Boat Review: Bluewater Vision SE

Every so often a product comes along that's worthy of the distinction --- "innovation". It's a word that's unfortunately lost some of its meaning because it's been inappropriately applied to products that hardly fit the bill, but in the case of Bluewater's Vision SE it is an earned honor that has helped make this new boat a hit among the N.W.'s most dedicated and discriminating boaters.

I first heard about this boat at a recent boat show when I overheard the sales staff say, "this is a no-excuses boat"…. in other words, Bluewater absolutely hit the mark when they took the veil off this introduction. Every square inch shows thoughtful consideration for the occupants from fiberglass step pads under the dash assemblies to a layout that allows free movement throughout the boat, Bluewater set out to set some new standards and did just that with the Vision SE.

When I'd asked another salesman to define the Vision SE and its attributes he quipped, "you just need to go for a ride…it's just cool".

If the words "exciting", "fresh", "unique", and "distinctive" hadn't already been overused right along with "innovative" they certainly would have made this evaluation. The Vision SE by Bluewater is definitely an "expectation exceeder".

When you first walk up to the Vision SE you'll notice how big it looks and feels. The folks at Bluewater added 6" to the sidewall height of the standard Vision and completely changed the feel and look of this wonderful new introduction.

But that's not all they did to morph this boat into an "SE".
Bluewater totally redesigned the Vision SE.

Something shoppers will immediately take note of is the interesting interior layout. The "L" group seating in the rear really opens up the interior, which allows for easy and welcome movement around the boat. The welcome transom walk through door and aft walk through area adds even more usable interior space. It's much easier to experience than describe, but this seemingly minor layout modification really helps to make this boat something special.

The added freeboard also enhances the feel of the Vision SE. As one industry stalwart remarked, "you really feel on top of the water…it adds a real sense of security --- it's a difference you can feel, I think it's great".

Certainly, in evaluating any new boat, the broad sweeping attributes are important, but the real acid test is in the fine details. That's where corners are cut and the battle to be best is ultimately won or lost. Remember, this is a "no-excuses" boat, a fact you'll find indelibly etched in the details throughout this sport runabout.

A ski ladder is a handy feature on any ski boat, Bluewater's gone the extra mile to effectively hide it in the swim step so it's out of harms (and knees) way…a very nice touch. As previously mentioned, a couple of fiberglass step pads are tucked up under the dash consoles in traditional wear areas to minimize carpet damage over years of ownership. You'll also find useful courtesy lights and speakers for the AM/FM/CD stereo player neatly tucked away under these consoles too.

In our test with 3 adults and 5 kids the boat ran at 50 mph with the standard V8 sterndrive package. As one of our test passengers quipped, "even though we brought the whole family and then some, it doesn't feel full". This is a boat that's generously proportioned so there's plenty of room for an army of friends and family.

From the moment you advance the throttle you can feel the performance come to life in Bluewater's new "Step Bottom" that improves planing and top-end performance.

The Vision SE handles crisply and predictably leaving nothing to chance as it carves through turns with the sureness of a sports car. The attractive wrap around dash makes viewing your instrumentation a pleasure and further heightens the driving experience of this wonderful water SUV.

The pluses don't stop there…

Bluewater's manufactured just a few miles South of Stevens Marine's two Portland-area locations. This means there's ready access to warranty service and complete factory support that's only minutes away from either location. Like all Bluewater boats, the Vision SE also boasts a lifetime stringer, floor and transom warranty.

There's plenty to more to talk about with the Vision SE, like storage under all the forward bow compartments and enough legroom to please most basketball players. The standard built-in cooler in the dash is another hit and helps to reduce the load of additional gear that's required in other less-equipped models.

And if that wasn't enough, this is sure to be, the Vision SE prices out at between $4,000 to $6,000 less than comparable models in its class! It's no wonder this 19'9" Bluewater has become an immediate sensation and is setting brisk sales records across the region.

If having long range vision is a good thing, then Bluewater's Vision SE has one-upped that strategy by delivering a long term boating experience for thousands less than you'll find anywhere.