Small boat, Huge impact - Senator Boats launches 550 Hardtop

Senator 550 © Senator Boats

After an extensive development period and countless hours of real-world sea testing, Senator Boats is proud to unveil its latest innovation: the Senator 550.

Compact in size but massive in capability, this 5.5m aluminium hardtop 5.9m overall length (19.4ft) is set to redefine expectations for trailer boats and was officially launched this past weekend at the Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show.

Designed for serious Kiwi and Australian boaties who demand more from their time on the water, the Senator 550 delivers next-level ride comfort, game-changing Mission Modular™ technology, and the rock-solid performance Senator is known for—all in a versatile package that punches well above its weight.

And thanks to its smart layout and engineering, the 550 feels much bigger than other boats in its class—with a generously sized cabin and a surprisingly spacious deck that maximises fishability and comfort for the whole crew.

At the heart of the 550's performance is Senator's legendary SURESEA™ variable deadrise hull, built to inspire confidence in all conditions. This proven design provides exceptional sea handling and trusted seakeeping, whether you're planing effortlessly at low speed, carving through swell on multiple headings, or sitting solidly in a following sea. It's engineered to take on whatever the ocean throws at it—and come out ruling.

Senator Boats Managing Director Grant Simmonds, says the new 550 has been a long time coming.

"We've poured our experience and passion into creating a boat that doesn't just perform—it transforms how people experience boating at this size," says Simmonds.

Whether you're fishing, diving, or chasing adventure, the all-new Senator 550 is made to handle it all—and then some.

Key Features Include:

• Incredible Stability: Designed for balance and safety, no matter the conditions.
• Legendary SURESEA™ Hull: Variable deadrise design delivers toughness, smooth handling, and true all-sea performance.
• Spacious Cabin & Deck: Big on room where it counts—feels like a much larger boat.
• Mission Modular™: Adapt your layout to suit your mission & future budget
• Rock-Solid Ride: Hull engineered for performance, fuel economy, comfort and control.

As well as launching the 550, Senator Boats has also expanded its dealer network in New Zealand, now to 11 dealers from the far north to the deep south.

Marine North now represents the brand in Northland, Inders Marineland in Southland and The Boat Place in Tauranga also joining the dealership team. www.senatorboats.com.