THE COMPLETE FAMILY ADVENTURER
When given the opportunity to review the latest Image Boats’ release in Queenstown and the offer of a hot mulled wine afterwards, answering Invercargill-based boat builder Dean Wilkes with a “yes” took little time.
We met on a crisp August Saturday morning at the new Queenstown marina with Dean, his wife Stacey, and the new Image 7.75m Fishmaster’s owner Michael. On viewing the new boat, it was immediately evident that Michael wanted a fully equipped boat for family adventures, enabling him to create memories as he had with his family—complete with all the comforts of home.
Starting in the fully lined forward cabin, we found ample accommodation, including two 1.8m pipe bunks. Below these is a V-berth, with an infill available to convert the area into a double bed. There is good storage under each bunk and side pockets on either side of the cabin. The area is well-lit by an overhead LED light and a Cule access hatch above. Additionally, there is access to the winch through a hatch on the forward bulkhead.
Stepping up into the well-appointed helm and extended wheelhouse (upgraded from 1.85m to 2.15m), you immediately notice a large storage locker underfoot. Storage is certainly not an issue on the 7.75m, with two larger drawers starboard under the gas cooker/small sink and two large drawers to port under the four-person table and seating area, which also converts into a bed suitable for two children. Additionally, the seating area houses storage for 150 litres of fresh water.
At the helm, you can stand or sit using the very comfortable Hi-Tech sliding bolster seat. Seated, there is excellent 360-degree visibility, with the only restriction being the toilet/shower cubicle (which you wouldn’t want to be without on a Weekender). Due to the generous height of the forward cabin, I felt the urge to get up on my toes, but at 172 cm, that was my issue. In previous instances, Dean has built a small step to offer height-challenged boaters like me a bit more height. Taller boaties would undoubtedly appreciate the 196cm standing head height. A Fridgetech fridge is cleverly positioned below the helm chair.
The instrumentation at the generously sized helm is uncluttered and well laid out, with the Simrad NSS12 MFD taking pride of place up front. The switch panel controls almost every accessory option available, including cabin diesel heating and demister system, wipers, lighting throughout, pumps for bilge, deck wash, fresh water, and holding tank. Also at the helm are the controls for the Lectrotab trim tabs, Profish winch, Battery Condition monitor, diesel heating controller, hot water controller, and wiper/washer controls. The Fusion Stereo and GME VHF are mounted on the overhead console. A nice feature is the two buttons next to the Suzuki throttle controls, allowing a single wipe of either windscreen wiper.
Thanks to the Eberspacher diesel heating system, the cabin was warm and cosy on our 3 degree morning start. As the day warmed up, we soon opened the lockable rear bulkhead door and the sliding windows on both sides and the rear bulkhead. The cabin is well-appointed with grab rails throughout, as is the working cockpit.
THE WORKING COCKPIT
Stepping through to the (2.3m x 2.3m) cockpit, covered in U-Dek (as is most of the boat, including inside the cabin), you’ll find an extended canvas canopy overhead for protection from the sun in summer and dew during morning and evening outings. Centre underfoot is a large storage locker suitable for storing bulky items such as fenders and dive bottles. Forward of this is a 350-litre fuel tank. Plenty of storage is available via two deep side pockets, port and starboard. The owner plans to head into Doubtful Sound for regular fishing adventures and has opted for a large oversized 1200mm transom bait station (efficiently representing a kitchen bench at home), equipped with a sliding tackle tray and a large locker below. This is used for storing the BBQ, auxiliary fuel, two house batteries, and one start battery, with the battery isolating switches conveniently positioned on the side of the bait station. There are two-rod holders on the bait station, six on the roof, and two on each coaming, with as many drink holders to match. Under the coamings, I noticed lighting and power outlets to hook up electric reels – beware, Southern Grouper!
At the extreme aft, stepping over the transom to the boarding platform, we were safely protected by the side cages. Aft starboard, there is a solid boarding ladder ready to welcome even the largest divers; there is enough room to move across the transom past the main Suzuki DF250 engine to where the 20hp Suzuki auxiliary is stored. This auxiliary has its own fuel, battery, and alternator, all hooked back into the central battery system, capable, if needed, of charging the start/house batteries in a worst-case scenario.
Another prominent feature in the cockpit area is the toilet/shower cubicle (which also stores the tender engine)—a must, according to our wives onboard during the test day, and will be appreciated by everyone on a long day or weekend out on the water. Despite the small loss of working space, it’s well worth the compromise. Dean offers the option to move the bulkhead forward by 500mm (at the cost of 500mm cabin space) for those wanting extra cockpit space.
Opposite the head is a 400mm x 600mm upholstered seat, which stores a 9kg LPG bottle and a 10 litre diesel tank for the heating system. This seat can be used to step up onto the side decks and move around outside the cabin. There is plenty of foot space and handrails to make moving forward safe. While moving forward, I noticed the Simrad Radar, various aerials, and solar panels on top of the hardtop – the owner also stores his tender up here when on the move. A welded ladder on the port side allows easy access to the top.
On the U-Dek-covered foredeck, I could easily imagine relaxing on a warm summer’s day, away from all the worries of the world… Whoops, back to it… At the bow, there is the Profish winch and a bow boarding ladder (a clever feature, standard on every Image Boat), which we used effectively boarding from Bob’s Cove, maintaining dry shoes.
PERFORMANCE
The weather was a mix of conditions, ranging from Bob’s Cove’s still and flat waters to the chilling 30-knot blustery wind, with a one-meter-plus chop out in the lake’s centre. It was an excellent opportunity to put the new Image 7.75m through its paces.
We were well insulated from the harsh conditions outside within the heated cabin, with the windows and cabin door closed. The boat itself handled well. Running with a side wind, being a typical hardtop, we caught some of it, but with a simple adjustment on the trim tabs, we soon had her tracking level. Heading into the rough sea, I was most impressed, not just with the performance of cutting through the one-meter chop but also with the quietness in doing so. Dean attributes this to his Foam Fill Underfloor system, significantly reducing the vibration and pounding noise some alloy boats are prone to.
The 250hp Suzuki delivered all the power needed on our day out. Set up with an 18 1⁄2 x 16 x 3 propeller, the Image 7.75 got up on the plane well and provided good fuel readings. With our team of six onboard, we reached a top speed of just under 30 knots (54 kph), pulling 5800 rpm. Recently re-propped with a 17 x 16 x 3, we are told the top speed increased to 32 knots (59 kph) revs 6100 and climbed up on the plane quicker. The 7.75m is not a high-speed boat but is more geared for cruising family adventures. You can opt for the 325hp or 350hp option, or even twin outboards, if you want more speed.
SUMMARY
When designing and building a boat over seven meters, compromises in space allocation are often necessary. Some owners prioritise a larger work area in the cockpit for fishing and diving, while others prefer more cabin space for weekend getaways, especially in cooler climates. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and intended use. Unfortunately, through a lack of due diligence, some learn what they genuinely need later. In this case, Michael carefully considered his family’s requirements and discussed them with Image Boats, one of New Zealand’s more established (since 2000) and respected custom alloy boat builders. Through this partnership, they have delivered a fully equipped, well-balanced family adventurer ready to create lasting memories for Michael and his family.
SPECIFICATIONS
Make & Model Image 7.75m HT Fishmaster
Price as tested $350,000
Construction Aluminium
Hull Length 7.1m
LOA 8.05m
Beam 2.7m
Deadrise 17 degrees
Trailerable Weight 2.9 tonne
Engine Capacity 250 hp to 400 hp
Engine Suzuki DF 250 TX
Max Passengers 10
Fuel Capacity 350L
Water Capacity 150L
PERFORMANCE DATA
RPM KNOTS L/h L/NM Range
650 3.2 1.9 0.600 520
1000 4.5 3.1 0.690 450
2000 6.8 10.5 1.600 190
3000 8.6 23.5 2.800 110
4000 18.2 35 2.000 150
5000 26.4 61.2 2.400 130
5550 29.1 75 2.600 120
5800 29.3 75.5 2.600 120
