This may be a smaller version of its bigger stablemates, but the 5.8, with its hardtop cabin, has everything a game fisher need
- Practical layout makes use of space with fold-away helm
seats - Flooding keel provides fantastic stability at rest
- Set up for fishing with live bait tank, baitboard and drink
holders next to rods - Light steering thanks to hydraulics
- Suitable platform for swimming and diving
The Surtees 5.8 Gamefisher hardtop, provides a lot of boat for
someone wanting to do some serious fishing.
Starting with its rock-solid hull, built of 5mm alloy, it has
the company’s famous flooding keel for stability at rest. This
design features a fine-entry hull, variable to 18 degrees at the
stern, with no running strakes. This enables a super-smooth ride
and a noticeable lack of pounding through rough seas.
Layout changes
With an open cabin, the 5.8 has a day vessel focus, but a
zippered curtain will keep the forward section snug for occasional
sleepovers.
This forward area features two full-length bunks, with an
infill. The interior is carpet-lined, and a parcel shelf runs along
either side. The Surtees signature oversize alloy hatch gives
access to the bow area, where a Lewmar auto anchor system is ready
to drop the Sarca anchor when required.
Surtees has elected to fit fold-away padded alloy seats for the
skipper and passenger. The cockpit is uncarpeted, although the
checkerplate alloy decking gives a good footing even when wet.
Fishermen’s cockpit
The cockpit area on the 5.8 is almost the same size as its
bigger brother, the 6.7. The 130-litre under-floor tank is filled
through a filler in the middle of the cockpit deck, with a fuel
gauge close by. Behind the tank is a wet locker area, accessible
through a removable alloy cover.
The transom features a step-through on the port side, with a
live bait tank (with viewing window) set under the step. The
remainder of the transom width is covered by a sturdy alloy seat
that can drop down to provide seating for a couple of people. When
folded up this covers the battery and switches, while a glass fuel
filter is tucked up under the starboard gunwale.
Fishing capability is provided by a sturdy alloy baitboard with
three rod holders welded to it, and a number of rod holders set
into each gunwale. A nice touch are the drink holders set into the
gunwales next to each rod holder.
Performance
The review boat was fitted with the Suzuki 115hp four-stroke,
and this seems perfectly matched to this hull. We powered away from
the Takapuna boat ramp, and the hull lifted quickly on the plane.
The flooding keel emptied so quickly it was not even felt, and we
were able to put the hammer down. In rough conditions where extra
stability is required, the water ballast tank can be filled then
shut.
With two adults aboard and a full tank of fuel the boat easily
reached 32 knots. Thanks to the Garmin GMI 10 digital gauge, which
integrates to the Suzuki’s NMEA2000 outputs, we were able to view
boat speed, engine RPM, engine temperature, engine hours, charging
voltage, fuel remaining, fuel consumption and the engine’s trim
angle.
Dropping the throttle to just under 5000rpm, we were still
achieving 27 knots and fuel consumption was showing under 23 litres
per hour – around 0.85 litres per nautical mile. This would give a
range in excess of 150 nautical miles, depending on conditions and
load.
We threw it around a bit and jumped a few wakes and there was no
crash-and-bang typical of an alloy hull. When turning the wheel
hard over the chines come into play, gripping nicely and preventing
the hull from skipping sideways.
On the helm
The steering was very light thanks to the hydraulic steering
unit fitted. Both the standing and seated driving position are
comfortable.
The Lowrance HDS7 chartplotter/sounder was useful when getting
in really close to the rocks off Tiritiri, with the 640 by 480
pixel screen easily viewable in the bright sunlight. The
“Broadband” sonar technology enabled us to clearly see targets on
the bottom.
The low-speed handling of the boat is excellent. A hinged diving
ladder and grab handles make it easy for a swimmer to get back
aboard, and this boat would make a useful diving platform. This
boat comes on a Surtees galvanised multi-roller trailer. With a
hull and engine weight of just 775kg (excluding fuel or any extra
gear), this rig does not need a braked trailer and it is easy to
tow.
Overall a very impressive big little boat, with stability and
performance far beyond its class. This is a boat you would be
comfortable going far offshore in, and it will be able to handle
the worst conditions and bring you back safely.
Specifications
LOA 5.85m
Beam 2250mm
Fuel tank 130L
Water ballast 320L
Weight 550kg
Freeboard 710 mm
Engine (as tested) 135hp Suzuki four-stroke CE
marked