Better still, the 610 does not look like an inexpensive entry-level boat, especially when those options are included. The overall appearance is smart, the outboard is out on a pod to give a level of performance that would otherwise require a larger engine, the interior is well finished and there is even a chequer-plate floor in the cockpit.
Although most who will buy this boat will use it for fishing, it is a little more versatile than that. The uncluttered cockpit is ideal for divers. It would also be relatively easy to install some straps to hold the dive bottles in place.
Add some extra seating aft, and you've got a good family boat, with plenty of storage forward and lots of room for the water toys.
Aft there is an adequately sized boarding platform on either side of the outboard pod.
However, the starboard one is not that useable as the control loom for the outboard would be likely to get in the way. The port one is where the aluminium boarding ladder lives and a grab rail has been welded onto the rear of the transom to help swimmers, water-skiers and divers.
The 610 does not feature an inbuilt fuel tank as standard (the space under the floor is all used for positive buoyancy) although a stern tank is an option. Instead, the two aft corners of the cockpit have been fitted with small upstands and these create ideal spots for a brace of tote tanks.
In between these, a bilge pump stands ready to expel any water while, above that, Sportscraft have fitted a dry open locker for the battery.
A full beam shelf beneath the transom is an ideal spot to stow tackle boxes, gaffs and the like.
Long, deep-carpeted side shelves provide more handy stowage and there is plenty of purpose-built rod stowage beneath these.
The seating plan is basic, with two bucket seats on moulded pedestals. On the plus side there is plenty of room for fishing and diving; on the downside, there is nowhere for anyone else to sit.
On the test boat, Sportscraft has added a large, removable bin seat and this can accommodate an adult or possibly a couple of children.
There are other options, however, including a full-width bench seat across the transom or swapping the pedestal seats for king and queen versions. There are also a couple of handy storage compartments on either side of the helm.
In its standard mode, the 610 Cabin has full bulkheads on each side separating the cockpit from the well-protected cabin. There is lots of stowage space here.
The test boat had the optional portable toilet. But there was no privacy - not even a curtain. Apart from that minor gripe, everything on board the 610 works well. The dash, although relatively plain by modern standards, is nonetheless functional. There is plenty of space for all the necessary controls and dials and there is also enough room to flush mount a VHF or a small-screen fishfinder/GPS. The 610 is an easy and fun boat to drive and does not require a lot of trim to get it running nicely.
The 90hp Mercury two-stroke outboard appears adequate, especially if the idea is not to go too far or to take too many people at one time. For example, with just two on board, nothing more than a few fishing rods and the twin tote tanks, the 610/90hp combo achieves a top speed of 33.6 knots at 5500rpm. More importantly, at cruising revs of 4000rpm it still does a respectable 20 knots.
Considering this is a relatively light aluminium craft (trailer weight just 960kg), that is probably quite enough, especially if the water is a bit choppy.
If the boat is going to be used for diving with perhaps four and all their gear on board at the same time, a bigger outboard is probably worth considering. Sportscraft rates this model for 90 to 125hp so a 115hp is possibly a good option.
Another option for those who will be using their boat almost entirely for fishing is the company's 610 Fisher.
This features a helm position that is further forward than on the Cabin, and the removal of the bulkheads separating cabin from the cockpit. This creates a small cuddy suitable only for gear stowage and an even larger cockpit from which to fish.
There can be little doubt that Sportscraft is continuing to do a great job of building good-looking, affordable pleasure boats for Kiwi families and keen fishers.
Scorpion 610
* LOA: 6.1m
* Beam: 2.3m
* Deadrise: 17 degrees
* Height on trailer: 2.4m
* Trailer weight: 960kg
* Construction: Aluminium
* Engine capacity: 90hp to 125hp
* Fuel capacity: Tote tanks
* Priced from: $37,500
* Price as described: $40,500
Want to know more?
Check out Freddy Foote's boat review on the Scorpion 610 Cabin in the September/October issue of Pacific Powerboat magazine or at www.pacificpowerboat.com.
