Cruising up Queen Charlotte Sound alongside a pod of dolphins is a pretty good way to start an afternoon testing and reviewing a brand-new boat. Judging by their curiosity, the Sound’s resident dolphins seemed equally impressed by the newest member of the pod, albeit an aluminium one.
The Radian PT750 is one of the larger aluminium offerings in Radian’s growing PT range and although the company is still relatively new to the market, the brand is already attracting attention. Radian is the brainchild of Hawke’s Bay designer Tom Brien, whose portfolio also includes the distinctive Nordarc range, one of which Boating New Zealand reviewed last year.
This particular PT750, named Grimlock, was in Picton ahead of handover to its Christchurch-based owner, giving Boating New Zealand a fortunate opportunity to put it through its paces.
First impressions were overwhelmingly positive. Sitting on its custom-built alloy trailer at Picton Marina, the 7.5m Grimlock looked every bit the modern adventure boat. With its high sheerline and sleek profile, the PT750 strikes an appealing balance between rugged practicality and refined styling.
Construction consists of 6mm marine-grade aluminium on the hull bottom, 4mm sides and 4mm superstructure, the hull incorporating reserve buoyancy through sealed air chambers. Every weld appeared robust and expertly executed. The design has been developed with CE requirements in mind, and it could be adapted for CE compliance if required for future builds.
Softening the boat’s purposeful appearance is the distinctive rolled roof that reflects the design language of early Elco designs that inspired the PT range.
Although it was a quiet winter weekday at the Picton boat ramp, the PT750 still attracted attention. Several passers-by stopped to admire the boat, a testament to both its styling and the town’s deep boating culture. In Picton, people recognise boat quality when they see it.
We were joined for the afternoon by local fisherman and guide Harry Edwards, along with Grimlock’s upholsterer Colin Lindsay. Harry took the helm as we eased out of the marina and into Queen Charlotte Sound, allowing me to chat with Tom, inspect the boat’s many details and capture some initial photographs.
Inspired by history
The PT range draws inspiration from the iconic Patrol Torpedo (PT) boats used primarily by the US Navy during World War II, but Tom is quick to point out that this is no retro replica. Instead, he has reinterpreted the distinctive PT aesthetic as a modern, New Zealand-built aluminium platform.
“I was wowed by the PT style while studying Transport Design at Massey University,” he explained.
“But it’s not intended to be a nostalgic recreation. It’s about taking those characteristics and translating them into something appropriate for modern recreational boating and New Zealand conditions.
“For me, the PT range combines heritage, purposeful design and modern aluminium construction. Individually, many of the design details appear subtle, but together they create a distinct design language and character.”
Tom says the original PT boats’ mission-focused philosophy has carried through to the modern design.
“The original PT boats were highly purpose-driven and could be configured for different operational requirements. I liked the idea of carrying that flexibility into the modern PT.
“Rather than designing one boat and expecting every owner to use it in the same way, the PT is designed as a platform that can be configured around the owner’s requirements, whether that’s fishing, diving, cruising, family boating or something else. The boat should be designed around the customer, rather than the customer having to adapt to the boat.”
That philosophy was certainly evident here. The owner worked closely with Tom in the months leading up to fabrication, with the layout and details refined through an iterative process of discussion and changes.
The result is a boat ready for almost any mission.
At the helm
The helm station is spacious and well laid out. The bolstered skipper’s seat is both comfortable and highly adjustable, providing easy access to the large stainless-steel wheel, whether seated or standing.
Visibility is excellent thanks to the large, curved glass windscreen, while sliding side windows provide ventilation and vision. Above, two compact roof hatches contribute additional natural light.
A 16-inch Simrad EVO multifunction screen display dominates the dashboard, accompanied by Mercury engine controls, Zipwake dynamic trim controls, and a Maxwell anchor switch.
The boat is also equipped with a diverse lighting suite, Fusion stereo system, VHF radio, radar and windscreen wipers.
One of the most impressive features is the switch panel: robust toggle switches control the various onboard systems and form part of the PT’s broader design theme.
“The tactile, mechanical feel of toggle switches is a nod to the functional controls used on older military and working boats,” Tom said.
Even the cockpit lighting is fitted with dimmers, highlighting the level of attention given to seemingly minor details.
Harry, an experienced skipper, was particularly impressed with the padded upholstered side panels around the helm.
“You can lock yourself in comfortably when driving in rough water,” he observed.
Another interesting feature is the placement of the ignition switch aft and to starboard of the helm seat. Tom explained that both he and the owner wanted to keep the dashboard as uncluttered as possible.
“You only use the key occasionally, so it doesn’t need to dominate the dash,” he said.
Behind the helm seat, a comfortable passenger seat conceals space for a large chilly bin. Numerous handrails are strategically positioned throughout the boat and proved perfectly placed during our sea trial.
The primary passenger lounging area is equally versatile and, interestingly, the main seat faces aft. Meanwhile, by simply repositioning the backrest of the second passenger seat, the user can face either forward or aft. A chilly bin fits under the seat, and multiple drawers and storage compartments are tucked beneath the rest of the seating.
Between these passenger seats sits a dinette table complete with integrated cupholders. Lower the table, add a squab and it transforms into an additional berth. It’s a practical solution and one I would happily and comfortably sleep on.
Cabin comfort
Accessed through a sliding door, the forward cabin is cavernous enough to comfortably accommodate several burly fishermen. Tom says the boat’s sweeping sheerline plays a major role in creating the interior volume.
“It creates the flat, curved foredeck and useful working space forward, while also allowing plenty of internal height without making the boat look tall and boxlike,” he explained.
The cabin feels bright and inviting. Storage is plentiful and an electric toilet is concealed beneath the forward squabs.
Much of the comfort can be attributed to Colin’s upholstery. His Hawke’s Bay business, Coastal Automotive Interiors, has done an exceptional job. The grey-and-tan vinyl upholstery is understated yet stylish, while Autex acoustic lining significantly reduces cabin noise.
Even charging around Dieffenbach Point, an area notorious for wind and current, the PT750 remained impressively quiet.
The quality of workmanship is outstanding. Not a stitch appeared out of place and Colin was understandably proud of the result.
“I’m super-chuffed with the end product, but ultimately my goal was for the owner to walk aboard and simply say ‘wow’,” he said.
Thoughtful details abound. For example, small pull-loops allow individual ceiling panels to be removed should access to overhead wiring ever be required. It’s another example of practical design blended with premium presentation.
Built for action
The cockpit is spacious and highly functional, offering ample room for anglers, divers and gear. Beneath the U-Dek flooring are two substantial storage compartments, the gunwale height is ideal for anglers to brace while battling a hard-fighting Cook Strait hapuku, a washdown hose sits on one side, while rod and speargun holders on the other feature clever rubber-lined cavities that protect tips from damage.
Again, these are small touches, but they demonstrate Tom’s commitment to maximising every available centimetre of space, as well as his care and attention to detail.
Access to the stern platform is via a walkthrough with a removable alloy gate. Once there, there’s plenty of room for fishing, diver recovery or watersports. A sturdy boarding ladder completes the package. I’d prefer a cage around the platform, but that is entirely a personal choice.
The bait station is particularly impressive and clearly designed by someone who understands fishing. It features additional rod holders, drawers, dedicated storage for knives and sinkers, and an integrated livebait tank. On the opposite side of the transom is a matching compartment intended for bait, fish scraps or rubbish. My immediate reaction was simple: a bloody brilliant idea !
The twin batteries, fuel system and associated components are also easy to access under the transom.
Performance
Power comes from a 250hp Mercury V8 Verado finished in matching grey and black and perfectly complementing Grimlock’s outstanding paint job. I’ve tested several boats with this engine and continue to be impressed by both its refinement and performance. The Verado delivers strong acceleration and settles into a smooth, quiet cruise once underway.
In the choppy conditions encountered during some of our test, the PT750 cruised comfortably at 4,200rpm and a touch over 20 knots, burning approximately 37 litres per hour. Fuel capacity is 330 litres – but this can be adapted to suit customer requirements. Underway, Grimlock was responsive, simple and a joy to drive. Sure, a vessel this large isn’t a speed machine, but when you’re exploring the Marlborough Sounds, what’s the hurry.
Very occasionally, a splatter of spray found its way onto the windscreen but given the conditions that was hardly surprising and was quickly dealt with by the twin wipers.
Harry spent considerable time experimenting with the boat’s control systems and came away impressed.
“It’s a big boat, but it drives like a small boat and it’s incredibly manoeuvrable for a 7.5m boat,” he said.
“I really noticed it around the jetties and pontoons we visited during the afternoon.”
His eyes lit up when a Bluebridge ferry passed, throwing up a sizeable wake. Rather than backing off, he powered straight into it at speed. Grimlock barely flinched and we passengers remained standing and comfortable throughout.
“I’d be very happy punching into rough weather in this to reach my favourite Cook Strait fishing spots,” he laughed.
Trailer and final thoughts
Back at the ramp, we took a closer look at the custom aluminium, tandem-axle trailer which seems as solid as a Springbok front row. It features Credo electric over hydraulic braking and a Boat Catch system, important additions given the 2.55-tonne towing weight.
A central walkway fitted with U-Dek helps keep feet dry during launching and retrieval.
Rather than traditional rollers, the trailer uses low-friction plastic skids designed to eliminate pressure points on the hull. The trailer finished with alloy mags, the rig looked every bit as striking in the car park as it had on the water.
In fact, earlier, while photographing the boat from a wharf in Tory Channel, a local resident and his Labrador wandered down for a closer look. A long-time Boating New Zealand reader, he’d spotted us from his lounge and immediately suspected a new-boat photoshoot. Before long he and Tom were deep in discussion about every aspect of the PT750.
Tom said similar encounters had occurred throughout the trip south from his base in Hawke’s Bay.
“Honestly, I lost track of how many people came up to ask about the boat and the brand. The feedback was really positive, which was pretty humbling.”
After spending the afternoon aboard Grimlock, it’s easy to understand the interest.
The PT750 exudes quality and craftsmanship. More importantly, conversations with Tom quickly reveal that this level of refinement is no accident. He is clearly a perfectionist – throughout the day he regularly wiped away smudges, insisted shoes were removed before stepping aboard and he scrutinised every small detail. That same attention to detail is evident throughout the design and build.
The PT750 is large enough to serve as a genuine adventure platform capable of tackling Aotearoa’s coastline in comfort and safety yet remains towable behind a suitable ute. Most importantly, it achieves Tom’s goal of creating a boat tailored to its owner’s needs rather than forcing the owner to adapt to the boat.
For those seeking a distinctive, premium New Zealand-built alloy hardtop, the PT750 makes a compelling statement. It knows exactly what it is – a beautifully executed, mission-ready adventure boat.
Radian PT750
Packages from: $POA
Price as reviewed: $310,000
Manufactured by: Radian Boats Ltd, www.radianboats.co.nz
Highlights
- Combines a rugged hull with a refined finish
- Solid, well considered trailer
- Comfortable, practical helm station
- Attention to detail
- Overnighting and adventure capabilities
Specifications
- LOA: 7.5 m
- Beam: 2.9 m
- Height: 2.9 m
- Deadrise: 19°
- Recommended outboard: 200-350 hp
- Hull bottom plate: 6 mm
- Hull side plate: 4 mm
- Engine: Mercury Verado V8 250hp
- Fuel capacity: 330 litres (adaptable to customers’ needs)
- Water: 60 litres
- Passengers: 7
- Boat & trailer weight: 2550kg
- Trailer: Custom built Radian braked aluminium, double axle
- Cruise speed: 25 knots
- Max speed: 40 knots
