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Red7 · Surfski · Out of production

Red7 Surf70

Flat-underhull design (flattest ahead of cockpit) giving very high stability but hull-slap upwind in chop; nose digs into oncoming waves at speed. Wide flat-water turning circle but easy to chase runs downwind. Early 'venturi bulb' drain, precursor to the bullet scupper.

Length
6.6 m
Beam
44 cm
Deck
33.5 cm
Lightest
13 kg
Red7 Surf70 — side profile on the beach
side profile on the beach · surfski.info

Specifications

Length
6.6 m
Beam
44 cm
Deck height
33.5 cm (est.)
Category
Surfski
Skill level
beginner
New price
Not listed new

Layup weights

glass17.5 kg
carbon kevlar13 kg

On-water profile

Stability
8.0
Speed
5.0

Both scores are rated at the hull's own design weight. How these are derived.

Calibrated vs Epic V8 (9/5) and Fenn Elite S (3/9.5). Original review rated stability near a Fenn XT (very high, near beginner-friendly), more stable than era's V10/Mako6; speed competitive downwind but possibly slower than a V10 upwind - below the Pro and well below elite skis.

Suits: Strong downwind (picks up runs easily, low wake hard to draft) and in rough chop where stability shines; less composed punching upwind into steep waves where the flat hull slaps and takes spray.

Paddler weight

This hull is built around a paddler of about 91 kg. It stays workable from 80 kg to 97 kg, and sits at its best between 85 kg and 93 kg.

Derived from published hull dimensions and calibrated against manufacturer paddler limits, not taken from a marketing range. The method, in full.

Generations

2006-2007

First-gen of Red7's CAD-redesigned range, superseded within ~a year by the Surf70 Pro (a distinct later hull). Out of production/support since; occasional SA/AU/NZ used-market finds.

What works, and what it costs you

What works

  • Very high stability, near dedicated beginner boats
  • Solid, strong construction per original review
  • Good downwind speed and easy run-chasing
  • Innovative venturi 'bulb' drain improved low-speed draining

Trade-offs

  • Hull slaps and takes spray upwind
  • Wide flat-water turning circle - weak for buoy racing
  • Brand defunct - no parts/service/support
  • Early demo units had rudder-post leaks and inconsistent finish

What paddlers say

Rob Mousley (surfski.info, 2006): 'extraordinary stability combined with speed... attractive to a wide range of ability', but criticized wide turning circle and flimsy demo footplate.Reported experience
'Craig M' (surfski.info, 2020): offered one at AU$450, decided worth it as a cheap learner/flat-water boat.Reported experience
'MCImes' (surfski.info, 2020): 'if it's that cheap, get it now... at worst sell for a profit.'Reported experience

Where to buy

The Surf70 is out of production. It turns up on the second-hand market; there is no new-boat channel for it.

Maker closed Red7 is no longer trading. Dormant since the factory fire around 2011-2012. Nothing has been built since and there is no manufacturer support.

Nobody sells Red7 new. The second-hand market is the only channel.

No manufacturer/dealer support; oldest, rarest Red7 still occasionally seen. Some demo units weighed up to 21kg - verify actual weight/condition.

Sources