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The Final Surtees Grand Prize: A Close Look at the Fully Outfitted 770 Game Fisher XL
The Final Surtees Handover
Boat show giveaways often consist of baseline models, but the Hutchwilco Boat Show has consistently operated on a different scale. For the past ten years, Surtees has supplied the Grand Prize, utilizing the platform to showcase heavily modified builds. This week, that specific decade-long partnership came to an end. Surtees handed over the keys to the 2026 winner, Mark, finalizing the transfer of a $380,000 package centered around the Surtees 770 Game Fisher XL.
Power and Control Systems
The mechanical foundation of this specific 770 Game Fisher XL relies entirely on high-output Yamaha engineering. The transom is fitted with a Yamaha F350 4.3L V6 engine, providing the necessary torque to push a hull of this size through heavy coastal swells. To manage that power, the boat is equipped with the full Helm Master system, giving the operator precise, joystick-driven control in tight marina environments and during complex offshore docking maneuvers.
The Electronics and Deck Hardware
The build sheet for this prize boat reads like a commercial outfitter’s manifest. The helm is dominated by a full suite of Garmin marine electronics. Below the waterline, Advance Trident supplied Zip Wakes for automated trim control and a dedicated bow thruster to further increase low-speed maneuverability. Anchoring duties are handled by a Lone Star GX3 Drum Winch equipped with a line counter, while the deck itself is finished in custom Boat Dek by Batavian for increased traction and fatigue reduction.
Outfitting the Offshore Platform
A dedicated fishing platform requires specialized support systems. Lusty & Blundell provided a comprehensive Hella lighting package, alongside heavy-duty pumps, window wipers, and a set of evolution rod holders. To maximize the boat’s utility during extended trips, the cabin includes a diesel cooker from Advance Trident and a fully integrated Starlink setup to ensure consistent offshore connectivity. The entire package sits on a heavy-duty trailer provided by Trailer Shop and features a distinctive exterior wrap executed by Brave Design.
The End of a Ten-Year Run
The physical boat was supplemented with secondary gear, including a $4,000 watersports package from O’Brien Watersports, a massive $10,000 rod and reel setup from Shimano, and full safety gear supplied directly by Hutchwilco. After ten years of coordinating these massive prize pools, Surtees is officially stepping back from the Grand Prize program. The builder noted that while the 2026 handover was a bittersweet moment, they are eager to see which manufacturer steps up to supply the dream boat for the 2027 show.
