Two Surtees 750 Workmate Hardtops are in service with HMNZS Matataua, supporting Royal New Zealand Navy hydrographic survey and underwater mine countermeasure operations.
Named Pathfinder and Hammerhead, the boats serve with the Navy's specialist littoral warfare unit. Surtees says they were supplied to the New Zealand Defence Force following a tender process, although NZDF's equipment information doesn't provide procurement details.
Pathfinder is assigned to the Maritime Hydrographic Group, while Hammerhead serves with the Clearance Dive Group.
NZDF says the launches have a side workstation for hydrographic survey computer systems. They can carry up to eight personnel, or five divers with their diving equipment. Both boats can also take a removable davit crane and electric winch.
The boats can reach operating areas in several ways. They can be loaded aboard an Offshore Patrol Vessel or HMNZS Canterbury, or transported by road on a trailer. NZDF says they can launch from most recreational boat ramps around New Zealand. Beach launching and recovery are also possible.
Each boat measures 7.5 metres long and 2.5 metres across the beam, with a dry weight of 1560kg. Maximum payload is listed at 1060kg in conditions up to Sea State 3.
Power comes from two Mercury 150hp Sea Pro outboards.
Surtees builds its boats at its factory near Whakatāne. The company says its hull construction includes six full-length underfloor stringers and sealed buoyancy chambers along each side.
The boats also use Surtees' water ballast system, which adds weight low in the hull to improve stability while stationary.
Surtees says its production boats meet European CE safety requirements. The same fundamental hull features are found across its recreational range, although Pathfinder and Hammerhead carry equipment suited to their separate Navy roles.
For most Surtees owners, the Workmate is a fishing boat. Pathfinder and Hammerhead show how the same trailerable aluminium platform can be adapted for specialist naval work.
Learn more from Surtees and the New Zealand Defence Force.
