Cliff Schick, General Manager of acclaimed New Zealand boat brand Surtees, gives us the lowdown on the Surtees 770 Game Fisher.
Many of our readers will be familiar with the Surtees brand. For those who aren’t, can you share some company background?
Surtees boats are known for their strength and reliability. The brand was founded by Neil Surtees, a skilled boilermaker from Kawerau on New Zealand’s North Island. In the early 1990s, Neil saw a gap in the market for boats that could withstand tough conditions and perform reliably. With his background in metalworking, he set out to build boats that were not only durable but also designed for safety and comfort in challenging waters.
Well ahead of its time, that first Surtees boat was designed with a water-ballasted hull – a design that became a hallmark of Surtees boats – ensuring stability and a soft, non-pounding ride in rough waters. Neil’s commitment to quality craftsmanship quickly earned the brand a reputation for building tough, high-quality soft-riding boats.
Surtees has a cult following among NZ boaties. What do you attribute this brand loyalty to?
We deliver on what we set out to do: to produce solidly built boats that offer a safe, smooth ride. We offer amazing after-sales service and a 10-year worldwide warranty. Once our customers purchase their first Surtees, we find they won’t switch to another brand; rather they will just trade up to a larger Surtees model when they’re ready for an upgrade.
Describe the 770 Game Fisher.
The Surtees 770 Game Fisher is the ultimate offshore vessel for anglers and adventurers seeking unmatched performance, comfort, and reliability. The new 770 Game Fisher combines cutting-edge design, exceptional functionality, and the highest standards of craftsmanship. With this launch, we’ve raised the bar in premium fishing boats, delivering a new standard of sophistication and performance for fishing enthusiasts. Packed with premium finishes and state-of-the-art equipment, the 770 Game Fisher combines rugged durability with a touch of luxury. Designed with Surtees’ renowned deep-V hull, this boat delivers exceptional stability and handling in challenging seas. Its spacious cockpit and intelligently laid-out deck provide ample room for fishing, diving, or family outings, while thoughtful features like the lockable cabin, hardtop roof, and extensive storage make it ideal for extended trips.
This model is designed for those who demand the best, whether they’re chasing bluefin tuna on a crisp winter morning or enjoying a sun-soaked summer adventure. From its innovative features to its modern aesthetic, this boat reflects our commitment to innovation and improvement.
The 770 Game Fisher incorporates a raised sheerline, delivering a sleek, contemporary look that sets it apart on the water. The elevated sheerline isn’t just about aesthetics though – it also allows the customer more space to walk around the side of the boat. With a beam of 2500mm, the 770 also strikes the balance between spaciousness and towability. Its thoughtfully designed proportions make it ideal for both trailering and tackling the toughest offshore conditions, ensuring a seamless experience for adventure seekers.
What are the top five key features of this boat?
The Surtees 770 Game Fisher boasts a range of features designed to enhance its performance, comfort, and versatility. Five of its standout features for fishing enthusiasts and adventurous boaters alike include:
- Deep-V hull with ballast system: The patented Surtees ballast system ensures exceptional stability at rest and superior handling in rough conditions, making it ideal for offshore adventures.
- Spacious cockpit layout: The open and well-designed cockpit offers ample space for multiple anglers, with built-in rod holders, cutting boards, and easy access to gear storage.
- Hardtop with lockable cabin: The hardtop provides excellent protection from the elements, while the lockable cabin offers a secure and comfortable space for extended trips, with sleeping accommodations for overnight stays.
- Advanced fishing features: Equipped with a live bait tank, and a dedicated tackle station, the 770 Game Fisher caters to serious anglers who demand practical functionality.
- Premium build quality and finishes: Crafted with Surtees’ high-strength marine-grade aluminium, the boat is durable and built to withstand harsh marine environments, complemented by sleek finishes and ergonomic design touches.
Where does this model sit within the Surtees range?
The new 770 Game Fisher bridges the gap between the 750 and our flagship 800 Game Fisher. It has most of the features of the 800 but its 2.5m beam makes it easier to tow, especially on Australian roads. It has all the features you need and is the perfect size for a weekend away.
What initial reaction have you had from customers to this vessel?
The reaction from our Surtees customers has been overwhelmingly positive. Everyone that has seen the boat has loved it. In fact, we sold eight 770 Game Fishers within the first 10 days of launching this model!
How long was the 770 Game Fisher in the pipeline?
The 770 Game Fisher took only nine months from first concept to launch. One of the benefits of only building 350 boats annually is that we have the flexibility at Surtees to change direction quickly and follow the market. We see and hear what our customers want and respond to that, namely quality vessels at an affordable price.
There are lots of offshore fishing vessels on the market. What makes Surtees in general, and the 770 Game Fisher in particular, unique?
The deep-V and variable deadrise, tied in with a narrow, flat chine (rather than a reverse chine), give Surtees boats a very smooth ride. The 530l water ballast system offers further stability. This system can be locked in if the weather takes a turn for the worst, adding 500kgs of weight to the keel to maintain stability and keep the ride smooth.
Talk us through the buying experience for Surtees buyers.
We have dealers located throughout New Zealand and Australia and all are well-trained on the selling features of a Surtees. The difference is once you pick up your new Surtees that’s not the end of the relationship, that’s the start of the relationship as you’re now in the Surtees Tribe.
How do you imagine people using the 770 Game Fisher?
The 770 is extremely versatile and can be used in many ways, whether you’re spending 14 hours chasing those game fish or enjoying leisurely days out on the water with friends and family. Features such as a hot and cold freshwater shower, safe diesel cooker, large table for meals, built-in fridge, large bi-fold doors that completely open the boat up during the day and allow you to close the boat up on colder nights, also make it perfect for a comfortable weekend away.
Let’s talk power and performance. How does the 770 Game Fisher perform on water?
Like all boats in our Surtees range, the 770 Game Fisher is ‘Built to Fish’. Our vessels are designed and built to perform on the water. Most boat brands go well on a flat and calm day, but Surtees vessels come into their own when the weather turns. If the afternoon sea breeze gets up and the swell comes in, you know you’re safe in your Surtees.
How would you describe the ride?
The ride is very predictable and smooth. When we take people out for their first demo ride, I’ve noticed many bend their knees getting ready to brace if you come off the back of a wave a bit too fast. Then they’ll turn to look at you in amazement with their mouth open, absolutely blown away with how soft the landing was.
What features of the 770 Game Fisher enhance its offshore capabilities?
The variable deadrise and the narrow chine add to the comfort of the boat, so you’re not getting beaten up at sea, and can therefore fish for longer as you’re more comfortable.
Talk to us about the hull – both the design and construction.
The 770 follows our hull construction that we have been using for over 30 years. It has six stringers that run the full length of the hull. These are fully welded to the 6mm hull and the stringers are gusseted every 400mm to form two very strong triangles under the floor. The 770 also comes with our 10-year worldwide hull warranty that is also transferable. We 100 per cent back our boats.
Describe the exterior lines and styling of the 770 Game Fisher.
Aesthetically the 770 looks great! The 770 has the same lines as our flagship – the 800, with the raised sheerline to give more room inside the cabin area. The raised sheerline was introduced to our 800 a couple of years ago and we have now rolled that out down the entire Game Fisher range – it gives more headroom inside the cabin for those overnight trips as well. We have added a new roof with new lines and the VHF and stereo are now mounted in the roof console, making it easier for the skipper to see and easier for passengers to use as well. Sliding side windows are also an option for the entire Game Fisher range right down to the 620, which is perfect for those hot summer days.
Surtees boats are proudly built in New Zealand. Tell us about your build facility, quality and the expertise of the boat-building team.
All Surtees boats are built at our Surtees HQ in Kawerau in New Zealand. We cut the sheet, weld the boats, paint the boats and fit them out, right down to the electronics and engines. All this is done in-house so we can maintain the highest build-quality standards.
What optional extras should buyers consider adding to their 770 Game Fisher?
There are a lot of options for our buyers to choose from. In fact, we have just over 80 individual options to choose from to help customise your new 770 to your personal fishing or cruising needs.
How are build and delivery timelines shaping up?
Delivery times are great at the moment, just five months to delivery from placing the order.
You’ll love this boat if…
you enjoy being out on the water. Whether you’re chasing game fish or chilling with the family the 770 is the perfect weekend away boat.
Visit surteesboats.com
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