Surtees are small for their length. The 495 workmate has about 3500mm at the waterline. Of course the Surtees have that deep vee. Every boat is a compromise.

I think you are asking about Ramco FM 5.5, I believe they are a good basic all round hull.

I had a 1995 Ramco 580 Fish Master. A functional boat, and the new owner has upgraded it with a four stroke yamaha, and still catches some great fish including it's first ever marlin boated this year.

I live near Rangiora where they are made. Look like functional reliable boats, based on nothing more than a climb over and looksee. I don't see any reason why I'd spend the extra on a Surtees, but then I've not actually ridden either boat so take that for what it's worth. 

Thanks for your comments. The 5.5m Ramco is brand new. extra's include 100Ltr underfloor fuel, Bimini canopy, side curtains, road cover, drum winch, rocket launcher, bait station, 2 lifejackets, extinguisher WOF & rego on galvanised braked trailer with stainless rotors.

Brand new.

Yep, everything is a compromise of requirements and finance

Hi Steps, Reason posted is that a good mate has a Surtees 5.85 w/115Yammy and it is too heavy to manoeuvre at his place as it would be at mine. The additional trailer weight is the main reason so I need to go smaller. Anyway, all responses considered, I have got my trade-in price for my workmate 4.7 and have decided to go with the Ramco option. Phil Birss Marine have been very easy to deal with and offered a more than competitive package, built to my specs. 

Hi Capt G. Yep-I've owned a 5.5 Surtees Fisherman and I have also been in pretty much all of the other Surtees models as well as a mates 5.5 Ramco Fisher (older model). You are definitely looking at value for money...no question but I have a couple of comments. My mates old Ramco was a pounder and he had to virtually slow right down and wallow through any slop, and as said above used to take off sideways sometimes going downwind or a swell so you had on be on the ball watching it like a hawk, and as also said above weett as! The Surtees aren't innocent either but the BIG difference you will notice is in the ride as this is the Surtees signature asset. Surtees can get wet too don't worry but is usually confined to the quartering aspects whereas I found the Ramco to be wet over the bow with any raised up sea. All said above I have no idea what the new Ramcos are like....they may have sorted a lot of the above by now. Happy fishing!