Tested | Surtees 700 Game Fisher with Yamaha 250 DES 4 stroke

There is one thing for certain when we test high quality and larger New Zealand built aluminium boats - they always stop people at the boat ramp and get them talking. This was again the case at Clontarf on the Redcliffe Peninsula when Northside Marine turned up with this seven metre Surtees Game Fisher.
And it's not just the cool colour. New Zealand boats are typically very well-made and have all of the additions that a serious boatie and angler would want. Northside Marine import these hulls and then add them to locally built trailers, removing the risk to customers of importing themselves.
They also add local outboards that have full local warranties. In this case it was Yamaha is 250 hp, DES 4-stroke which came fitted on the rig. This is the maximum horsepower for this hull.
As tested, this boat came in at around $220,000, and at that price, you would expect everything to be spot on. Climbing up the rear step and into the boat, you see how well appointed and well finished everything is. This is a pilot house variation hull, which means that the rear doors can either be left open or pulled shut when the weather demands.
At first glance, you would think that this may not be suitable for Queensland’s hot weather, but careful thought about ventilation in this boat, including large, sliding side-windows and ceiling mounted vents make circulation not an issue.
And southern boaties will definitely appreciate the enclosed cabin when things get cold and nasty.
All of the workable fishing space in this boat is in the main cockpit and this is fully rubber lined - from the gunwales to the floor.
Surtees has a knack of maximising the available storage. Gunwale mounted tackle boxes and clever side pockets allow the most efficient use of space. As a Queenslander, I also loved the extra shade offered by the canvas canopy extension.
There is also ample rod storage, both in the rocket launchers, next to the side pockets and at the bait station.
For’ard of the cabin doors, the luxury continues. There is a sizeable cabin, which will allow multiple anglers to enjoy an overnighter, complete with chemical toilet. The helm is, spacious and the dash will hold any of the multifunction displays is that you want to fit. And, there is room for Yamaha’s HelmMaster system which is seamlessly compatible with this model outboard.
Performance wise, despite really gets up and goes with the 250 on the back. At wide open throttle and 6000 RPM, this boat travels 77 km/h while delivering 0.8km per litre burned. To maximise efficiency, drop that throttle to 3700 rpm and you’ll get twice that distance per litre - 1.6km.
With a 325L fuel tank, you’ll be scaring a 500km theoretical range if you’re not driving like a mad kiwi.
At the helm, you’ll notice that the hull is quite weight sensitive and you’ll be spending a bit of time on the trim tabs getting it all level. That’s nit unusual on a hull like this, but be aware it will need to become part of your driving procedure.
And if you are looking to tow this ring with a standard, twin cab ute, you are in luck. Just over 2,000kg on the trailer when unloaded means that, even loaded for a trip, you should be able to pull it with most models on the market.
The Redco trailer is built locally, is twin axle and has electric/hydraulic brakes standard.
Like what you see? The man to talk to at Northside Marine is Jason Comino who can quote you the Surtees package that will suit YOUR type of fishing. Just quietly, he’s pretty handy on a rod, so it might be nice to deal with a fellow angler when putting your rig together.
Visit www.northsidemarine.com.au
SPECIFICATIONS
Length 7.0m
Beam 2.375m
Sides 3mm
Bottom 6mm
Fuel 325L
Max HP 250HP
Capacity 7 persons
Transom Deadrise 20°
Tow weight 2140kg
PERFORMANCE
RPM Speed (km/h) Economy (km/L)
Idle 4 2.0
1000 8 1.5
2000 13 1.2
3000 22 1.1
3500 34 1.4
3700 43 1.6
4000 49 1.4
5000 60 1.0
6000 77 0.8
As tested, $220,000.

[@arnoldrudder9624]

Another fantastic boat,awesome 😊

[@02bigkev]

Nice looking boat.

[@jb243wp]

You're correct there, cracking flat calm conditions. Would like to see it tested smashing through some decent chop.

[@FishingMonthly]

So would we.

[@fatTony666]

​@FishingMonthly How come over at the Captian they know how to do there glamour shots taking the boat with camera's and drones out wide and you guys stick to the Broadwater?

[@FishingMonthly]

Probably because they charge thousands for the tests and do pretty pics instead of any onjective performance figures. Each to their own.

[@BullyHayes1977]

Typically speeds and distances over water are expressed in Nautical Miles. Is the use of Km in Australia more normal?

[@FishingMonthly]

It reflects the data, published by the outboard motor companies

[@aymericbeaulavon2825]

This is a great boat. What was the price as tested?

[@FishingMonthly]

Check description

[@jb243wp]

220k apparently... ouch

[@hayimtoast5clips982]

so why is it a 3.5ton towing because the boat weighs 1.2tones dry?

[@hayimtoast5clips982]

my bad 2.2

[@gerardamitranno8837]

Is the boat Fiberglas or metal ? How many feet is that boat ?

[@FishingMonthly]

Aluminum plate

[@FishingMonthly]

7.0m

[@mrsbradpittiful]

Let’s support Aussie made boats not kiwi imports

[@FishingMonthly]

Where’s your ANZAC spirit?

[@mrsbradpittiful]

@@FishingMonthly with my jandles and my chilly bin

[@Rexy888]

​@@mrsbradpittiful the cuzzy bros make good boats

[@mrsbradpittiful]

@@Rexy888 bloody oath they do but by the time they get imported and the retailers add their inflation it’s not worth the price tag

[@rob5896]

Tell tale looked a bit feeble? Lovely boat though.