Surtees 770 Game Fisher boat test

While 300hp would be ample, our test boat was rigged with the maximum-rated Yamaha 350 V6 four-stroke with digital controls and electric steering. In this configuration, the Surtees climbed smartly onto the plane and pushed through to a top speed of 37.8 knots (70km/h) at 5900rpm.

Through the mid-range, the Yamaha delivered smooth, authoritative thrust. At 3500rpm, the boat cruised comfortably at 21.4 knots (39.6km/h), burning 30lt/h of fuel to deliver a maximum range of around 270nm (500km) from the 400lt fuel tank (five per cent reserve).

Despite its size, the 770 is responsive to trim and well balanced at cruising speeds, while handling corners safely and securely. 

A key feature of the Surtees deep-vee hull is the self-flooding keel ballast system that alows 530lt of seawater to be carried in the keel cavity when at rest, which improves stability and reduces rocking. The water drains as the boat climbs onto the plane.

You can also retain the ballast by manually closing a spring-loaded shut-off flap in the keel. Keeping the extra weight onboard helps settle the boat in sloppy seas.

Lockable glass bifold doors separate the helm from the cockpit to provide a fully enclosed helm station and saloon.

Inside, the open-plan layout leads forward to a 2m upholstered cabin with ample room for overnight stays. Infill cushions convert the space into a double berth, with an optional electric toilet positioned beneath.

A toughened-glass hatch in the cabin roof provides ventilation and access to the foredeck and anchor well, and a zip-out curtain separates the cabin from the helm. Other features include carpet lining on the ceiling and surrounds, as well as a covered wiring box behind the helm bulkhead. 

Beneath the lined hardtop and three-piece glass windscreen (with optional wipers), the helm station feels open and commanding. The fascia easily accommodates the 19in Garmin GPSMAP 9019 chartplotter optioned to our test rig.

A platform alongside the sports steering wheel accommodates the Helm Master EX throttle box and joystick control, and there are mounting provisions overhead for lighting, radios and grab rails.

Supportive bucket seats with sliders and flip-up bolsters let the skipper and crew brace comfortably while seated or standing.  To port, a swing-back bench seat can face aft, or forward to form a compact dinette with the fold-out timber table and front seats.

A 50lt fridge and a single-burner diesel cooktop are installed beneath the helm chair base. The 770 model has a freshwater sink beneath the aft bench seat, with hot and cold supply from an 80lt tank. 

The 2.85m-long cockpit is all about fishing. It has freeboard of up to 80cm, and is flanked by 36cm-wide side coamings and full-length elevated side storage pockets.

Cockpit features include six alloy rodholders, four cupholders, two storage compartments with So-Pac-style lids built into the coamings, a hardtop rocket launcher, transom bait station with tackle drawers and rod rack, portside live well, raw-water washdown and a freshwater shower.

Our test boat was optioned with SeaDek flooring, and you can also have swivelling in-deck rodholders, a four-rod vertical rack that clips onto the side pockets, and casting cages fitted around the boarding platforms.

Base packages start at $238,813 with a 300hp outboard and a GFAB tandem-axle alloy trailer. Our heavily optioned test boat had a drive-away price of $327,718. 

The full version of this article ran in the June-July (Volume 41.3) issue of Club Marine Magazine. Find out how you can  subscribe to Australia’s leading marine lifestyle magazine here.