The Surtees 6.7 Gamefisher enclosed hardtop is a perfect pocket-rocket for serious fishermen wanting big-boat facilities in a more compact package
- Surtees’ unique self-flooding shut-able chamber
- Single person launching with the trailer catch
- Well laid-out and compact console
- Functional transom with step-through gate, bench seat, and
livebait tank - Smooth ride and stable at rest
The quality of the build is evident in the Surtees 6.7, with
neat welding and finishing.
The hull is constructed from 5mm alloy, with sides being 4mm and
the cabin 3mm.
Surtees boats have some unique features, most notably the
self-flooding 380-litre ballast chamber that runs along the length
of the keel line. This fills with water when the boat stops moving
forward, allowing the boat to sink slightly lower, which stabilises
the hull at rest. When power is applied the chamber empties almost
instantly, reducing weight and allowing the hull to rise onto the
plane.
This feature allows Surtees boats to have a very fine entry (18
degrees deadrise at the stern) while forming a stable platform at
rest. A shut-off gate also allows the water to be retained in the
chamber for additional stability underway in heavy conditions.
Another feature is the trailer catch, which allows single-handed
launch and retrieve.
Cabin, cockpit and helm
The 6.7 Gamefisher has a fully enclosed lock-up cabin with twin
hinged doors at the rear that can be clipped open with solid
vibration-proof catches, or closed to provide complete protection
from the elements.
Helm and passenger seats are plush-upholstered bench seats with
fold-up footrests. Under the helm seat is a large storage locker,
and the passenger seat lifts up to reveal a lined storage tray. A
12V fridge is located in the seat pedestal. A parcel shelf runs
either side of the cabin.
The review boat was fully equipped, with controls for the
automatic capstan, trim tabs, wipers, a full set of Suzuki dials,
an electrical switch panel, a Fusion stereo system, and a VHF radio
all fitted into the dash. A Raymarine A70 display on a pedestal
mount completes the electronics.
The forward cabin contains two full-length bunks with
upholstered squabs. An infill section can be lifted up to reveal a
marine toilet with electric macerator.
Grab-handles welded to the cabin roof plus a non-slip surface on
the footway around the cabin make stepping round the hardtop safe
enough. A bow roller keeps the anchor secure and away from the
hull, while an automatic capstan makes setting or lifting the
anchor easier. Two welded alloy bollards are fitted for securing to
a mooring.
The cockpit is spacious and well set-up. The wide gunwales
feature numerous rod holders, each with a matching drink
holder.
There are two further bench seats outside in the cockpit. These
are well placed to keep the occupants dry while underway, and the
vinyl-covered squabs lift up to reveal a hand basin with running
hot and cold water on one side and a two-burner gas cooker on the
other.
The cabin roof framework extends into the cockpit, and has a
clip-on sunshade section. A rocket launcher with six rod holders is
mounted along the rear. A deck floodlight is fitted for fishing
after dark.
The transom
The transom features a hinged seat that drops down to provide
for up to three people. This also forms the cover for the battery
compartment (twin batteries and cut-off switches).
The transom step-through on the port side has a livebait tank
with viewing window. The gate for the transom step-through is
hinged, ensuring it cannot be lost. In the starboard side corner is
a glass fuel filter, enabling any fuel problems to be diagnosed at
a glance.
The Portofino stern has a huge boarding platform, with a hinged
boarding ladder.
Under the floor is a 240-litre fuel tank, giving a huge range
thanks to the efficiency of the four-stroke Suzuki 200hp. This
motor was so quiet at idle that we literally forgot to turn it off
while we were taking photos. The filler for the fuel tank is right
in the middle of the cockpit floor under the carpet, which makes
gassing up a bit fiddly. In the rear of the cockpit is a large
underfloor wet locker.
Performance and handling
A wind of 25 knots had whipped up a nasty chop on our test day.
Although a lot of spray was generated, the wipers were generally
not necessary and the occupants remained warm and dry.
The flooding keel is not immediately noticeable as it responds
so quickly. Coming to rest, the boat settles down immediately. It
feels more stable than most similar sized boats, and would easily
accommodate four or more anglers moving around.
Pushing the throttle up causes the boat to jump onto the plane,
and again there is no discernible lag due as the keel empties. Trim
tabs are fitted, although we found no reason to use them during our
test.
The hull has no planning strakes but has wide downturned chines.
The chine is made even wider through an additional strip welded to
the hull, turning the spray down and forwards. The hull handles
well, with the chines gripping the water in a tight turn to prevent
side slip. On our return to the boat ramp we had a severe cross
swell, which the boat handled with ease with no tendency to surf or
steer itself.
Fuel usage
While conditions were not ideal for optimum fuel economy at one
point we were running at a stable 19 knots but using less than 16
litres per hour. Clearly this is a very economical hull to push
along, and the fuel-efficient motor helps.
Read in-depth boat reviews inthe latest issue of Trade-A-Boat magazine, on sale
now.
See Surtees boats for sale here.
Specifications
LOA 6.7m
Beam 2.35m
Construction Hull 5mm Alloy, sides 4mm, topsides
3mm
Motor Suzuki 200hp fuel-injected four-stroke
Fuel capacity 240L
Water capacity 75L
Photography: Norman Holtzhausen