improving on has already been
modified and improved.
The cast deck up front is also a
good size and stretches from the
front of the console to the bow,
maximising on usable deck space
and storage. Surtees have kept the
cast deck slightly higher than the
standard deck and this works well
for both lure and bait fishing, as
well as gives more freeboard suited
to offshore angling. As tested the
cast deck was ply with carpet, but
that has been changed to a full alloy
tread deck with heaps of gear storage
available – better idea all round.
Another popular feature found on
most smaller centre consoles would
be bow-mounts for electric motors
An 80-pound does the job on the 575
and when it comes to lure angling,
the new spot lock systems are a big
win and a definite advantage and
must for the avid lure chucker. I even
use mine offshore on the low current
days to maintain top-to-bottom
drifts and even holding on spots if
need be rather than anchoring.
Overall the fishing layout is good
on the 575 and when it comes to
family boating it can easily be used
to tow the kids around, or shoot out
to the bay islands. Surtees also have
numerous and innovative extra add-
ons to suit, so tricking it up to suit
would not be hard at all.
BRING ON THE ROUGH
As for performance the Surtees hulls
are synonymous with sharp entries
and a fair dead rise to create soft
rides, however the loss of stability
can also be the compromise. In this
case not, as having the flooding keel
system irons out that issue and the
575 is pretty good when it comes to
stability at rest. The flooding keel
can also be shut off to add extra
weight directly to the keel and this
can also make a big difference to the
ride in rough conditions.
Underway the hull is responsive, it
turns on a dime and like all Surtees
hulls, slices through chop like butter.
They really do have a top-class ride
and can handle rough conditions
with ease. These attributes on a
relatively small hull are a big bonus
and allow for comfortable and
long-distance travel on the water, as
well as eliminates the fear of being
bashed around in harsh conditions.
CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE This multi-purpose centre console is certainly set up for
some serious fishing; The console is noticeably narrower than standard; The bait-board
impinges on the rear seat; An all-round workstation also includes a livebait well; The
wider than usual coamings come standard.62 trade aboat.com.au