Alongside the Viper sports boats, Auster boats are the second mainstay of Europe Marine's own shipyard products. The hull and deck of the Auster are manufactured in the company's own plastics factory in Poland. The hulls are delivered to the Europe Marine factory in Budenheim, where the final assembly takes place. Our test boat 680 CC, which is built as a popular cuddy cabin version, is no exception. The shipyard made a conscious decision to build this type, as there are only a few of these models of this length on the new boat market - especially when it comes to inboard boats. In the past, cuddy boats often came from American shipyards, but the market there has developed in such a way that bowriders and wakeboard boats are more in demand. In Germany, on the other hand, there are boat people who would like to spend the night on board.
Our test boat offers a slip cabin with space for two people. The cushions are comfortably firm and the ceiling and side walls are lined with carpet, as is typical for boats. The centre cushion can be removed and a chemical toilet (extra charge) can be placed underneath in the footwell. The escape hatch and folding cabin door (with locking mechanism) offer ventilation options. In the cockpit there is an L-shaped bench seat that merges into the front passenger seat. The backrest of the co-driver's bench is variably pluggable and can therefore also be used as a headrest for the sun lounger (on the port side). The driver's seat can be swivelled and can be integrated into a seating area with a triangular table (extra). Another sunbed is located in the stern above the engine compartment. The sunlounger and bench seat cushions are practically divided and can be easily removed in the passageway area so that you don't always have to step on the cushions to access the bathing platform. There is plenty of space on the bathing platform, as the attached platform is part of the standard equipment. The same applies to a wide bathing ladder, which is stowed on the platform but can still be easily operated from the water. Also practical: two handles in the area of the ladder.
The shipyard has installed a solid waterskiing eyelet at the stern of the boat. The Auster 680 CC certainly has the power for such "tugboat activities". A 250 hp MerCruiser petrol engine operates in her engine compartment and gets the test boat well up to speed. To ensure that the transition phase from displacement to planing speed is as fast as possible (around 2 seconds), the Z-drive (Alpha One) should be trimmed to the transom. At the maximum speed of a good 44 knots, the drive is trimmed up to about 1/4 on the display. The engine then turns at exactly the maximum speed of 5200 rpm recommended by the manufacturer. A sign that there is still enough power available even with a heavier load. If you want to get from A to B economically, let the engine turn 3000 rpm and glide across the water at almost 23 knots. The range: a suitable 117 nm plus the obligatory 15% reserve.
Need more information? You can find the test of the Auster 680 CC with technical data and further images in BOOTE issue 04/2021, available from 17 March 2021 at newsagents or online at Delius Klasing Shop.
Fast manoeuvres: When slaloming, the driver has the Oyster well under control with the smooth-running rudder. If the driver tears the steering, the rear end engages normally and drifts away slightly. In fast bends, the test oyster brakes automatically. If you want, you can also turn the boat onto its side at the end with very tight radii.
The test tour on the Rhine naturally has a few choppy waves in store. There, the hull settles softly at high speed and remains stable on course, and spray water is repelled by a wide margin.
This leaves the slow speed, where the hull yaws in the typical gliding manner and you should only counter-steer as little as possible. Tight turning circles and prompt bow turns when reversing are signs of good manoeuvrability.
To ensure that the driver remains stress-free during all manoeuvres, the shipyard has installed a comfortable bucket seat. Its adjustability guarantees seating positions with plenty of legroom. To be able to drive standing up, the front seat cushion is folded up. The steering wheel offers a further adjustment option with height adjustment. Apart from a few reflections, the view of the instruments is unrestricted. The mechanical single-lever gearstick is conveniently installed in the side wall.
Your gearshift cables go to the securely bolted V-6 engine, which is located under the sunbed. To open the engine compartment, you have to lift the flap with a firm tug. The service technician has enough space to work underneath. A look into the engine compartment also shows that the installations have been carried out professionally and that the interior has been completely coated with a protective coating. A positive impression that is reflected in the overall workmanship of the test boat. In terms of safety equipment, the standard fire extinguishing system gets a big plus, while the lack of a manual bilge pump is a minus. The foredeck is accessed via sufficiently wide steps next to the cabin door. There is a railing and non-slip floor structures on the foredeck. In the bow there is a self-draining anchor locker as standard. There is an extra charge for a bow anchor roller including cleat in the anchor locker, canopy solutions, music system, fishfinder, cool box, bow cushions, stern shower with 47-litre tank and pump. Of course, a suitable trailer is also required for travelling to the most diverse areas on the road. With the specified weight of 1300 kg, the single-axle 1800 kg trailer is sufficient. However, if you want to be on the safe side, you can opt for a tandem trailer.
Conclusion
The Auster 680 CC is a trailer boat with a slip cabin that can accommodate two people. For a swimming trip or wakeboard tour, it offers a beautiful cockpit with comfortable cushions and, above all, a huge bathing platform in the stern. According to the CE certificate, 6 people can be taken on the trip. The well-built Auster 680 CC delivers a lively and agile ride with its 250 hp engine.
