Andy McCutcheonActiva 5100 - Review
September 7th 2007 00:57
Activa 5100
Activa 5100
As one of the newest brand of boats to arrive in Australia in recent times from Taiwan and China, overseas manufacturers are proving once again that they can deliver on a promise of affordable quality.
In recent months, there have been numerous challengers to domestic market manufacturers such as Riviera and Maritimo with vessels landing on Australian shores from all points of the globe.
Several strong brands like Four Winns from the USA on the lower end of the spectrum and Sunseeker from the UK at the higher end are reporting record sales and increased market share Australia wide, but there have been several quiet achievers from Canada, Europe and China recently that have been more than happy to play “second fiddle” as it were.
One such boat, the Activa 5100 is another by-product of the growing Taiwan and Chinese boat building fraternity that continue to churn the market with affordable luxury and value without compromise.
The 5100 measuring 54’ 11” LOA and the middle child of the Activa range is another brood in the stable of products being marketed by Ensign Shipbrokers located at Marina Mirage on the Gold Coast.
When Tony Ross and the crew over at Ensign asked me aboard, given my previous experience with their Ensign 50’, I was curious to see if lightening could strike twice in the same spot.
Charles Chang, founder and President of Activa Marine Co. Ltd. in Taiwan and China, has been involved in building motor yachts for the past 24 years and has manufactured more than 600 motor yachts over the years, exporting them to more than 9 countries worldwide.
Consumer confidence is assured in the Activa range by being sold into Australia with a 12 month, 24/7 warranty that is supported by Blackline Shipping out of the Gold Coast City Marina, arguably one of the most respected large vessel repairers and re-fitters nationwide.
Some of the definite standouts for me aboard this vessel begin as you step onto the aft deck. With the absence of a large swim platform the vessel is able to nudge up to the jetty stern to allowing you to walk through a transom access door onto the teak flooring.
Access doors to the engine bay open wide to showcase the volumes of room below decks that accommodate washer/dryer units and freezer storage, great for fisho’s wanting to preserve their catches and still leaving heaps of room for dive compressors and other recreational equipment.
An overhang from the flybridge provides cover in inclement weather and can be fitted with bimini and clears.
One of the nice things about this vessel for ageing boaties is a proper circular staircase rather than ladder to the flybridge deck. The trade off of course is that the stairs take a bite out of available room on the aft deck but it isn’t significant and in my opinion a reasonable substitution.
The flybridge, a vantage point for close quarter navigation and the focal point for entertaining has some smart features. Generous seating amidst the upper helm station sits opposite a food preparation area and icemaker. Aft of the seating where you would generally expect to see your tender slung, is a very practical open deck area that houses a rail mounted BBQ and an additional preparation area.
To accommodate for positioning of the inflatable tender is a purpose built, cantilevered bracket, making use of otherwise unusable space.
The main saloon area of the vessel is comfortable with a crescent shaped settee and small table. On the starboard side is an electrical panel and room for a television and other entertainment gear to be flush mounted.
Ahead of the settee is a well laid out galley and one of the outstanding features of this vessel is the burl-inlaid cabinetry throughout. The fit and finish is exquisite and the joinery is testament to the craftsmanship inherent in all aspects of the build.
Across from the galley is a raised informal u-shaped meals area that straddles the dining table.
The lower helm station abuts the dining area and although not on the boat as tested, it is easy to visualize how development of another sleeping area or day bed is plausible in the available space.
Below decks the burl-inlaid cabinetry is carried through and placement of three separate sleeping quarters and two heads make staying aboard a luxury. Two queen-sized berths alongside two single bunks in combination with the abovementioned available space make sleeping for 8 without the need to convert lounges or dining areas a reality.
The Activa 5100 is sufficiently powered by a pair of Cummins 380Hp diesels with the capacity to carry 3000 Liters of fuel, giving it a reasonable range given the consumption levels at cruise speed.
Highs and Lows:
The lows for me included a smaller than expected swim platform, smallish main saloon and the older or traditional hull styling associated with these high volume cruisers.
On the upside, the smaller saloon area has been offset by a proper tri-cabin layout, the hull shape while traditional has predictable performance and the smaller swim platform allows for closer berthing to the jetty.
Another positive with the boat as tested is a remote helm unit that can be attached to several points throughout the vessel. It will allow for maneuverability while underway with a jack on the aft deck making squeezing into tight berths a simple, less daunting task when faced with questionable wind conditions.
Admittedly, the boat won’t appeal to everyone, otherwise there’d only be one boat manufacturer in the world however, if you were looking for a large comfortable boat with predictable performance characteristics, generous sleeping accommodation, solid construction and a great fit and finish you would be hard pressed to find a boat in this price range that offers so much for so little, comparatively speaking.
Retail pricing for the boat comes in at AUD$1.25M with a boat Show special of AUD$1.13M. For more information give Tony Ross and the crew over at Ensign Ship Brokers a ring to get all the information you will need to make a buying decision.
Thanks again to Tony Ross and the folks at Activa for having me onboard.
Text by Andy McCutcheon
| 26 |
| Vote |
Add To: 
Subscribe to this blog
