Who besides Essex could have predicted that the Raven's performance personality could so closely mirror its compelling physical attributes? Indeed, the Raven performs very much as it looks-with a good, clean edge, and a satisfying natural flow. Before we delve into details of the many satisfying layers of the 600SC and its hosting entity, it should be clear that no 85-mile-an hour vee-bottom is a suitable starting point for your performance boating resume.

Having said that, the full range of the Essex's deeply satisfying riving characteristics is highly accessible to the familiar lake driver, and this is a delightfully well-balanced machine. It is the Essex's textbook ride and handling that combine to assure it's stature as one of the year's most enticing rides in any size class. We found this hull easy to maneuver, with its natural, measured response to driver command, and it was nothing short of pinpoint in its path. At low speeds, and pushing through the midrange, the Raven shares the same sophisticated manners as classics like the 21' Sterling and 23' Monarch, and it also demonstrated heightened efficiency while summoning the abundant torque of the 600.

At low speeds, and pushing through the midrange, the Raven shares the same sophisticated manners as classics like the 21' Sterling and 23' Monarch, and it also demonstrated heightened efficiency while summoning the abundant torque of the 600.

We planed the Essex without effort, and she carried extremely well as we made our way up the lake. The Raven finds its set easily. The ride is clean, balanced, and neatly tailored, and we were very taken with the responsiveness of this very addictive motor package. For those with the means and the experience, this is a beautiful, all-around performance package that promises reliability along with its abundant fire power.

"High marks all the way," one of our drivers debriefed. "This thing is fun to drive, totally solid. Handling is very good, it has good acceleration, and it hauls freight for a big family boat.". The well-rounded nature of the boat came full circle as we piled it through increasingly aggressive turning patterns, which only reinforced our growing affinity.

We were unfailingly impressed with the Essex, which rivals any road car in its mirrored reaction to its driver's communication. As effectively as it tends to the family boating day's full spectrum of needs, it rewards its throttle-oriented owner with thrillage to spare. Toss serious sport-boat handling to the list of the Raven's many appealing traits.