Surtees 575 Pro Fisher Centre Console: Review

Surtees’ mid-sized Pro Fisher centre console is an excellent cross-over ocean/bay/impoundment fishing rig with plenty of features, strong plate-alloy construction, a comfortable ride in choppy water, and excellent performance with Yamaha’s silky smooth 115hp four-stroke outboard.

OVERVIEW
- Surtees covers the centre-console fishing-boat market with six models
New Zealand plate-alloy boatbuilder Surtees has expanded its model range and distribution in recent years. There are now more boats than ever, with a growing Australian dealer network, and you can now buy a Surtees in all states of Australia save the Northern Territory.

In the Surtees range, there are now around 23 different models, built on eight different hull sizes — stretching from 4.95m through to 8.50m.

The boats include the Game Fisher enclosed hardtop models, the Workmate open cuddy and hardtop models, and the Pro Fisher centre consoles. The latter comes in six sizes between 4.95m and 7.0m.

We have tested several Surtees models in recent years, including the flagship 850 Game Fisher and more recently the 650 and 700 Game Fisher boats. All three have been top-shelf enclosed cabin hardtop models.

For something a little different, we decided to track down one of Surtees’ smaller open boats, a 575 Pro Fisher centre console, supplied by Brisbane Surtees dealer Northside Marine. The boat was powered by the latest Yamaha F115B
four-stroke outboard.

PRICE AND EQUIPMENT
- Competitive starter packages with plenty of options to customise
Northside Marine has entry pricing for the 575 Pro Fisher starting at around $49k. This includes a 100hp Yamaha four-stroke outboard, single-axle Redco galvanised steel trailer, along with safety gear and boat and trailer registrations.

Add your choice of fish finder/GPS (a Garmin VHF radio is included) and fishing gear and the boat is pretty much ready to fish. That said, the standard boat package is missing a couple of key fishing features including the live bait tank and a cutting board/workstation. You will likely want to add these options to complete the fishing fit-out.

Otherwise the 575 Pro Fisher is nicely rigged. Among the standard features you will find extra wide side coamings with high grip matt covering, fully welded tread-plate cockpit floor, elevated cockpit side shelves and battery shelf, underfloor storage bins/kill tanks, a fold-away rear bench seat, a water-ballasted, full plate-alloy hull (with 5mm bottom), bilge pump, six alloy rod holders, cup holders, helm console with toughened glass windscreen, a 100 litre sub-floor fuel tank, navigation lights and a boarding ladder.

Our test boat was rigged with a number of options, many of which Surtees' customers will likely want to fit. They include the aforementioned portside live-bait tank, removable cutting board with tackle drawers, painted hull sides (with Nyalic finish to the rest) a canvas T-Top with alloy frame, casting platform with storage, a bow-mount electric trolling motor plate, four-rod clip-on rod rack, wash-down pump and fittings, a dual-battery system, plus a sand anchor kit.

The test boat was also upgraded with a larger 115hp Yamaha four-stroke outboard with hydraulic steering and a Minn Kota 24 Volt, 80 pound thrust electric trolling motor with dual deep-cycle batteries.

With the included options, the larger Yamaha outboard, and the trolling motor, the drive-away price rises to a substantial $68k — but this includes $4500 for the trolling motor kit alone. Sans trolling motor the package price is $63,406. This is a competitive figure for a 5.7m (19ft) boat, but you can save a bundle by dropping some of the less important options... and perhaps adding them later as funds permit.

INTERNAL LAYOUT
- Optional elevated casting deck for more versatility
The Surtees 575 Pro Fisher has quite a slim, 2.15m wide hull (which contributes to its soft ride), but there is still ample fishing space at the bow and stern.

The test boat differs from standard models in that it was fitted with the optional elevated casting deck with alloy framework and carpeted plywood floor and deck hatches.

In contrast, the standard boat has the welded tread-plate floor continuing from the rear cockpit right through to the bow. Offshore anglers will likely prefer this standard configuration as the substantially higher freeboard will make it easier and safer to fish from the bow in rough weather.

Having made the above observation, the 575 Pro Fisher is small and compact enough to double as a bay and impoundment fishing boat – in which case you may be better served optioning the boat with the elevated deck/casting platform.

With the optional deck in place there is also more storage space, which you will need should you decide to fit the boat with the optional electric trolling motor and 24 volt dual battery set-up. Our test boat had the two big deep-cycle batteries situated in a compartment under the centre of the casting deck, flanked by two equally spacious general storage bins.

A good-sized, open anchor well was situated further forward at the bow, along with a pair of welded cleats and low-set bow rails.

HELM AND CONSOLE
- Modest-sized centre console with toughened-glass screen and alloy T-Top
The helm console in the 575 Pro Fisher is unsophisticated in design, but is certainly practical enough. It is also appropriately sized for the slim width of the hull which tapers in from amidships. If the console was larger it would impinge on the external walkway space.

The console has a toughened-glass windshield, small dash, two-level fascia and a single, but useful storage shelf.

The steering wheel sits plumb in the centre of the dash with the binnacle throttle located above it to starboard.

We found the throttle a little awkward to use as you have to stretch to reach it and there is nothing to brace your hand/arm against. Mind you, there is really no-where else to place the throttle — as it would get in the way if it was re-located to the outside of the console.

There is provision on the fascia for a small, flush-fitted electronics display, and space for a bracket-mounted model above it, beneath the windscreen.

Pedestal helm chairs are available for the Pro Fisher but we feel the two-person width bench seat/storage box is the better option. It might not be as comfortable to drive while seated, but the box provides additional storage and takes up less cockpit space.

The canvas topped, alloy framed T-Top is a worthwhile option as it provides much needed shelter from the sun... and the rain to a lesser extent. The T-Top frame also doubles as a grab rail for the skipper and first mate.

COCKPIT AND FISHING FEATURES
- Designed by anglers with key features available as factory options
You can tell the rear cockpit layout has been designed by experienced anglers because there is just enough length and width for two or three people to fish in comfort. The overall length behind the helm console is 1.75m, while there is 1.05m of clear space behind the helm bench seat.

There is plenty of cockpit freeboard (710mm along the sides), and the folding rear bench seat has been configured in such a way that it folds back completely flush with the rear transom wall. You can stand hard-up against the transom and fish over the stern without being impeded by any cushions, and with plenty of foot/toe space underneath.

The optional live-bait tank (with accompanying walk-through transom) works well positioned over on the port side, and anglers will appreciate the ultra-wide 320mm side coamings which can double as seats for when the fishing goes quiet.

Other features include an underfloor kill tank, optional bait board with terminal-tackle drawers, optional rod rack which clips onto the cockpit side pockets, optional deck wash, four standard rod holders, recessed stern cleats and short stern rails.

ON THE WATER
-  Long, slim, strake-free hull is soft and speedy with Yamaha 115hp
We find the Surtees to be generally pretty soft riding and comfortable underway... and this remains true of the 575 Pro Fisher centre console.

Like its larger siblings, the Pro Fisher has a water-ballasted hull whereby a hollow chamber in the keel fills with water when the boat is at rest. This settles the boat down into the water to increase stability and reduce rocking. When you hit the throttle and accelerate away the ballasted water drains back out again.

The water-ballast system works in concert with a strake-free, moderate-vee hull shape (18 degree deadrise in the Pro Fisher) and fine forward entry to maintain a comfortable ride without compromising stability.

The hull also has a large outer spray chine which is carried forward to the stem of the boat to trap spray coming off the hull bottom and to push it out, clear of the topsides.

With regard to handling, the Surtees turns easily, sits quite flat or level underway, and there is virtually no planing hump.

I don’t think this style of hull responds to power trim (on a fore and aft axis) as well as some other hull shapes, but then it doesn’t really need to as it is inherently well mannered with few, if any vices.

The 575 Pro Fisher accepts single extra-longshaft outboards between 90 and 115hp. Our test rig was fitted with a smooth-running Yamaha 115hp and it proved well matched to the boat. The boat accelerated strongly from idle through to wide open throttle and achieved a top speed of 35.1 knots.

The boat/engine combination proved most economical while cruising at 4000rpm for a speed of 20.5 knots and a fuel burn of 16.1 l/ph. Do the sums and these figures yield a maximum range on 95 per cent of the boat’s 100 litre fuel capacity of 120.9 nautical miles.

VERDICT
- Another terific fishing boat from Surtees – strong, durable, versatile
The Surtees 575 Pro Fisher is an impressive boat and an excellent bay, coastal and offshore fishing platform. It is well mannered and comfortable at sea, easy to handle underway, and with a 5mm hull bottom and transom it is built to last.

Surtees continues to impress with its current crop of plate alloy trailerboats. We have tested several models in recent times and have yet to be disappointed. The 575 Pro Fisher is another excellent model, built to a high standard, built for fishing... and configured to tackle a broad range of fishing disciplines if you can call them that.

LIKES
>> Soft, comfortable ride in chop
>> Good performance with Yamaha 115hp
>> Strong plate alloy construction
>> Sturdy alloy framed T-Top
>> Lots of fishing options to customise
>> Ample freeboard
>> Extra wide side coamings

NOT SO MUCH
>> Options lift the price substantially
>> No standard live bait tank or bait station
>> Varnish to undersides of ply deck hatches will wear quickly

RATINGS
Overall rating: 4.72/5.0
Mechanical/equipment: 4.6/5.0
Packaging and practicality: 4.9/5.0
On the water Performance: 4.8/5.0
Value for money: 4.7/5.0
X-factor: 4.6/5.0

PERFORMANCE - SPEED
3.0kts (5.5km/h) @ 1000rpm
4.4kts (8.1km/h) @ 1500rpm
5.4kts (10.0km/h) @ 2000rpm
6.5kts (12.0km/h) @ 2500rpm
8.0kts (14.8km/h) @ 3000rpm
13.4kts (24.8km/h) @ 3500rpm
20.5kts (37.9km/h) @ 4000rpm
23.7kts (43.8km/h) @ 4500rpm
27.1kts (50.1km/h) @ 5000rpm
31.2kts (57.7km/h) @ 5500rpm
33.5kts (61.2km/h) @ 6000rpm
35.1kts (64.9km/h) @ 6300rpm (WOT)

PERFORMANCE – ECONOMY
2.2 l/ph @ 1000rpm
3.2 l/ph @ 1500rpm
5.2 l/ph @ 2000rpm
8.2 l/ph @ 2500rpm
11.3 l/ph @ 3000rpm
12.9 l/ph @ 3500rpm
16.1 l/ph @ 4000rpm
19.6 l/ph @ 4500rpm
25.3 l/ph @ 5000rpm
32.0 l/ph @ 5500rpm
37.4 l/ph @ 6000rpm
42.2 l/ph @ 6300rpm (WOT)

MAXIMUM RANGE ON 95 PER CENT OF 100L FUEL TANK: 120.9nm @ 4,000rpm

Specifications: Surtees 575 Pro Fisher Centre Console
Price: $67,906 including Yamaha 115hp extra-longshaft (25in) four-stroke outboard with Yamaha Command Link digital display, hydraulic steering, Redco single-axle galvanised-steel braked trailer, Tasman blue-painted sides (Nyalic finish the rest), Canvas T-Top with alloy frame, walk-through transom with live-bait tank and water pick-up, deluxe bait station with tackle drawers, casting platform with storage, bow-mount electric trolling motor plate, Minn Kota 24V 80-pound thrust electric trolling motor with dual deep-cycle batteries, four-rod clip on rod rack, washdown pump and fittings, dual stern-battery system, sand anchor kit, boat and trailer registrations, and an inshore safety gear pack.

Priced from: $48,656 with a Yamaha 100hp extra-longshaft (25in) four-stroke outboard with mechanical steering, Dunbier single-axle braked trailer, boat and trailer registrations.

Length overall: 5.75mm
Maximum beam: 2.15m
Dry hull weight: 585kg
Towing weight: Approx. 1,150kg (dry)
Deadrise: 18 degrees
Bottom & transom alloy: 5mm
Topsides & cabin alloy: 3mm
Length on trailer: 6.97m
Height on trailer: 2.35m
Maximum power: 115hp
Maximum load: 687kg
Engine as tested: Yamaha 115hp four-stroke
Fuel: 100 litres
Water ballast: 200 litres
Maximum Persons: Five

Supplied by:
Northside Marine
2294 Sandgate Road
Boondall QLD 4034
Telephone: (07) 3265 8000
Email: billh@nsmarine.com.au
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