EPIC BOAT SHOW PRIZE!
The Surtees Game Fisher hard top models are immensely popular amongst Kiwi and Aussie anglers, and in 2025, the entire range underwent an all-new design upgrade. There are several models in the line- up, and these good-looking hard tops appeal not only to serious fishos but also to families who want to get the most out of their time on the water.
managed to get out on their new 720 over spring and was suitably impressed, so I was looking forward to spending a day on the bigger 770 XL, which is also the Grand Prize for this year’s 70th Anniversary of the Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show.
The boat is so well set up with an amazing package valued at over $380,000 for the lucky winner this year who visits the show and enters the draw.
WHAKATANE TEST
I organised to meet Geoff Cox from Surtees at the Whakatane boat ramp with the big boat in tow, and it was perfect weather, no wind, no swell on the bar and flat calm out wide. Great for photos with the drone and a run up the coast to the Rurima Islands.
As we loaded the gear into the boat and readied to launch, it drew a lot of attention from the local boaties, who asked several questions about it and were amazed that it was a prize at the boat show in May. With its vinyl wrap design, big white 350hp V6 Yamaha and the black top and high bow rails, it makes an eye-catching vessel on the trailer.
Geoff pointed out that the new 770 Game Fisher XL blends innovation, comfort, and their unmistakable Surtees DNA and is built borrowing cues from the flagship 800, allowing a design that is easier to tow. While also adding a third berth, which is commonly requested by feedback from Surtees owners.
Stretching to 7.7 metres and recommended for 250-350HP, the Grand Prize 770 XL is fitted with a Yamaha 350 4.3L V6 white motor, which looks striking. The V6 includes the Helm Master DX System with Joystick, Digital Electronic Controls, single concealed binnacle, with CL5 gauge and push button start. This means the lucky winner will have all the best tech on hand to better manoeuvre on the water.
We headed down the river to the bar, which was calm, and after crossing, we opened up the Yamaha 4.3L V6 to check the outboard’s performance, which achieved a good cruising speed of 46.3km/h at 3900rpm, while using only 40.2L/h, which is good for a boat weighing over 2500kg.
The Helm Master DX System is very responsive and effortless to use, thanks to the digital electronic controls and full manoeuvrability joystick for precise boat control and handling.
On the short trip out to the Rurima’s in such good sea conditions, we drove past many schools of baitfish up on the surface, and I soon wished that I had brought a top water combo along.
CABIN DESIGN
Surtees has thought a lot about how to update the cabin, and I really like the step-through bi-folding glass doors from the cockpit and into the cabin. They have added a new front-to-back passenger seat.
This is great for the crew to sit in the shade and face out when moving, or to watch the stern or the lures while trolling.
While the 250mm longer cabin provides more room for comfortable seating for up to four people, the roomy 2500mm beam keeps the deck open and social for up to eight on board.
Included in the cabin is a double diesel cooker, a Dometic drawer fridge and electric drink cooler,
a hot and cold-water tap/sink, and a rise-and-fall table that can convert to a third berth. All must- have options for the owner wanting overnight trips.
Looking further around the boat, the 770 Game Fisher XL features a recessed anchor well and Boat Dek fitted across the foredeck, walk-around cabin, and topsides. This is a very practical flooring option that is easy to clean and maintain.
Checking out the electronics and Garmin have provided a good package for the prize boat including a Garmin GPSMAP 1653XSV, Garmin Transducer GT51M-TM with 12 pin, Mid Chirp, Garmin Radar GMR Fantom 24, with Garmin Navionics Vision+ with relief shading.
While also installed to help keep the energy up on those big days on the water, with some entertainment, is a Fusion sound system featuring the latest Fusion RA210 and speakers.
We pulled into the shallows of the islands while Geoff set up his drone to get a few shots of the boat when the sun came out from behind the grey clouds overhead. While we waited for better light, we both cast softbaits in the shallows when I hooked a big fish on just my second cast in only 4m of water. It put up a good fight, and we soon netted, then measured a solid snapper just over 70cm and released it. A lucky boat, sure!
The 770 XL has an under-floor fuel tank that holds 400L, with water ballast of 530L. It is a serious offshore boat, with all the tech and amazing extras fitted to this prize boat, I am sure the winner will be over the moon to win this at the Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show.
Make sure you call in to the Auckland Showgrounds to view it up close from the 14th – 17th May, you gotta be there to win it!
“ The boat is so well set up with an amazing package valued at over $380,000 for the lucky winner…”
SPECIFICATIONS
LOA 7.7m
Hull Thickness 6mm
Recommended HP 200-350hp
Under-floor fuel tank 400L
Beam 2500mm
Deadrise 20deg
Approx tow weight 2510kg
PERFORMANCE DATA
RPM KM/H L/H
3300 28.6 28.9
3500 38 30.6
3700 43.6 36.6
3900 46.3 40.2
4000 47 40.9
4500 53.6 54.6
