Several years after the release of the soft riding 6700 Allrounder, Lifestyle Boats have again wowed enthusiasts with the development of the X7400. Lifestyle have delivered a fine craft set up with twin Honda 135 4-stroke’s that offers home-away-from-home comforts, a live-aboard capability, luxurious and innovative features and a standard of ride and stability that really impresses.

I tested the X7400 Allrounder during a nasty southeasterly which made the weather less than pleasant, but the big Lifestyle slipped effortlessly straight off its custom-made tandem wheel trailer. Lifestyle’s Chris Reynolds is proud to admit that everything is made in house.

The Lifestyle craft’s unique design is best described as a tri-hull configuration. Smaller outer sponsons are incorporated with a larger central hull section which results in lots of internal space, good stability and a reduced wetted area under way. Chris designed the craft to offer flexibility in power options that can be powered by either single or dual outboards or a stern drive unit.

The size and self-draining layout of the cockpit and cabin area are impressive features of this great craft. Entry to the fully lined cabin is via a lockable folding door which sports a floor lip that prevents the possible intrusion of rain water. The cabin also offers plenty of room for a family who want to bring the youngsters onboard. A marine toilet is standard and full overhead shelving compliments the storage areas below the Lifestyle’s multi cushion king-sized bed. A large central hatch provides ample natural lighting while paired interior lights are also standard. A big bow rail is there for your safety as well as a non-skid walk around area with hand holds.

Forward cockpit seating is both practical and comfortable with wrap around style bucket seats providing plenty of support. The skipper’s seat is mounted on a moulded storage box and can be adjusted easily. The first mate’s seat is set up on the forward section of the expansive galley unit to port. Footrests are standard, as are grab handles and handy storage areas. The passenger also has access to radio and stereo controls within a locker located on the left, as well as storage shelf that is mounted and extends across the dash.

The Allrounder’s cockpit is certainly large enough for a game chair.

The instrument panel has plenty of room for additional instruments or navigational aids. The wheel had a lively feel thanks to hydraulic steering that also made for user-friendly driving. This craft is responsive but gentle.

Switches and gauges are all easily reached or monitored. While the linked engine forward controls offered trim buttons on each unit, there were independent trim controls set into the main panel next to the winch control switch.

The Lifestyle’s galley unit is compact and practical. There’s a hinged Granicote top, sink, fridge tucked in behind the first mate’s seat, a gas stove and plenty of cupboard space. All features make ease of meal preparation. I noted that the galley unit was set up at a useful height too, with no stooping or bending required.

Shelter for occupants is provided by a Targa hard top and a full length rear bimini (with side curtains and a midge screens for overnight trips) that can be folded down if required.

This craft’s movable bench seating aft means the layout is very flexible. An innovative spigot system in the transom anchored the seating very firmly. There is plenty of cockpit storage with lockers along both sides and in the transom area. A pair of rod holders each side complimented the array on the Targa. The shelved bait board and pair of plumbed livewells in each stern quarter reinforces that this is a serious fishing boat.

The locker-style side pockets take a lot of equipment and there’s a gaff and net holder insert. Walkway lights, fresh water shower and deck wash are also handy features in this very deep cockpit. I liked the innovative heavy-duty tube tread matting within the cockpit as well. This material gives a very sure footing and can be removed easily if you need to hose it out.

The paired Honda 135’s proved to be very capable of pushing the craft to a speed of 73.7km/h at 6,000rpm with three aboard and a almost full (300L) fuel load. Riding at this speed was car-like and we creaming through the chop.

Planing occurred at an easy 2,500rpm at 18km/h while 3,000rpm saw 24.8km/h on the GPS unit. 4,000rpm equated to 42.3km/h and 5,000rpm saw a smooth 52.6km/h. I noticed that when one motor was trimmed out, the other Honda 135 pushed the craft to 43km/h.

The Lifestlye’s ride was simply superb. Dry as a bone and rock steady at all speeds the rig rode as though on rails. The tri-hull design traps air beneath the sponsons to reduce any impact as the hull comes off a wave while the very fine bow entry sections slice through chop and swell very effectively.

The Lifestyle X7400 Allrounder is a luxurious and well set out craft that has terrific fishing potential. Offshore work would be a breeze and it would be just as comfortable within estuaries. You would need a large 4WD to tow the craft.

With the twin 135’s the cost is around the $133,390 mark and with a 225 Honda it’s around $122,390 but there are plenty of engine/hull combinations available. Lifestyle Boats can be contacted on (07) 5491 8788 or fax (07) 5491 8744. Web site is www.lifestyleboats.com.au.

SPECIFICATIONS

Length: 7.4 metres

Beam: 2.5 metres

Approx weight with motor: 2100 kg

Persons Rated for: 9

Engine ratings: 90 h.p twin, 135 h.p twin, Single 135 4-stroke to 225 h.p 4-stroke.

Engines as tested: Twin 135 h.p Honda 4-strokes.

Fuel: 300 litres, option for 400 litres.

Price: (from) $122,390.