WaterSki Magazine

WATERSKI Magazine
2006-12-13 15:00:00 | 184 views | 0 Comments

BOAT REVIEW

There’s a lot about the SV696 that separates it from other boats in its class. At 23 feet long and 102 inches wide, it has earned itself a reputation as a wakeboarding performer, a respectable feat for a direct-drive. Meanwhile, the interior is not only distinctive in style–with its camo-like accent pattern splashing color across the leather-like texture–it also stands out because of its functionality. It utilizes space efficiently, providing plenty of walkaround area, as well as a walk-through transom and useful wet bar. They’re traits that someone looking for a wakeboard boat with a unique skill set and distinctive personality will definitely be interested in.

PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS
Svfara is a young company, but that hasn’t stopped it from refining its craft and reaching a comfortably solid position in the inboard market. The SV696 is a glowing example of that efficiency of purpose. When we first saw this 23-foot direct-drive back in 2004, we weren’t sure if it would be able to match its wakeboarding-oriented style with a worthy performance. Since then, this boat has proven itself again and again, charging its 102-inch beam through the water with authority and throwing up rampy wakes with virtually no trough. The advanced-level wake size is thanks to a standard 1,100-pound ballast setup, made possible by an economical interior layout.

With all that heft, the engine upgrade is a wise investment. The optional 6.2-liter MerCruiser equips the SV696 with 340 horses–power that will come in handy, especially when you’re plowing through double-ups or rough water.

SPECS
Passengers: 12
Dry weight: 3,400 lb.
Draft: 20 in.
Load capacity: 1,785 lb.
Fuel capacity: 45 gal.
Storage capacity: 40 cu. ft.
Bow: 29 cu. ft.
Center: 8 cu. ft.
Rear: 3 cu. ft.
Platform: 7 sq. ft.
Interior gunwale height: 22 in.
Sun-pad area: 4.5 sq. ft.

STANDARDS
Base price: $55,200
Engine: Black Scorpion 5.7L, 330 hp
Prop: Swivel
Ballast: 1,100 lb. total
One center tank: 110 lb.
Two rear tanks: 400 lb. each
One bow tank: 190 lb.
Pylon: Swivel
Mirror: Windshield-mounted
Driver’s seat: Swivel, bolster
Dash: Brushed-aluminum insert, tilt steering wheel
Gauges: 5-inch Faria
Gas fill: Starboard midship
Cup holders: 6, plastic
Rub rail: Stainless steel
Platform: Fiberglass with rubber
Graphics: Custom striping and Svfara logo
Colors: Custom exterior choices in four color ways; two base interior choices with custom accents

OPTIONS
Loaded price: $69,000
Engine: MerCruiser MX 6.2 Black Scorpion, 340 hp
Cruise: PerfectPass
Tower: Gen Five Arch, Pro Flight Swoop with quick-pin release
Racks: Clamp
Mirror: Tower-mounted
Cooler: 20 qt., under seat
Stereo: AM/FM/CD Clarion deck, six Kicker speakers, amp, subwoofer, transom remote, Sirius satellite radio
Trailer: Tandem axle with disc brakes
Misc.: Heater, shower, bow filler cushion, Bimini top

Phone: 403.244.2202
Web: svfara.com