Big and Bold: Kachina's 30 Drone boasts serious West Coast attitude and versatility

By Matt Trulio

Kachina Boats is a classic West Coast custom builder. Its well-built models come standard with over-the-top graphics and they deliver crisp performance. But when it comes to price relative to those qualities as well as abundant features, Kachina has a leg up on many of its West Coast competitors. The Phoenix builder prices its models aggressively.

For proof, check out the 30 Drone we got a hold of in Parker, Ariz. As tested, the stepped midcabin 30-footer sported a $119,783 sticker. If you've priced midcabin sport boats lately, you know that's reasonable. What made it a bargain was the boat came with a power upgrade to a Mercury Racing HP525EFI engine. With base power in the form of a MerCruiser 496 Mag HO mill, the boat rings in at a bargain-basement $89,990.

Of course being who we are, we thought the $22,000 up-charge for the 525-horsepower engine was worth it. The propulsion package, which included a 1.5:1 ratio Bravo One XR drive with a 24"-pitch Bravo One four-blade propeller, pushed the boat to a top speed of 71.2 mph. That's not blazing, but it's fast enough for a V-bottom that can handle a family.

The 30 Drone came on plane in 4.9 seconds, reached 67 mph in 20 seconds from still in the water and ran from 30 to 50 mph in 6.4 seconds.

Given those numbers and the boat's top speed, again, we believe the power upgrade was the correct decision. We certainly would not order the boat with less power, and based on its great stability and uniform tracking at all speeds, we think it could handle larger horsepower offerings.

The stepped-V-bottom's good handling manners reinforced that notion. In all agility drills, the tall 30-footer stayed planted, carved deeply and released without a hard roll to the outside. We would, however, suggest upgrading to full dual hydraulic steering rather than the single ram with cable assist setup on our test boat. That would be particularly important for buyers who want to go with bigger power.

Though they were a bit tricky to see through, the acrylic quarter-canopies did an excellent job protecting our driver and co-pilot from the wind. Also to the builder's credit, the canopies fit cleanly onto the boat's deck.

Kachina built the 30 Drone with vinylester resin, Coremat and 24-ounce fiberglass. Balsa coring was used to add strength in the hullsides. Graphics are a big selling point for Kachina, and rightfully so. The builder did a fine job on those, as well as the boat's tooling.

Overall, rigging was up to West Coast standards. The builder mounted the engine on L-angles through-bolted to the stringers and supported the engine-compartment wiring with cushion clamps.

When it came to features, the 30 Drone was loaded—yet another selling point we've come to expect from Kachina. Seating in the carpeted cockpit included a four-person bench and two bolsters with manual dropout bottoms.

Auto Meter Pro-Comp Marine gauges surrounded the tilt steering wheel at the helm. The co-pilot's station was outfitted with a locking glove box and a grab handle. Stainless-steel supports for the midcabin deck doubled as footrests for the driver and observer.

Midcabin amenities included a DVD player with a flip-down, flat-screen television, a galley with a stainless-steel sink, lighting and courtesy fans. In the open bow, a filler cushion between the facing lounges converted the entire area into a giant playpen.

You wouldn't mistake the 30 Drone for anything other than a West Coast custom boat. But thanks to good performance, strong build quality and bountiful features, the spacious V-bottom transcends style.

Test Results

Click to enlarge.