The Boat Shed - Marco 5.5 vs Surtees 5 5

Marco 5.5 vs Surtees 5 5

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Category: General Forums
Forum Name: The Boat Shed
Forum Description: Discuss all things boating.
URL: https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=137828
Printed Date: 08 Jun 2026 at 2:29am

Topic: Marco 5.5 vs Surtees 5 5

Posted By: Kidsintow
Subject: Marco 5.5 vs Surtees 5 5
Date Posted: 04 Sep 2023 at 7:57am

Hi people much more knowledgeable than myself! First time poster....
So I'm an ameture but keen and responsible female new boatie keen to learn!
Last boat was 14ft fyran , been boat free while saving for last 4 yrs to upgrade and nows the time!
It's come down to a 5.5 marco hardtop with all extras or 5.5 surtees hardtop with only a few extras.
Both sport a 90hp mercury with 150 hrs
On calm days we will be taking 2 small but keen kids with us on fishing trips.
Any thoughts on a preferred option.
Good or bad. Mate has a,surtees so familiar with those, have never been in a marco but heard they aren't bad?
Super keen to learn !

Replies:

Posted By: riga
Date Posted: 04 Sep 2023 at 11:04am

Two good boats really.

I have spent a bit of time in the Surtees 5.5 (non hardtop) and they ride great for their size, a little tippy at rest which is the trade off for the better ride. The Marco looks like it will be more stable at rest which might be better for kids, but the ride probably isn't as good as a result.

Hardtop is great for kids though, keeps the wind and spray out when travelling.

I would say trim tabs are essential for either boat, with a short hull and a hardtop, tabs are key for making sure the boat runs level when there is any sort of cross wind.

Are they both 90hp 2 strokes or 4 strokes? If one is a 4 stroke and the other is a 2 stroke, then the 4 stroke could be the deciding factor for me, unless the hull with the 2 stroke already has trim tabs and much better electronics etc.

Posted By: Kidsintow
Date Posted: 04 Sep 2023 at 6:46pm

Thankyou for that . They are both 2 stroke (I didn't see many on offer with 4 strokes tbh, but I would prefer one!)
The Marco had extras like anchor winch, wash down pump , comfy seats and cabin etc single axle trailer.
Surtees had fewer extras, just 'usual gear" was listed, so will have a good look this weekend . no marine carpet, little bit 'bare' but did have a good fold down bench seat for kids in back, hardtop with no side clears . So a bit to do, but I'm leaning in that direction because I'm familiar with them and roomy cabin for kids. And they hold their resale value well.
Both trailers in good condition. Surtees is braked.

Posted By: Kandrew
Date Posted: 04 Sep 2023 at 8:33pm

Both are good boats, what year is the Marco and where will you be using it.

Posted By: krow
Date Posted: 04 Sep 2023 at 8:47pm

I'm fairly sure the Marco is same hull as the 5.5 Ramco. I had a Ramco dominator (5.5) for many years. I think 4 mil hull and 3 mil sides. Don't know what the Surtees is but I think stronger. Like you say the Surtees has higher resale as they are more popular. The Marco would be dryer in the chop but with hardtops doesn't matter as much. Also look at the age of the hulls as Aluminum doesn't last forever. When you check them look at the floor and welds seams etc for any cracking. Not sure if the ones you are looking at have welded floors or not. Look underneath too for any dings, etc. Both are good sea boats. Trim tabs an overkill Just move the load as necessary. It's unfortunate the trailer is braked as they are a continual pain in the :":"<