Surtees 770 Game Fisher 2026 Review

The Surtees 770 Game Fisher is the second to largest model in the Game Fisher hardtop boat range, sitting beneath the flagship, 2.8m wide 800 Game Fisher.

The 770 was developed following demand for a narrower, enclosed hardtop model with the fit-out and features of the 8.0m range-topper - but with a 2.5m beam to allow hassle-free towing without restrictions or oversize permits.

Surtees has also now launched a model called the 770 XL. This slightly revised model has a 250mm longer cabin/hardtop structure to create a roomier saloon with re-configured port side seating that converts into a third berth.

Included amenities such as the hot/cold freshwater sink and 50-litre fridge have also been relocated, but changes elsewhere are minimal.

For this review we have the standard 770 Game Fisher model, arguably the pick of the two 770 series boats for anglers as it has the shorter cabin/hardtop for a bit more cockpit space.

Brisbane’s North side marine has package pricing for the standard 770 Game Fisher starting at $238,613 when the boat is paired with a Yamaha 300hp six-cylinder four-stroke outboard and a GFAB tandem axle braked alloy trailer.

The 770 Game Fisher XL (with the longer cabin/roof and re-arranged saloon) is priced from $246,963 with the same engine/trailer combination.

Our metallic-blue 770 Game Fisher test boat came loaded with some appealing by pricey extras, taking the drive-away figure to $327,718.

The extra kit in the test boat package includes:

The Surtees 770 Game Fisher is an offshore sport fishing boat first and foremost. However, the wants and needs of anglers and family boaters aren’t worlds apart, which is why the 770 Game Fisher transitions easily into the role of family cruiser.

The open plan saloon/cabin layout works well for fisherman and family boaters, providing easy access to the 2.0m long forward berths and the optional electric toilet that sits on the floor between the v-berth.

Infill cushions slot in to create a massive double bed over the top of the toilet, whilst compartments under the berths and side pockets overhead provide ample storage.

There’s also carpet lining to the ceiling and surrounds, along with a wide acrylic ventilation hatch in the ceiling forward which also provides access to the bow deck and the anchor well with included electric winch.

A zip-out canvas privacy curtain separates the cabin from the helm station.

Beneath the tall, lined hardtop and three-piece glass windscreen, the helm station feels open and commanding, with excellent sightlines whether seated or standing behind the wheel.

The dash is broad and sensibly laid out, with room for instrumentation, as well as the huge Garmin GPSMAP 9019 and Helm Master EX joystick and controls optioned to our test rig.

Supportive bucket seats with flip-up bolsters allow the crew to brace comfortably in sloppy conditions.

Overhead there is a radio box/panel as well as optional ceiling vents and twin full length welded alloy handrails.

Sliding side windows let the breeze of air into the helm station.

On the port side there is a two-person swing-back bench seat aft of the front bucket crew seat. In between is a timber table which pivots up from the cabin wall to create a compact dinette.

Built into the helm seat box is a 50L fridge beneath a single-burner diesel cooktop.

Opposite, beneath the port-side bench seating is a freshwater sink with hot and cold running water fed by an 80L water tank.

The 2.85m long cockpit stretches aft from the cabin/cockpit bifold glass doors to the 785mm high transom wall.

The enormous, SeaDek surfaced cockpit floor is flanked by 360mm wide side coamings and full length, elevated side storage pockets.

For anglers, the roomy aft cockpit makes for an excellent fishing platform.

Reverse the backrest on the port side saloon bench seat to create an aft-facing position to watch the lure spread behind the boat while trolling.

Other features include the canvas shade extension, side coaming/deck storage compartments, six alloy deck rod holders, plastic cup holders, optional clip-on vertical rod racks, hardtop rocket launcher, transom bait station (with tackle drawers, bait board, rod rack) port side live well and boarding step, freshwater shower, raw-water deck wash, and a folding aft boarding ladder.

Like its smaller siblings, the 770 Game Fisher rides on Surtees’ water-ballasted deep-vee hull – only here the system carries a substantial 500 litres of ballast.

At rest, seawater floods the keel chamber to increase displacement and improve stability, reducing side-to-side roll when you’re drifting or bottom fishing offshore.

Once underway, the ballast naturally drains as the boat climbs onto the plane – unless you choose otherwise. A manually closable flap/gate across the ballast chamber allows water to be trapped inside the keel, effectively adding weight down low in the hull. In sloppy or confused seas, keeping this ballast onboard settles the boat and softens the ride.

With the ballast drained for calm seas the 770 becomes lighter and more responsive, delivering strong acceleration and efficient cruising when paired with either a Yamaha 300hp V6 or as tested with the larger Yamaha 350hp V6 four-stroke outboard.

During our test on the Gold Coast, the 770 Game Fisher tracked predictably and smoothly at speed, whilst holding its line cleanly through the turns with a reassuring sense of balance and grip throughout.

Paired with the maximum power Yamaha 350hp outboard our test boat proved to be fast and responsive – accelerating to a top speed of 37.8 knots (69.9 km/h).

Range on 95% of the 400L fuel supply at 3,500rpm: 271.1nm

In the 770 Game Fisher, Surtees has delivered a diehard offshore fishing boat that remains genuinely trailerable. It’s tough, purposeful and built to handle serious bluewater work, yet softened with enough creature-comforts to keep the family happy.

With its practical saloon, galley amenities and overnight capability, the 770 easily doubles as a capable family cruiser, whilst staying true to its core purpose as a serious fishing rig.

Model: Surtees 770 Game Fisher
Length overall: 7.7m
Beam: 2.5m
Deadrise: 20 degrees
Hull weight: 1,740kg
Towing weight: 3,100kg (approx.)
Bottom alloy: 6mm
Topsides alloy: 4mm
Cabin alloy: 3mm
Maximum power: 350hp extra-long shaft (25”)
Engine as tested: Yamaha 350hp V6 (digital version) four-stroke
Fuel: 400L
Water: 80L
Water ballast: 530L
Passengers: 8

Price from: $238,613 when paired with a Yamaha F300XCB (DEC) extra-longshaft (25”) outboard engine with electric steering and a GFAB tandem-axle braked alloy trailer, open waters safety gear pack, sand anchor kit, Yamaha motor support, boat and trailer registrations.

Price as tested: $327,718. As above but with a larger Yamaha 350hp (F350XCB) four-stroke extra-longshaft (25”) outboard motor with digital electronic controls, electric steering,  Yamaha Helm Master EX navigation and joystick control system, Garmin GPSMAP 9019 premium chart plotter with Fandom 24x Radom (white), Zip Wake auto trim tabs, Fusion RA-670 Apollo stereo with speakers, electric toilet, embossed SeaDek to topsides, inside gunnels and cockpit shelving, fish measure in SeaDek, dual roof hatches, canvas shade extension, painted cabin (white), roof, rails and topsides (metallic blue), clip-on side pocket rod racks x 2, port and starboard coaming storage boxes with lids, dual battery system, roof-mounted LED flood lighting, light bar and underwater lighting, wash-down pump and fittings, driver and passenger windscreen wipers, rubber side-strip, GFAB trailer boat catch.

Supplied by: nsmarine.com.au