RAISING THE BAR
The Game Fisher range from Surtees is a well-known and much-loved hardtop trailer boat, renowned for its solid construction, overnighting capability, and all-weather fishing protection. I’ve fished from many models over the years, including with friends who own them, and what always strikes me is how well they balance fishing space with cabin comfort while retaining the Surtees fishing DNA.
The Game Fisher models are popular sellers among Kiwi anglers, and the entire range has recently undergone an all-new design upgrade. The line-up now includes the 620, 670, 720, 770, and 800 hardtop boats. I finally caught up with Surtees GM, Cliff Schick, in early August to test the new 720—recent winter weather and business commitments had kept us waiting.
I’ve known Cliff since I began in the fishing media and boating industry back in 2003. Cliff started at Surtees in 1999, when he was one of just four staff at the Whakatane factory, entrusted with cleaning the workshop floor. He worked his way up, even spending time on the tools building boats, and now holds the keys to the factory as GM.
Cliff’s 26 years of dedication to Surtees has allowed him to combine work with his passion for fishing and diving with his family. Meeting at the Takapuna boat ramp, we admired the sharp new hardtop before launching. I asked Cliff about the latest design process, and he said: “The new Game Fisher has raised the bar for our premium fishing boats, delivering a new standard of sophistication and performance across the range while maintaining the highest standards of craftsmanship. I, along with Kris Cameron, our production manager, worked on the new features, including a raised sheerline, which gives a sleek, contemporary look and allows more space to walk around the sides. Neil Surtees, the founder, also has input and signs off on the design before final production.”
For the Surtees team, it’s essential to preserve their heritage of building well-made fishing boats while continuing to innovate and improve.
RANGITOTO RUN
We launched the boat with ease from the large double-axle alloy trailer. With barely a breath of wind at the Takapuna ramp, the sun out, and a crisp but spring-like chill in the air, it was perfect boating weather. Despite it being a Monday, we were surprised to be the only trailer boat heading out.
We made a quick run to Rangitoto Island. The Yamaha 200hp, paired with Helm Master EX, provided a fully integrated control system that impressed me immediately. The joystick control makes manoeuvring effortless—something I’d recommend adding to the wish list for any new hardtop, including the 720.
In no time, Cliff had us on the northern side of the island. We dropped our drone operator ashore to capture footage as we made passes and tight turns outside the sheltered bay.
With a beam of 2390mm, the 720 strikes an excellent balance between proportions and functionality, making it easy to trailer yet capable of handling offshore conditions in comfort. The cockpit is the real drawcard—spacious enough for four or five anglers to fish comfortably. Step through the transom over the live bait tank and you’ll find a boarding platform with sturdy rails, perfect for handling big fish and keeping lines clear of the outboard.
High gunwales offer extra security when jigging for kingfish over deep reefs. The practical SeaDek flooring incorporates a fish measure for recording your PB kingi—handy for proving your bragging rights to absent mates. Being a Game Fisher, there are rod holders aplenty—19 in total.
The cabin layout is thoughtful, with plenty of headroom for taller crew and grab rails in all the right places, from the roof to the rocket launcher. Hi-Tech Plastics pedestal seats offer excellent comfort, and cabin squabs with infills make overnight stays easy—ideal for early morning starts.
HEADING OFFSHORE
The Game Fisher range is purpose-built for big game anglers targeting billfish and tuna. Safety is a priority, with Surtees’ renowned smooth-riding hull, stability ballast technology, and a shut-off gate for improved stability underway. Airtight flotation compartments, a rigid hull structure, and a toughened tinted glass windscreen add further peace of mind.
The new 720 boasts a 325L fuel tank, providing the range needed for long days trolling wide for that fish of a lifetime.
After securing our drone shots and throwing a few soft baits, I was tempted to head out into the Gulf to chase a workup. Cliff was just as keen, but he had to return the boat to the dealer, prepare another new Game Fisher for shipping to Australia, and then catch a Wednesday flight to the Sydney Boat Show—a busy schedule flying the Surtees flag.
I’m sure Australian anglers will be just as impressed with the latest Game Fisher models as I was with the new 720.
SPECIFICATIONS
Overall Length 7.2m
Beam 2.39m
Number of people 7
Deadrise 20deg
Under-floor Fuel Tank 325 Litres
Water Ballast 380 Litres
Price as tested NZD $214,000
PERFORMANCE DATA
RPM KNOTS LNM RANGE
3500 13.5 1.73 188
3900 22.4 1.27 256
4300 23.2 1.31 249
4700 26.7 1.49 210
5000 30.4 1.7 191
5700 35.9 2.19 149
