Integrity 520SX Plus boat test

For a motor boat that’s big, fast and stable enough to reliably handle adverse weather conditions, the Integrity 520SX Plus provides a suprisingly luxurious layout. Built upon a new planing hull engineered by Integrity Motor Yachts, the 16.2m (54ft) 520SX Plus reaches higher cruising speeds while optimising hull stability and manoeuvrability, and keeping fuel efficiency in check, too.

Strong, trawler-style aesthetics include a flared bow, prominent rubbing strakes along the deep hull, and a stylish wooden taffrail around the stern. A large saloon boasts vertical bulkheads, and its vast cabin top overhangs and shades the side decks and cockpit. 

Large hopper windows enhance flow between the cockpit and the saloon to create one open-plan space, ideal for socialising. The cockpit’s U-shaped seating and drop-down table provide extra berths for weekend guests, and the whole area can be weatherproofed with drop-down clears or bug netting.

Moving aft through the wide transom door, a teak-clad swimplatform lowers for easy water access, and for launching a 3m tender from the dinghy garage.

Stepping into the saloon, the portside galley features overhead cabinetry, double sinks, double fridges and a Bosch induction cooktop/oven. Opposite, an elongated L-shaped lounge with coffee table affords sea views, thanks to vertical bulkheads and large windows.

Take two steps forward and you’re at the helm console, complete with twin Garmin screens and additional small screens for house and anchor systems. There’s a throttle for the single shaft-driven Volvo engine and joysticks for the Lewmar bow and stern thrusters. A hand-held Yacht Controller device also assists with close quarter manoeuvring.

Of the two double en suite cabins below, the central cabin would be my pick with double portlights, a chaise longue and drawers, ample headroom, and a roomy shower cubicle and electric head. 

A steady motor boat with a low centre of gravity and deep keel, the 520SX Plus has tall bulwarks and guardrails to help crew and guests move around outside in safety.

At the bow, a short bowsprit for the anchor gives good separation from the stem head, and there’s a horizontal Quick windlass for the rode, a 40kg Rocna anchor and a deep chain locker.

The planing hull uses monolithic, hand-laid fibreglass with vinylester layers for strength, durability and osmosis protection, and a FGI Gelcoat on the exteriors protects against harsh marine conditions.

A long keel protects the single propeller and rudder, while a deep forefoot deals with swells. The engine room is accessed from the stern cockpit via a hatch - it houses a 900hp Volvo Penta D13 and has ample space to reach the service points.

Our test boat also included an 11kW generator with a bank of house batteries. You could boost this by fitting solar panels to the cabin roof space, or go all the way and add the Integrity Motor Yachts Green Package that includes lithium house batteries, a second alternator, rooftop solar panels, an inverter for 240V, low-voltage appliances, and a portable 2.0kVA emergency generator.

Our test boat was hull number one, and owner Barry joined us to help put his Integrity 520SX Plus through its paces.

Casting off in the confines of the Gold Coast backwaters was an easy task, thanks to the Lewmar fore and aft thrusters aiding the single spade rudder when in reverse -- an ideal arrangement for this shaft-driven hull.

Once we entered the busy Coomera River, I appreciated having clear views from the steering console and could duck out the side doors to gather up the fenders.

In a light swell, the boat accelerated with a low hum as the 900hp turbocharged Volvo put us on the plane at about 12 knots (22.2km/h) before smoothly pushing to 18 knots (33.3km/h) for a comfortable ride.

Seeking more swell by using our wake to further test the planing hull’s performance, I found there were no groans or deviation, with the rudder giving good feedback and control.

The big Integrity also behaved drama-free while completing a series of S-turns and tackled a complete doughnut that produced a very tight circle for an IPS-driven boat, even with the Zipwake tabs on automatic. The tabs did a good job both in trim, with only a 20 per cent bow rise, and in controlling roll.

As the swell rose nearing the sandbars at the Gold Coast Seaway entrance, the large wipers quickly dealt with any spray that hit the windshield.

Barry has owned several Integrity boats, and after spending a day aboard his 520SX Plus, I can clearly see why he made this one his own - it’s a proper long-range cruiser, bristling with practicalities and very enjoyable to helm. 

Price as tested: $1,825,000

Prices correct as of December 2025.

LOA: 16.2m

Beam: 5.26m

Draft: 1.4m

Displacement: 22,000kg

Fuel capacity: 2500lt

Water capacity: 1000lt

Sleeps: 4

Power: 900hp Volvo Penta D13