News

The novelties in the Boat-Afloat Show - Buster XL and Lx Pro

2011-08-17T13:47:49Z

The new Buster XL is at its best on day trips and as a connection boat. The aluminium frame makes the boat easy to pull ashore and maintain.

Fiskars continues the speedy development of the most popular motor boat line in the Nordic Countries. The boat-afloat shows arranged in Oslo, Stockholm, and Helsinki in autumn 2011 present a new version of the popular Buster XL. A new member in the most popular size category, the Buster Lx Pro, is added to the Pro series of boats with a centre-console and a full aluminium structure.

The smaller-scale changes in the line include the annual changes to the Buster XXL Cabin, a boat with a centre cabin.

Buster XL: The smallest of the large boats in the line is revamped

The Buster XL, introduced originally in 1992, reaches its third model generation. The XL is the smallest of the large Busters: its features could be said to be a smaller version of the top model Magnum, which has received praise for its excellent handling properties. The boat is at its best on day trips and as a connection boat, as well as in fishing and many kinds of water sports.

The most visible changes were made in the cabin: thanks to the new consoles and door, a sheltered area almost like a closed cabin is formed under the hood. The door comes as a standard accessory in the new XL, and the cockpit cover is available as an accessory.

The hood consists of two parts: when the front part is open, the rear of the boat remains an open space while being shielded from rain and splashes. The hood is easy to fold in the fixed spacious casing, which can be used for storing the boat hook and other long supplies as well.

The stair structure that has been proven to work in other new Buster models is added to the back of the boat. The stairs make it easier to move around, and the lockable aluminium lids hide the handy boxes for ropes and the anchor, as well as covering the fuel tank cap. The large swimming platforms and the steady and large foldable ladder make it easy to climb back to the boat after swimming.

Due to the rear structure, the length of the boat is increased with over 30 centimetres to a total of 5.94 metres. Despite the new consoles and door, the weight of the boat remains almost the same as before.

The consoles are similar to the ergonomic consoles developed for the Magnum. The windscreen and the top part of the door are made of extremely scratch-resistant glass, and the lower part of the door of impact-resistant plexiglass. The driver console has a place for a flush-mounted 8 inch screen, and both sides have storage spaces that can be accessed through the side door.

The Buster Lx Pro: A Pro series centre-console boat in the most popular size category

A new member is introduced in the Buster Pro series, which started at the top of the line with the seven-metre Magnum. The new boat is based on the most popular motor boat model in the Nordic countries, the five-metre Buster L. The Buster Lx Pro is a connection, working, and fishing boat that has a centre-console and full aluminium structure.

The Lx Pro was developed in cooperation with the Fiskars Boats consumer panel. The users of a connection boat and fishermen have long wished for a centre-console boat in the most popular size category. The Boat-Afloat Show presents one of the first prototypes of the new model. The boat is brought to the market in the beginning of 2012.

The centre-console of the Buster Lx Pro is equipped with a protective windscreen and a generous targa bow. There is ample floor space compared to the Buster L. The box in front of the console and the inside of the back seat offer storage space sheltered from the weather. The driver has a separate seat behind the centre-console.

The boat has a fixed, 53-litre fuel tank. The engine power class is 40–70 hp (30–50 hp in the Buster L).

Buster XXL Cabin: developed according to the wishes of the users

Smaller changes, such as adding a storage box under the step to the foredeck, have been made to the equipment of the all-weather connection boat XXL Cabin based user experiences and customer feedback.

The targa bow and the accessory installation plate have been slightly modified for easier installation. Due to the new targa bow, even the railings on the sides were moved to a better location for moving around the side decks. The door solutions have been developed, and the cover line is lower than before. Along with the new colours, these changes give the boat a distinct new look.

Additional outside steering, longed for particularly by fishermen, and an overnight set, including curtains and a cover to block the skylight window, are now available as accessories.

Even the highest engine power is now higher: since the 2012 model, the XXL Cabin can be equipped with a motor of up to 175 hp.

The Buster XXL Cabin is a 6.6-metre-long walk-through boat with a centre cabin. The model is popular among authorities: among other uses, it has been delivered for police use in Finland and Germany.

A record number of new Buster models for the 2011 season

2010-08-18T15:27:03Z

Fiskars Boats will launch a record number of new Buster models for the 2011 season. Four new Buster models are presented in the Helsinki Boat-Afloat Show, which opens on 19 August, and additional new models are coming up during the winter season.

“We keep investing heavily in product development and strongly renewing the Buster range. We aim to ensure that Buster’s position on the market and its desirability as the best-known boat in the Nordic countries becomes even stronger,” says Juha Lehtola, President of Fiskars Boats.

Lehtola emphasises that as a large motor boat manufacturer, Fiskars has ample resources for professional and comprehensive product development as well as the long-term development of a boat range. “This is clearly visible in the design, performance, and quality of the boats,” he notes.

The new Buster M

Perhaps the most eagerly expected novelty this autumn is the third generation five-person family boat Buster M. The most tangible change is the new consoles: they are more ergonomic than ever before, and offer a much better windscreen. The console can now also be installed on the left side. The passenger comfort has also been increased with the new design of the back seat.

The 4.5-metre Busters have always been market leaders in their class. The first Buster M model was introduced in 1997 to replace the ten-year-old classic version, Buster RS. The old RS boats are still sought after on the pre-owned boat market.

The new Buster M is 4.6 metres long and only weighs just over 300 kilos. Thanks to its light weight and marine aluminium structure, it is easy to manage onshore and on a brakeless trailer. The economical frame structure translates into a low power requirement and low planing threshold. The motor can be selected from the economical 30–40 horsepower range.

New version of the favourite boat, Lx

The new Buster Lx brings two features from bigger boats to the most popular boat model in the Nordic countries: the sheltered five-person cabin, and the fixed 55-litre fuel tank. The maximum engine power is now 60 horsepower.

Compared to the ordinary Buster L, the most significant difference in the new model is the location of the consoles: they have been brought slightly forward, meaning that the boat is now steered from a separate seat instead of the back seat. Therefore, instead of the previous three people, the sheltered cabin now seats the driver and four passengers. The Lx can hold a total of six people.

If you require a large floor space and the possibility to transport the boat on a brakeless trailer, the slightly lighter basic model Buster L is your choice. The favourite from the next size category, the Buster X, is suitable for more speedy living. It is suitable for many kinds of uses due to the removable seats. It can be equipped with engines of up to 80 hp, and the range is increased by the fixed 72-litre tank.

S with a centre-console

The Buster S with its classic design is transformed into a handy centre-console boat. By leaving out the middle seat of the Buster S and adding an ergonomic thin console, the S becomes the number one boat in the archipelago, the Buster S cc. The boat has plenty of floor room for cargo transport and fishing.

Carefree all-weather XXL Cabin

The second model generation of the all-weather Buster connection boat is an anticipated update to larger boats. The entirely renewed walk-through boat with centre cabin, Buster XXL Cabin, is the successor of the XXL AWC model. The cabin is high enough for standing, and it has a glass roof with a large opening window and beds for two.

Buster Magnum Pro – The Professional Standard for Demanding Users

2010-07-02T12:04:52Z

The all-new model for this season is the first Pro Series boat by Fiskars, the Buster Magnum Pro. This is a professional standard vessel with a central steering console and fully aluminium construction.

“The Buster Pro series is designed for users who prize performance over comfort. The Magnum Pro is not a vessel to decorate your pier, but a sturdy tool for the long boating season,” Markku Uotinen explains.

At seven meters long and 2.4 meters wide, the Magnum Pro is the largest boat in the range. This long boat looks sleek and speedy, even though its sides are almost 90 cm high. Sturdy railings and a standard targa arc that can be installed in the steering console or the back of the boat increase safety.

The Magnum Pro is designed with the helmsman in mind. Developed from the acclaimed hull of the Magnum, the base has a 20-degree V angle. Thanks to its excellent balance and successful design, the Magnum Pro handles steadily and smoothly even in heavy conditions.

The vast accessible power range is testament to a successful hull design. At its highest engine power the Magnum Pro can achieve a top speed of nearly 50 knots, but the 150 horsepower motor is sufficient for a full load.

Raymarine C120W display unit comes as a standard assembly. Besides other functional accessory packages, you can choose as on option factory installed NAVI 12” Pro Plus package, including for insstance 4 kW digital radar.

Buster Magnum Pro
- Length: 7.1m
- Beam 2.4m
- Engine: 115–225hp
- Seating capacity: 6
- Weight: 1045kg

Buster's most popular model revamped

2010-06-22T10:28:40Z

The next-generation Buster L replaces the previous model, the most popular boat model in the Nordic countries, which has been in production for the last 15 years.

Buster, the largest aluminium boat manufacturer in Europe, continues to develop its range. This autumn we will launch the new version of the most popular motorboat in the Nordic countries – the Buster L.

The research and development department of Fiskars had an exceptionally challenging job to do, because the model upgrade was done on the most popular motor boat in Finland and the Nordic countries. The completely new hull and the interior with its updated ergonomics, structure and materials are the result of our careful design and testing processes.

“I don’t think there is any other series production boat in existence which has been tested as thoroughly and over as long a period of time as the next generation Buster L,” says Markku Uotinen, who is in charge of marketing and R&D at Buster.

“Our goal was to make every single detail in the boat even better and more functional than before in order to ensure that the boat meets the needs of the demanding boater,” highlights Juha Lehtola, Managing Director at Fiskars Inha Works Ltd.

Just a little bit bigger

Despite the addition to its capacity, the new Buster L has almost the same dimensions as its predecessor: it is 14cm longer and 24kg heavier. Even though the boat’s beam is only 1cm wider than the previous model’s, its interior is 15cm wider thanks to the new design.

The boat can easily be transported on a lightweight, brakeless trailer towed with a normal car. L still runs with an engine rating of 30–50hp, and it can take six sturdy men or a respectable load – considering its size – of 465kg.

“We really wanted to hang on to the features that made Buster L the most popular motor boat in the Nordic countries. Buster L has always been able to transport a proper load economically and with relatively low machine power,” says Kasperi von Schrowe, Head Designer.

The five-metre, first generation Buster L was launched in 1994 and quickly became the boat of the nation. Last year, there were only two boat brands registered more than the Buster L model. In addition to Finland, the model is particularly popular in Sweden and Norway.

“Buster L has proved to be the perfect-sized boat for use in the Nordic countries. It is big enough for six people, and even for a larger load, but also light enough to be easy to handle and move. It’s perfect for general family use, summer house boating as well as fishing,” Uotinen points out.

A more comfortable and versatile interior

The improvements to the interior are most evident in the higher sides, increased inner width and material choices. The old aluminium seat and box structures have been replaced with rotational moulded plastic elements. The new, soft forms improve ergonomics and seat comfort.

“We had good experiences of rotational moulding from the 2001 Buster Magnum. In addition to comfort, aesthetics and durability, they provide dry and easy-to-use stowage space,” von Schrowe says.

The new Buster L can have one or two consoles. With one console there is much more space for fishing or transporting larger loads, and with two consoles the passengers will have shelter as well. The back of the boat can be covered with a door, available as an accessory, which provides an excellent wind screen.

The cockpit is designed to offer good ergonomics for drivers of different sizes. The console has a good place to put a chartplotter, and all the engine’s monitors are positioned in such a way that they are easy for the driver to see.

Easily detachable seat boxes in front of the consoles add versatility to the Buster L. There is dry stowage space under the back seat and in the spacious stowage box at the bow.

The hood features have also been improved: the new hood is even more well-lit and easy to use. A versatile hood storage box, well known from the bigger X model and praised by its users, is now also fitted to the new Buster L model.

Hull – finished in tough tests

The boat’s main construction material is marine aluminium. Because it is light, durable and carefree, it has brought with it advantages to the boat’s R&D process. When there is no need for a casting mould, the hull shape and geometry – essential for safety and handling – can be easily changed and tested with life-sized prototypes in authentic conditions. The next-generation Buster L is the result of long and tough test drives carried out with several test boats.

While designing the completely new hull, particular attention was paid to the shape of the bow and the tilting and turning qualities. The bow of the new model is even more bearing, meaning the boat stays drier and is easier to handle in rough waters. The turning qualities and side-wind behaviour are consistent and predictable, making the new Buster L a safe family boat.

One of the new structural details is the stern structure. Even though it is lighter than before, the new structure is substantially stronger.

There are also new surface treatments available: the outer sides and the bottom of the basic model are aluminium coated. You can choose your boat’s finish, the colour of the coloured part of the hull and an optional antifouling treatment for the bottom of the boat.

Fiskars, the largest aluminium boat manufacturer in Europe, has been producing Busters in Ähtäri, Finland for more than 30 years. More than half of the boats produced are exported. The Buster collection includes nine boats, ranging from the four-metre Buster XS up to the almost seven-metre Buster Magnum. Almost 80,000 Busters have been sold in total, and it is assumed that almost every one of them is still being used.

New Buster L (basic information on the old model shown in parentheses)
- length: 5.04m (4.90)
- beam: 1.98m (1.97)
- dry weight (single-console version): 362kg (338)
- recommended engine: 30-50hp
- capacity: 6 people or 465kg