The 780 series is a 7.85 metre plate aluminium boat kit, and the step up in the Sherwood Marine range above the 2.5m trailerable without a permit cutoff. Three models share the hull: the 780HT hardtop at $32,280 excluding GST, the 780HTX extended hardtop at $32,680 and the 780CAB full cab at $33,040.

The hull is 7.85 m long and 8.26 m overall on a 2.70 m beam, with a 6 mm bottom, 4 mm sides, 3 mm decks and 3 and 4 mm cabin. Effective deadrise is 20.5 degrees, which is similar to larger boats in our range, but with a little more variable deadrise angle. It’s a subtle difference, but makes for very deep sections forward and an excellent smooth ride, but efficiency and load carrying as well. Designed to just eat up big miles offshore.

Fuel capacity jumps to 600 litres and person capacity to eight. Maximum single-engine power is 350 hp with 300 to 350 hp recommended, or twin outboards of 150 to 200 hp each.

The 780HTX extended hardtop pushes the roof further aft for shade and shelter over the cockpit, keeping enough space for rod fishing, but a short enough gap to the transom to add a roll out shade for full cover if desired.

Not a big step up in length from the 750 series, but significantly more boat all round and capacities with the extra beam. Where it sits in relation to the 3.5t trailerable limit for standard vehicles depends on options, fitout, and closer detail of the trailer weight. Its achievable with an aluminum trailer and the boat unladen; the variable is how much weight is in reserve for fuel.