Multipurpose for work & play
Upon first glance at the Takapuna Boat ramp, a fitting place for this review, we are surrounded by sailors getting ready to head out to training. It would not be easy to look past the new SeekR 6.2.
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The previous top-rated and practical PerformR that Southern Pacific designed and built-in 2020 was based on over 30 years of marine sports coaches’ ideas, gripes, and desires, with legendary designer Rob Shaw building what was then considered a coach’s dream support boat. At first glance, the ProformR was a no-nonsense boat designed to go to work in the toughest conditions. However, Southern Pacific is appealing to a wider market, the New Zealand family that wants a lot more out of their centre console RIB. Let’s see how well they have achieved this goal with the new SeekR 6.2.
DESIGNÂ
The very high bow protects the crew from tough seas designed from New Zealand waters on the adage that if it were intended for New Zealand, then it would be great anywhere in the world, and the previous PerformR certainly delivered that and much more. The deep V hull on the SeekR 6.2 has a slightly larger deadrise and the new solid D cell form cells that will never go flat with a Hypalon stretched cover for protection also provide increased stability and buoyancy, offering generous space. A seat/shelf built into the GRP hull on both sides would provide easy entry into the boat from a pier and some seating opportunities. At first glance, this is a no-nonsense boat designed for one purpose and one purpose alone, which is being a practical workboat.
COCKPIT AREAÂ
The interior of the SeekR 6.2 takes a no-frills approach to boating, however everything necessary for a day out on the water is there! To allow manoeuvrability around the boat the centre console is compact with enough space for the necessary electronics. It would be advisable to opt for an integrated MFD, as you may struggle to fit that and the multiple engine management gauges in this space. There is a small but valuable windshield that provides protection when you are seated. The helm is set at a natural height and has two storage lockers on the rear, the battery and electronics occupy much of the lower storage space. The SeekR comes standard with a two-person in-line jockey seat raised slightly, providing that comfortable and typical leaning bolster experience with a backrest for long days on the water. The other option is the Shark Suspension seats that flex up and down, an excellent choice for rough weather boating. I prefer the first option as it also provides further cockpit storage space. Behind these two cockpit seats, the SeekR has an optional bench cushion that fits right across the transom and has two large storage lockers below. This is an important addition, as people would traditionally sit on the tubes in a conventional RHIB.Â
PERFORMANCEÂ
The deep V hull naturally comes with a stigma that principally the boat will go great in one direction, and that’s straight into whatever mother nature can throw at it, and that like other Deep V hulls, there will be a trade-off in a beam, and following sea. However, I am pleased to report that the SeekR 6.2 handles great directly into the chop and swell and abeam on and down swell. It is a truly remarkable experience. As usual, I suffer from my lead foot or lead right hand and don’t muck about finding out how it performs at pace. The SeekR 6.2 is predictable, agile, and nimble in the turns. It doesn’t appear to matter a great deal if you are trimmed hard in or out a little, and that sharp entry and large 22-degree deadrise certainly will account for that. Trimmed in the usual go-fast position, the boat doesn’t disappoint, and with the 100hp Suzuki outboard, the boat got along at a respective 38 knots straight into the chop in the Rangitoto channel in Auckland. The typical South Wester in Auckland with 15-20 knots gave us a good feeling of the conditions the boat would be used in. At higher speeds, it was dry for both the helm and the passenger behind, but at slower speeds, around 17 knots, the spray from the hull when coupled with the wind did make for a damper experience. Anyone sitting on the cushion at the transom would get wet no matter the speed or conditions. This wouldn’t be an issue for sportspersons in their wet kit; however, for the family heading out for a pleasurable afternoon, this may prove more challenging. I was impressed with how well it cornered, and at no time did I feel uncomfortable or like I was in a position I was not expecting. The helm answered nicely, and the turning circle was impressively tight. For anyone new to this design, the exceptionally high bow section may be a little off-putting as it feels like you are always trimmed out too far, but this offers excellent versatility. You can trim for performance without sacrificing bow penetration. A useful maximum payload of 540kg provides many options for people and equipment.Â
FEATURESÂ
The SeekR 6.2 has been designed with a pedigree of workboats in mind, which shows through in this boat. Southern Pacific has fitted the boat with an 80L fuel tank, which, for the size of the boat, coupled with a modern fuel-efficient outboard and the typical intentions in mind will give a versatile range. The fuel tank is fitted forward under the helm to counter the usual weight at the rear. This SeekR 6.2 is fitted with dual towing poles, which is what the customer wanted for towing several smaller boats at the same time. Otherwise, a hoop is also an option, ideal for water toys such as a biscuit or wakeboard. A good transom step with a ladder on the starboard side offers excellent water entry and exit. It is great to see that the boat is fitted with dual scuppers to help remove water from the deck quickly and a simple yet effective rope and cleat system for locking them off. It is also great to see that a bilge pump is a standard feature. There is an anchor locker in the bow, and Southern Pacific tells me that the next boat in production will have a through-bow fitting for the anchor and a drum winch. I think this is a great idea, and it provides flexibility without the mess and scuffing over the bow. The bow also features a carbon fibre keel capping to protect that sharp-entry GRP hull from unwanted debris in the water. So, at this point, I have to consider that while I have spent a great deal of time in my life on support boats laying marks, coaching kids, using inflatables for media work, and scuba diving, the SeekR 6.2 is not just a workboat. The test boat on the day as rigged, did not offer too many creature comforts for typical family pleasure boating. These can be added to the individual purchaser’s requirements such as handholds, rod holders, bait boards and sun shade/s. Southern Pacific prides themselves on their ability to customise boat fit-out to the owner’s requirements. For its pedigree, the boat has been designed for something else: ensuring our water sports coaches have the very best New Zealand boat building can offer. It is a platform for keeping Kiwis on the world stage, and let’s face it, that is precisely what this SeekR 6.2 is designed for and will do exceptionally well, with the ability to take the family out for an adventure after the sailing is over.
Price $78,000 inclusive of GST and a Futura Trailer
SPECIFICATIONS
Length External 6.2 m
Beam External 1.98Â m
Length Internal 5.5Â m
Beam Internal 1.705 m
Dry Weight 620 kg
Payload 1160 kg
Maximum Engine Weight 190 kg
Maximum HP 100 HP
Recommended HP 100 HP
Hull Deadrise 22 deg
Fuel Underfloor 80 L
PERFORMANCE DATA
RPMÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â KNOTS
500Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 2
1000Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 4
1500Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 6
2000Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 7
2500Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 9
3000Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 11
3500Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 17
4000Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 21
4500Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 25
5000Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 28
5500Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 31
6000Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 34
