large carpet-lined glove box on the passenger side where the head unit for the Fusion 4-speaker stereo system was well disclosed, as well as a grab bar and another refreshment holder.

Grafting flexible open interiors and plenty of upholstered storage pockets, Revival dispenses family-friendly all-rounders

There's an easy walk-thru, wrap-around windscreen that leads to the comfy bowrider, where you find seating for up to 4 thrill-seekers. You can insert the infill as a full sundeck or casting platform. The upholstery is thickly padded marine-grade vinyl with French stitching. The black and grey upholstered panels are offset with red trims, and the entire boat is carpeted, creating a very inviting feel. There are backrests to the bowrider area, storage beneath, and padded combings throughout.

Back in the cockpit, there are full-length side pockets and an underfloor 150-litre storage/kill tank/ski locker, but be careful that you don’t forget a fish under the long-enclosed section. The 560 X-Runner has a pair of rear seat boxes with padded lids that form the lounge seats and supply plenty of extra storage or cool box area. They are easily removed for a more serious fishing sojourn.

Revivals X Rider Series offers all the elements for adventurous families

Behind the rear lounge, the battery is mounted high off the bilge, and the wiring and plumbing are well out of harm’s way. The standard 560 X-Rider package includes a ski pole, and you can discuss a number of bait boards and fishing accessories with your local dealer. Speaking of Dealers, Revival Boats has representation in all the major States except Tasmania and the Territories.

There is plenty to like about the Revival 560 X-Rider, including its inclusive list of features and accessories such as pop-up cleats and a neat bimini canopy that features tie-down rails for transporting water sports toys. She seems well built and unashamedly uses fully fibreglass encapsulated timber in the stringer and transom construction. Let’s face it, we are only now refurbishing some boats that were built in this manner that have already lasted over 50 years. Whilst I understand that fully synthetic construction eliminates any possibility of rot, it often gives a more rigid ride, particularly in choppy conditions. (In my opinion!) Revival uses compartmentalised flotation in the construction, not foam, yet it is still particularly quiet on the water.

Flexible seating options include a removable fishing platform in the bowrider in the versatile series of Revival boats.

The Wrap

She’s a spacious hull with a ton of attractions for a large family, or a mobile aquatic party. It is a very efficient hull with a sporty demeanour that ticks the boxes for almost all watery pursuits. There’s plenty of storage, loads of comfort, easy water access, a terrific ride and excellent performance all at an attractive all-inclusive package price. Add your choice of electronics and maybe a storage/tonneau cover, and you will have an ideal, easily towed, and very capable family boat that will help you create memories of a lifetime.

You know where the kids will go if offered bow rider seating

Specifications

Length overall: 5.6 m

Beam: 2.37m

Weight: BMT approx 1600 KG

Fuel capacity:  130 litres

Water capacity: NIL

Power:  Mercury 135 hp inline four-cylinder, EFI 4-stroke

Supplied by JV Marine World, Braeside, Victoria.

Ready to Set Sail? 

Find your dream boat online at Only Boats! We have great deals on boats for sale, including used and new boats. If you liked this boat review, check out Revival boats that are currently on the site, or our great selection of bowriders for sale. Not sure where to start? Try our used boat buying guide to get some expert advice.

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