Just seen this topic and couldn't agree more. I have been a reviewer of various things and know the golden rule: if you burn the guy who gave you the freebie, you won't get any more.
The only worthwhile reviews are those that are independent of any manufacturer, ie, the reviewer paid to see the movie, bought the reel, or travelled at their own expense.
Now, to boats. I have just bought my second Surtees Workmates 5.5, so I obviously rate them.
The new one has a portofino stern and looks smarter than the old one. It is well finished and a very soft ride, running nicely on a Suzuki 90hp, which is very economical even after just a few hours running.
I reckon I'm getting 20% more than my old Honda 90hp (carbureted) with perhaps a fraction less speed although the motor isn't run in and possibly under propped.
Most things in life are a compromise - the art of the possible.
What you get in a 5.5 Workmates is an incredibly versatile boat. Great ride, economical to run, well made and a breeze to tow.
My old one did heaps of blue water fishing, and we never felt in any danger, although we kept an eagle eye on the weather.
The new one may be a bit better, early days yet but there seem to be some subtle refinements that certainly make it drier.
The folding hardtop setup has been refined and seems sturdier, if more fiddly. I think I preferred the old set up.
The general finish is better, with metal rod holders, much more deck grip on the sides, and better rails on the bow and stern.
The see-through hatch cover is a great feature - still big enough to let someone my size (192cm) work the anchor easily. And the anchor well is bigger on the newer model, too.
The vinyl seats and squab covers are of a higher quality, and the whole set up feels just that bit nicer than my 2004 version, which was great.
But no boat is perfect. The fine entry bow isn't the best in a big following sea, although we've never had a problem.
The narrow, almost non existent chines may mean a soft ride, but they don't do a great job of deflecting spray although the clever spray rails sort most of it out. And if it is wet, we just pull the hardtop down and have a dry, enclosed space. Shame about the guys in the back.
Joke - the 90 Suzuki is ok for 2 or 3 people but if you want to take out 4 get a 115, of even better a hardtop with a 150.
Other good features are lots of storage for a 5.5 metre boat, a great live bait setup with a foldable, latched walkthru transom.
The flooding keel is still the standout feature and enables Surtees to sell an amazingly soft riding boat that is fairly stable at rest. Note the word fairly. It isn't a Stabicraft.
My boats have both had fold down windscreens that let me get the boat in a standard garage. Mind you, I almost got caught out by the length and I have about 30cm to spare before the skeg punches a hole in the gib.
So there you are. An unbiased review. The best boat is the one that suits your needs.
Mine are a boat that I can handle by myself, tow easily (my Toyota Surf doesn't even know there's a boat on the back), do blue water in the right conditions, and one that is economical to run - the Suzuki seems to be doing just over 3kms to a litre.
I did look at the Extreme 570 but couldn't justify the extra $12k. It was a nicer looking boat, probably drier and at least as good a ride.
But not $12k's worth. The layout didn't seem as well planned or as user friendly especially for rod storage.
Also, the dealer was recommending fitting permatrims or some similar to the engines to stop porpoising. That didn't sound too great.
So I didn't go down that route, reluctantly as they look stunning and have a good name.
Anyway, so far so good with Surtees number two. I know the boat and am more than happy, although of course it's the same old.
Hope this is of some use to somebody.