Quicksilver Captur 555 Pilothouse - Affordable entry-level boat: Quicksilver's new Pilothouse

The 555 Pilothouse cannot hide its affiliation with the Quicksilver Captur series. The design chosen by Quicksilver may not appeal to everyone straight away, but it offers plenty of space in the rear and in the cabin.

The 555 we tested is the smallest model in the Captur series. The boat measures 5.31 metres in length and 2.40 metres in width. Together with its weight of 1170 kg plus engine, fuel and optional equipment, the Captur 555 Pilothouse remains easy to trailer. A towing vehicle in the 1900 kg trailer load class is required for road transport.

On the water, long-shaft outboards from Mercury with between 60 and 115 hp provide the propulsion. The boat has been appropriately type-categorised as a C, i.e. coastal waters. According to the data, we believe that the Quicksilver is not only suitable for anglers who need a lot of space in the stern, but also for two people with a child who mainly want to explore different waters by boat. But the Pilothouse also offers a good and affordable introduction to water sports for novice boaters who want to share the fun with their friends (maximum crew size 5 people).

The basic price of our test boat in the standard version ex shipyard is €24,950 including the test engine - a Mercury F 100 EFI. With its four cylinders and a displacement of 1.8 litres, it delivers an impressive 73.6 kW or 100 hp. The power is converted into thrust by a Spitfire propeller measuring 4 x 13.4" x 15".

The engine speed reached at full load shows that this is one size too small for our test load of two people and the half-full fuel tank. It is 6200 rpm, whereby the full-load speed range recommended by the manufacturer is between 5000 and 6000 rpm. The log shows a maximum speed of 29.6 knots. At this speed, the 90-litre fuel tank is sufficient for a distance of 57 nm before the 15% reserve is used up.

Although not as fast, you can travel 22 nm further at the most economical planing speed of a good 20 kn and a speed of 4500 rpm. During the extreme manoeuvres at top speed, the Captur 555 proves to be good-natured and safe. Neither the slalom course, nor the steering wheel twisting, cause the Pilothouse to lurch. She is also safe in the increasingly tight circles to starboard and port.

Towards the port side, however, the propeller snatches air more quickly and makes it necessary to start up again. The fact that the 555 Pilothouse runs well at low speed is demonstrated, among other things, by the harbour speed of 3 knots. The boat always stays on course, even with an uneven load or a shift in weight. If the speed is increased to 2000 rpm or 5.4 knots, the hull follows the weight shift and the skipper has to counter-steer.

From the cockpit, you can access the bow via the gangway on the starboard side, which is 0.27 metres wide. If you go over it, the 555 heels noticeably and visibly. Nevertheless, there is no sense of insecurity. Once forward, you can use the self-draining anchor locker with bow fitting for anchoring and stowing or sit on the small bench. For longer people, however, the overhanging roof of the cab restricts seating comfort.

In the cab, in addition to the well-equipped driver's cab with well-padded driver's and co-driver's seats, from which you have a very good all-round view, there is also a V-shaped lying surface. This is also comfortable with the optional upholstery and offers space for up to 1.90 x
1.93 metres of space for up to two adults and one child. The Quicksilver 555 Pilothouse shows its true size when it comes to storage options and the cockpit. Once the two floor hatches have been opened, you can store everything you need on board in the stern. There is also an underfloor stowage facility in the cabin. The finish of the gelcoat on the large surfaces is good, with no dents or irregularities to be found. Only on the driving position between the dashboard and the side walls, as well as in some areas of the protective coating and the silicone seal, is the work of the boat builders not convincing.

The contours are not straight, the protective coating is too thin in places and the seams are sloppy. On the other hand, all the installations around the engine are well executed. The wiring harnesses and electrical cables are well secured with cable ties and retaining straps. The same applies to the battery box and the plastic fuel tank. All fuel supply hoses are secured against slipping by two screw clamps each.

Other passive safety features include the cockpit side height of 0.72 m, a continuous anti-slip structure on deck and the handrail on the cabin roof, as well as a stable railing on the bow of the 555 Pilothouse. On the other hand, the active safety equipment is only partially convincing: The standard fire extinguisher is good in terms of size and positioning at the helm station, but with the bilge pump only an electric bilge pump alone is not enough for us. An additional manual bilge pump is essential in the event that the on-board power supply fails.

In terms of comfort features, it is clear that the Captur 555 Pilothouse is primarily intended for fishing trips. Accordingly, items such as a rod holder, fish box and a fishing tackle storage facility in the cockpit are standard. To be able to use the boat a little more comfortably and for longer weekend trips, there is no getting around at least one of the five optional equipment packages that are available at extra cost.

In addition, there are other useful items for touring such as a camper top, bimini, windscreen wiper and hydraulic steering as options. The comfort cabin package for around €1850 includes curtains, a roof hatch, berth cushions and an emergency seat between the driver and passenger seats. If that's not enough for you, you can purchase the upholstery for the bow and the two seats in the cockpit as well as a work light and a cockpit table in the "Cockpit" package for a total of €950. For a hefty €2900, the Smart Edition includes both packages and additional equipment from the fishing package, such as a seawater flushing system, two additional rod holders and a bait container system.

Conclusion

The Quicksilver Captur 555 is a solid cabin cruiser for fishing and family outings. There are some weaknesses in the workmanship. However, from €22,350 you get a lot of boat for your money.