Pacific PowerBoat Sep Oct 2024

IN PURSUIT OF PERFECTION

The new M55 Black Edition is borne of Maritimo’s objective to constantly improve even its best-selling models. Our meticulous review of onboard style, comfort, and functionality has resulted in new elements of elegance and sophistication. All of this is accomplished and integrated with the unparalleled engineering and performance Maritimo yachts are known for. Relentless in our quest for excellence, Maritimo is proud to adorn new models with the striking Black Edition mark. maritimo.com.au

REVIEWS FEATURES REGULARS

Doug Dukeson sat down with David Foulkes at the recent Sydney Boat Show

HISTORY OF KIWI TRAILER BOATS BY THE DECADES

Looking Back – Part Six - The 2000s

Brad Dutton looks back on 40 years of Bridge to Bridge

Ron Czerniak shares his Nordic voyage around Scandinavia

We take a look throughout NZ what’s new and coming up in the Alloy Boat world

FOCUS:

UTILITY

SUY135 Antonini Navi presents the Sport Utility Yacht – already under construction and due fordelivery in 2026

The

Preparing your boat for the

The arrival of springtime signals red-hot workup fishing - Fishing in Godzone’s editor Mat Hewetson tells us all about it

The Powerboat team have been busy “on the road again”

Derek the Chef, prepares

Aaron Fletcher shares his tips learned after years of getting it right and getting it wrong

SPORT UTILITY YACHTSUY 135

Antonini Navi presents the Sport Utility Yacht - SUY 135 already under construction and due for delivery in 2026 - Moravia Yachts appointed as central agency.

Antonini Navi, the La Spezia-based shipyard that specialises in the construction of full-custom yachts, introduces the Sport Utility Yacht – SUY 135, a new superyacht developed by Aldo Manna, Partner and Sales Director for Antonini Navi, together with designer Fulvio De Simoni. Moravia Yachts has been appointed as Central Agency. Hull number #1 is already in construction and delivery is scheduled in 2026. SUY 135 is part of a larger project by Antonini Navi that will soon introduce SUY 190 and SUY 108 to complete the range of a new all-around seafaring ability yacht able to fulfil the growing demand for a brand-new superyacht class able to sail in deep waters with comfort and luxury but remaining in close contact with the ocean and marine life.

Currently in build at the shipyard’s facility in Italy and due for delivery in 2026, the SUY 135 measures 44m in length and comes in at approximately 480GT.

This displacement motor yacht is the first in the yard’s new line of Sports Utility Yachts - SUY. The SUY line has been designed by Fulvio de Simoni, with naval architecture from Studio Arrabito. Constructed in steel, the SUY 135 pairs a more typical superyacht aesthetic with incredible world-cruising capability.

“Exactly like an SUV in the automotive world, the SUY offers the opportunity to experience the vessel

with no limits”, says Aldo Manna, Partner and Sales Director of Antonini Navi and Founder of the Sport Utility Yacht Concept. “The idea was created to allow the owner and his guests to enjoy their yacht at 360°, being able to have toys, amenities, tenders, and any other means suitable for the many sporting and recreational activities that the sea and its places can offer”.

“We are delighted to have this cooperation with Antonini Navi, a brand born under the flag of Gruppo Antonini, the historical Italian builder with over 70 years of experience in naval construction and the operation of oil and gas field structures onshore and offshore, two sectors that demand extremely high quality. Antonini Navi has been building hulls for other major names in luxury yachting and the launch of their own superyacht line has already seen encouraging commercial results. We are proud to represent the Antonini SUY series; it’s an

interesting and innovative concept with big volumes and great capacity to carry large water toys whilst, at the same time, special attention is given to the yacht owner’s privacy and lifestyle", says Alessandro Diomedi, Sales Broker at Moravia Yachting.

The clever naval architecture, engineering and internal compartmentation are designed to allow full internal and external customization by a client. The proposed interior layout features a main and upper deck connected via a raised deck with a short staircase, and there are five guest cabins.

The SUY 135’s exterior spaces include a 40sqm veranda with an al fresco dining space that’s sheltered from the elements and made more private thanks to its position beneath the raised deck and a 35sqm beach club with transom Jacuzzi. On the sun deck, a second Jacuzzi makes the most of the elevated views, and there’s a bar counter, casual dining table, and sun pads. A sizable transversal tender garage stows a 7-metre RIB and leaves plenty of space for water toys.

The SUY 135 has a range of 4,000nm at her economical 10-knot cruising speed and a top speed of 16 knots.

PUBLISHER

Doug Dukeson

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ON THE ROAD AGAIN....

After three weeks of travelling about the New Zealand marine industry, starting with a week in Auckland, then a week roaming the Waikato and Bay of Plenty, followed by a four-day wintery drive from Invercargill to Christchurch, I came away with mixed feelings about the industry’s current state.

The alloy boat industry seems to be ticking over okay, particularly at the entrylevel, up to $70,000, and at the top end of the market, 200k plus. In the traditional ‘bread and butter’ mid-range, (boats $80k to $200k), things seem very slow; thankfully, for some of the more prominent manufacturers, export orders have been covering the slower domestic demand.

The GRP industry seems to be feeling things a little tougher, although sales of boats over $200k still seem to be moving. I can only put this down to those with disposable incomes or those with their bucks in the bank, still in a post-COVID mindset and unwilling to make a purchase call while the economy is tough and interest rates are high.

Following this local industry travel, early August called for a trip across the ditch to explore the Sydney International Boat Show, which certainly mirrored a similar stance to the New Zealand trailer boat market. At what I would guess, the show seemed to be about 25% down in size on the previous 2023 show, a true reflection of just where the market is sitting right now.

After 36 years in the marine publishing game, this is certainly not the first dip I have travelled alongside the industry. After the massive post-COVID high, the industry came off, which has undoubtedly been felt. The industry survivors in these instances, who had the sense to put a few acorns away, always seem to come out stronger, having learnt new survival techniques and looked hard at their businesses and systems.

With spring almost upon us, the new boating season almost here, and the Official Cash Rate falling along with bank interest rates, I have already heard manufacturers and retailers telling me their phones have started to ring again. Enquiries made and names registered from the two earlier Kiwi Boat Shows in March and May have again lifted from their winter hibernation and making enquiries.

We look forward to the warmer weather and the new boating season, which will be just that little bit more enjoyable for all, with a more confident economy and market.

We look forward to bringing you your Power Boat fix for the summer editions, 100% and unashamedly dedicated to power boats and everything about them.

Happy Reading.

Doug Dukeson Publisher.

HAMPTON ENDURANCE 680

Combining the ultimate in performance, luxury and functionality, the Endurance 680 is one of the most popular models produced in Hampton’s long-range cruising series. With an open-plan layout, timeless design and the highest-quality finishes, the E680 is a standout in its class and is purpose-built with serious cruising capabilities in mind.

Comfort on board is at the heart of the E680’s conception, offering users with a functional, well-thought-out design and an interior brimming with beautifully crafted cherry wood and marble surfaces.

Key features include Twin Caterpillar C18 1000hp diesels on straight shafts, Hydraulic bow & stern thruster, ABT Trac at rest stabilisers, Dual wing docking stations, Dual Cummins Onan gensets and Four stateroom/four head layout.

Hampton’s Endurance line is focused on meeting the requirements for longdistance cruising in luxury, comfort, and safety. Their mission-specific yachts are designed by noted naval architect, Howard Apollonio, an acknowledged expert in producing highly performance-efficient hull forms.

The Endurance family of hulls utilizes a hybrid form that delivers the fuel economy and seakeeping ability of a full displacement hull for longer, open water passages, along with the potential for the higher speeds of a semi-planing form for alongshore travel and island hopping. From their carefully thought-out deck and equipment layouts to their skilfully engineered propulsion packages, Endurance yachts are built to go to sea. In all Endurance yachts, you find watertight anti-collision bulkheads,

multiple escape hatches, fire detection and suppression systems, a custom ship’s monitoring system, and twin anchors rigged with 300 feet of all-chain rode running over link-matched hydraulic windlasses.

Leigh-Smith Yachts are excited to announce the addition of a new stock yacht set to be delivered to our shores in 2024. Labelled as “80 feet of yacht in a 68 foot hull” by our friends at BoatTest.com, the four-stateroom, four-head E680 cruises effortlessly at 10 knots in absolute luxury. Comfort on-board is at the heart of the E680’s conception, offering users a functional layout and an interior brimming with the highest quality finishes. With extraordinary sea-keeping ability, twin 1,136hp CAT C18’s on straight shafts and an 8,000L fuel capacity, the E680 is ready to comfortably tackle any journey.

AXOPAR 29

The new Axopar 29 is more than just a boat; it’s a symbol of adventure, innovation, and versatility. Designed to meet the demands of thrill seekers and casual cruisers alike, Axopar has solidified their reputation in the boating world and now believe they have released a market leading model.

Driven by customer feedback and an impeccable attention to detail, this model combines sleek lines, functionality and style, while offering a superior on-water experience. The Axopar 29 offers two distinctive options: the Sun Top and the Cross Cabin. Both versions boast Axopar’s signature twin-stepped, deep V hull design, which offers great performance, agility, stability, and efficiency on the water, yet they each cater to different boating preferences.

The Sun Top is perfect for those who crave open-air experiences, featuring an innovative opening roof that provides sun protection without sacrificing the

feel of the wind in your hair. Its spacious forward cabin can easily transform into a comfortable sleeping area, while the versatile aft deck is customizable to suit various activities, from sunbathing to social gatherings.

On the other hand, the Axopar 29 Cross Cabin is designed for those who seek adventure regardless of the weather. Its enclosed cabin offers shelter and warmth, making it ideal for all-season boating. Whether navigating through choppy seas or cruising along the New Zealand or Australian coastlines, the Cross Cabin ensures a comfortable ride while maintaining the same high standards of usability and performance that Axopar is known for.

The Axopar 29 is a vessel that offers the means to explore the waters with confidence, comfort, and class. Whether you choose the Sun Top or the Cross Cabin, the Axopar 29 promises adventure. EYACHTS.COM.AU | EYACHTS.CO.NZ

YOUR ADVENTURE AWAITS

Embark on exhilarating adventures along New Zealand’s coastline onboard the all-new Axopar 45 Cross Top –a vessel meticulously crafted to redefine your boating adventures. Seamlessly blend the thrill of open-air journeys with the comfort of sheltered spaces and sleeping for up to 4.

Explore further with highly efficient 30 knot cruising speeds thanks to Axopars renowned twin-stepped hull, capable of reaching 50kts. Revel in the exhilarating feeling of taking the helm, then unwind in the generous social areas onboard. Explore boundless customization possibilities and embark on a journey like no other onboard the Axopar 45. Also available with an enclosed Cross Cabin or open Sun Top.

CL YACHTS SHOWCASE THEIR CLB65

Bringing all-weather cruising to those who love real boating.

Having wowed boaters with her AsiaPacific debut in Hong Kong last year, CLB65 from CL Yachts made her way to Australia this year, where she was featured at the Sanctuary Cove Boat Show in May and more recently at the Sydney International Boat Show.

At 19.7 metres in length, with one of the most comfortable beams in her class of 6.05 metres, the Howard Apolloniodesigned hull builds upon the success of the bestselling CLB72 – this contemporary cruiser has been tailor-made for Australasian adventures, with acres of shaded deck space, a seamless inside/outside experience, proven Volvo Penta performance and construction engineered by Gurit that ensures she can take whatever the Aussie and NZ coastlines and seas can throw at her.

That waterside living manifests through carefully considered decks that include a single-level main deck from the aft terrace to the forward saloon, a lower deck with the full-beam master, luxurious VIP and a further ensuite twin, and a superb flybridge that extends all the way aft which also provides shade and shelter to the cockpit below.

At the main deck level, the aft cockpit and alfresco dining area roll forward into an aft galley – a first for CL Yachts, and a hugely popular feature for Australian and NZ boaters – which features a lift-up aft window and opening door to connect outside and in.

The Howard Apollonio-designed hull has been optimised for fast, rugged cruising, with twin 800hp Volvo Penta IPS 1050s offering a cruise of 21 knots and a sticksdown 27-knot max.

“As well as offering the very best fit and finish and contemporary classic styling in a variety of materials to suit each client’s taste, we also consider the cruising areas and cruising style for our key territories,” explains Martin Lo, CL Yachts Director.

CLYACHTS.COM

SYDNEY INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW

DAZZLES DARLING

HARBOUR

That’s a wrap for the 2024 Sydney International Boat Show which attracted almost 42,000 attendees through the doors of the Sydney International Convention Centre (ICC) and purpose-built marina on Cockle Bay from 1 to 4 August.

Over the four days, the Show featured 185 exhibitors, 618 boats including 194 on the purposebuilt marina on Cockle Bay and 424 in the ICC Halls across 19,030sqm. Presented by the Boating Industry Association Ltd (BIA) in conjunction with event delivery partner, Mulpha Events, the Show took place at Sydney’s iconic Darling Harbour, showcasing the best of the boating lifestyle. From the large fleet including superyachts, powerboats and sailboats on the event marina, through to a host of premium exhibitors displaying the latest trailer boats, personal watercraft, and marine technology in the exhibition halls.

BIA President, Adam Smith said the 2024 Sydney International Boat Show had been a success with the depth and diversity that the Show offered consumers, exhibitors, and the general marine industry. “From launching new products to market, strengthening brand awareness and addressing issues facing the industry, through to converting sales, from fishing rods to Superyachts, over the last four days the Show has provided the backdrop and opportunity for all of this plus so much more”. Mr Smith commented, “we’re delighted to work once again with our event delivery partner, Mulpha Events to produce an innovative and engaging world-class event. I have no

CHRISTCHURCH OUTDOOR EXPO –

Your gateway to the Ultimate Outdoor Experience

This September, get ready to shake off Winter and step into a world brimming with the latest outdoor gear and technology. Whether you're looking to upgrade worn gear, repair cherished equipment, or discover innovative outdoor solutions, the Outdoor Expo is your one- stop destination. Featuring a diverse array of top outdoor brands, and offering unbeatable

doubt that the Sydney International Boat Show has further cemented its reputation as not only a standout event nationally but one of a limited number of internationally recognised boat shows on the global boating calendar.”

The Sydney International Boat Show injects hundreds of millions of dollars into the NSW economy, creates tens of thousands of jobs and generates millions of dollars in sales and orders. The 2025 Sydney International Boat Show will take place from 31 July to 3 August.

SYDNEYBOATSHOW.COM.AU

14 &15

SEPTEMBER

deals to fuel your adventurous spirit. Immerse yourself in an exciting array of activities and attractions, tailored to delight every outdoor enthusiast. Gear up for your greatest adventure yet with the Outdoor Expo! To be held on September 14th - 15th at the Canterbury Agricultural Park. OUTDOOREXPO.CO.NZ

THE NEW CATALYST GT IS LAUNCHED

As a result of a client’s request, Lloyd Stevenson Boatbuilders have created an entirely new Catalyst – the GT. Refining the America’s Cup Catalyst’s superstructure, they have created more of a gentlemen’s fast commuter, reminiscent of these elegant boats from the 1920s and 30s.

They launched her on the 8th of August, and although still recognisable as a Catalyst, the GT takes the brand in a new direction. The Catalyst GT is the perfect example of the Catalyst’s customisability. Born out of a request by the owner of a private resort island for a high-speed luxury guest transfer, water sports and touring vessel, she is one of two Catalysts currently in build at Lloyd Stevenson Boatbuilders. As has been the case with all the Catalyst built to date, the GT is a 100% custom build and entirely different from the second Catalyst, which is a tender for a superyacht. Building two completely different boats at the same time is a major undertaking but one the Lloyd Stevenson boat builders relish.

The GT has seating for 30 guests and a reinforced bow, enabling the boat to nose onto sandy beaches, where the bow beachlanding stairs can be deployed, giving direct access off the boat onto the shore. The beach landing stairs are lowered from the foredeck centre section; when stowed, they are neatly housed in a recessed compartment in the bow centre section, under two foredeck doors.

At 13.75 m (45 ft), the GT is finished to superyacht standards. It has 4 x 300 hp Yamaha outboard motors and a top speed of 50 knots. These high-performance catamarans are powerful, lightweight, very capable sea boats with exceptional ride and handling. It is these traits that have made them the favoured chase boat for all the main America’s Cup teams. They also make excellent superyacht tenders and private, high-performance recreational boats.

Of the 25 Catalysts built to date, no two are the same, and they have excelled at every task they have been asked to perform. Everything can be customised to meet a client’s needs… the options list is only limited by your imagination.

ILIAD CATAMARANS ENJOYS OUTSTANDING RESPONSE AT SIBS

The recent Sydney International Boat Show yielded extremely strong results for ILIAD Catamarans with hundreds of visitors flocking to inspect the awardwinning ILIAD 53F on display.

The luxury long-range power catamaran was arguably one of the most popular models on display at the event and impressed visitors with its extraordinary craftsmanship, living space and outstanding fuel efficiency.

ILIAD Catamarans general manager Michael Crook said the team is now negotiating a number of orders across the range following busy sea trials after the close of the show. “The demand wasn’t just strong across our 53’ series, as we also had a lot of interest in our larger models including the ILIAD 62 and new flagship 75,” Michael said. The show was extremely strong for us and is a great testament to the features of our range with demand for our models defying the quieter market trends,” he said. Our team is now busy following up on a mountain of enquiry as well as dealing with the ever-expanding interest from new international markets, including the US and Europe.” Established in 2016 with its first model launched in 2019, ILIAD Catamarans has swiftly become a leading force in the power catamaran market. With the brand firmly established in the Asia Pacific region, the company is now responding to very strong demand from international markets, fuelled by the ILIAD 53F recently winning the prestigious 2024 Multihull of the Year award.

ILIAD Catamarans appointed Atlantic Yacht & Ship, Inc as their exclusive US and Bahamas dealer earlier this year with an ILIAD 53F sold on the first day of the Miami Boat Show in February and the model set to be exhibited at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show from 30 October until 3 November. “We have also just sold our first model into the European market – an ILIAD 53F to a client in Montenegro – and are fielding extraordinary demand for our range from power catamaran enthusiasts particularly in Turkey, Greece and throughout the Mediterranean,” Michael said. Following our attendance at the upcoming Cannes Yachting Festival, we expect to announce the expansion of our dealer network into Europe by the end of 2024,” he said. “It’s a very exciting time for the company and we have just expanded our shipyard facilities to cater for the continued demand for our larger models, including the ILIAD 62 and ILIAD 75."

ILIADCATAMARANS.COM

SUPERYACHT BUILDER YACHTING DEVELOPMENTS LAUNCH THEIR LATEST CREATION

A 34.9m (114ft) custom build Carbon Fibre Sportsfisher

From the design board of Warwick Yacht Design, the vessel is custom-built to make long-range international passages on her own bottom, with this in mind she carries 24,000 litres of fuel and has the ability to refuel/bunker while still at sea. Everything about the vessel is impressive, the V16 High Performance engines were built to order by Rolls Royce - MTU for this particular project, each engine develops 2,600hp enabling a comfortable cruising speed in excess of 37 kmph (20 knots).

As with any well-designed superyacht, the exterior styling is in proportion, the interior layout is open plan, with accommodation for up to 10 guests in four cabins, in addition, there is also dedicated crew accommodation aft of the main engine room. The deck layout features a large mezzanine cockpit above the fighting cockpit, this provides an elevated outdoor vantage point for guests to watch the action up close. The fully enclosed air-conditioned flybridge provides excellent visibility through 25mm thick laminated toughened glazing, state-of-the-art stabilizers and mega-size vertical interceptor trim tabs provide a comfortable ride and efficient trim while at sea. With long passages in mind, the vessel is fitted with twin generators, twin water makers, salted ice makers, freshwater ice makers, large catch chillers and a live bait tank that could be mistaken for a small swimming pool. A 53kw/72hp Bow thruster and a 42kw/57hp Stern thruster will give the vessel the ability to squeeze into tight locations with ease. Propeller tunnels incorporated into the hull allow the large diameter propellers and shafts to be located snuggly up in the hull bottom shell keeping the draft down to a respectable 1.9m (6ft).

Thanks to the clever use of carbon fibre and weight-saving interior, Yachting Developments is again able to build a large Sportsfisher that has the best of both worlds, capable of both high speed and long-range, there may even be a little water skiing behind the Sportsfisher if the fish are not biting!

NZ MARINE OFFICE HOLDERS CONFIRMED FOR 2024/2025

Tracey Stevenson, director of the renowned custom boat builder Lloyd Stevenson Boatbuilders, was elected President of the NZ Marine Industry Association at the 59th NZ Marine AGM held in early July. Tracey is the Association’s first female President in its 59-year history. She has served the past two years as Vice President and has also served two years as Chair of the Marine & Specialised Technologies Academy (MAST).

Following a career in the corporate accounting world, Tracey married into the Lloyd Stevenson Boatbuilders’ team in 1987, and more formally joined the company in the early 2000’s. She manages to balance several governance roles in the not-for-profit world with her role in the leadership team.

NZ Marine also congratulated Jason Dickey of Dickey Boats – who was re-elected as Vice President and Albear Montocchio of Hamilton Jet who was elected as Vice President (NZ Marine has two Vice Presidents).

NZ Marine thank outgoing President Garry Lock for his commitment and service to NZ Marine over the last four years.

NZMARINE.COM

Congratulations to PowerboatMagazine’s Recipe sponsor

MOTUEKA WINEMAKERS WINS FOUR GOLD MEDALS AT THE AOTEAROA REGIONAL WINE

COMPETITION

Motueka Winemakers is thrilled to announce its outstanding achievement at the Aotearoa Regional Wine Competition. The winery has been awarded four gold medals, a testament to its dedication to excellence and innovation in winemaking. The gold medals were awarded to the following wines:

1. Anchorage Estate Nelson Sauvignon Blanc 2024

2. Anchorage Estate Nelson Gewurztraminer 2024

3. Anchorage Estate Nelson Pinot Noir Rose 2024

4. Torrent Bay Nelson Sauvignon Blanc 2024, plus Regional Winner for the Nelson/Tasman Region

These accolades highlight Motueka Winemakers' commitment to producing high-quality wines that showcase the unique terroir of the Motueka region. The competition, known for its rigorous judging standards, celebrates the best of New Zealand's winemaking talent and brings together industry professionals and enthusiasts alike. “We are incredibly proud of this achievement,” said Chris Drummond, General Manager at Motueka Winemakers. “These awards are a reflection of our team's hard work, passion, and dedication to crafting exceptional wines. We are honored to be recognized among such company and look forward to continuing to bring our best to wine lovers everywhere.”

ANCHORAGEFAMILYESTATE.NZ

FREEDOM MARINE TO REPRESENT RIVIERA

YACHTS IN CANADA

Freedom Marine International Yacht

New Zealand Agent For:

Sales has joined Riviera’s growing global network of dealerships and will represent Riviera in Canada. Freedom Marine will offer the complete range of Riviera yachts from 39 to 78 feet from its two offices in Coal Harbour, Vancouver, and Port Sidney Marina on Vancouver Island.

“We are pleased to welcome Freedom Marine to the Riviera global dealership network,’’ owner Rodney Longhurst said. “Freedom Marine has been operating in Vancouver since 1997. We share the same values when it comes to creating the ultimate boating experience for our motor yacht owners. “We look forward to the Freedom team supporting our many Canadian owners and welcoming new owners to the Riviera family.”

The Freedom Marine team is known for its highly regarded aftersales care. “In addition to giving new Riviera owners all the delivery and handover briefing and training they require, we connect them with our preferred service teams and include access to world-class boathouses in both office locations,’’ Freedom Marine Vice President Denis Barnard said. “Freedom Marine is the only yacht dealership in British Columbia with multiple boathouses between 55 and 75 feet, which provide a clean and fully enclosed environment for service, maintenance and repairs.’’

The strong Freedom Marine team consists of nine professional yacht sales representatives who are supported by a team of administration, marketing, accounting, and management personnel. This includes the recent appointment of Greg Andrew, a seasoned and respected sales professional with more than 15 years of experience working with Riviera yachts. Freedom Marine is also Number 1 in Canada for boats sold between 35 and 180 feet.

60 Riviera motor yachts and 160 people from Canada and the Pacific Northwest attended the Riviera Roche Harbour Rendezvous and Freedom Marine were proud to partner with Emerald Pacific Yachts to host this inspiring event. We pride ourselves in putting our customers’ needs first in every decision that we make, and we look forward to supporting Riviera owners and welcoming more Canadians to the Riviera family.”

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Quality 316 Stainless Steel Made From Full Electric and Hydraulic Options Options 200KG - Available 1500KG

Single Stage and Fixed Boom Hydraulic Swim Platforms

FROM THE DRAWING BOARDTHE VOODOO XF95

Voodoo Yachts is excited to present the all-new XF95, a new standard of luxury yachting. Pioneers of fast offshore passage-making and the use of hydrofoils in the luxury yacht industry, Voodoo Yachts have now gone beyond with the XF95.

The XF95 is a state-of-the-art hydrofoilassisted catamaran motor yacht, building on Voodoo Yachts’ proven Xpedition Foiler platform. This platform has been rigorously tested and refined in the South Pacific, and the XF95 introduces new design elements such as forward-raked windscreens and advanced engineering, including innovative hull and hydrofoil enhancements. The yacht boasts impressive performance, cruising at speeds exceeding 30 knots, and maintains exceptional efficiency even at top speeds.

As one of the most hydrodynamically sophisticated luxury motor yachts available, the XF95 offers an extended range at high speeds and excels in fast passage-making, a rare trait among adventure superyachts. This capability expands lifestyle options significantly, enabling owners and guests

to explore a wide array of destinations with greater freedom and flexibility. Additionally, the high speed provides a safety advantage, allowing for swift navigation away from adverse weather conditions.

To Voodoo Yachts’ knowledge, the XF95 will be the largest high-speed hydrofoiling luxury motor yacht in existence. Its hydrofoil ensures a unique experience, gliding smoothly and high above the water.

Key specifications include:

• Gross Tonnage (GT): 245

• Onboard Space: 500m² (comparable to a typical 36-38m yacht)

• Length Overall (LOA): 28.5m

• Beam: 9.5m

• Cruising Speed: Over 30 knots

• Top Speed: 40 knots Voodoo Yachts has designed the XF95 to maximize space, particularly on the main

aft deck, which features a large pool and lounging area that seamlessly connects to the interior and exterior environments. The yacht also includes a substantial garage capable of accommodating a Williams Dieseljet 625 and two full-sized jetskis simultaneously. The design focuses on enhancing lifestyle, providing adaptability for various cruising locations such as the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Middle East, New Zealand/Australia, and South Pacific Islands, and accommodating diverse climates and seasons.

In summary, the XF95 represents a unique and exceptional lifestyle choice, combining speed, range, seaworthiness, luxury, and adventure in a way unmatched by other yachts of its size.

VOODOOYACHTS.COM

ADMIRAL AWARD-WINNING DEMO VESSEL FOR SALE

Incorporating larger launch features and luxuries and combining them into this perfect small launch package, it fits into all aspects of boating, from the sports-ready cockpit with island unit BBQ and live bait tank, huge underfloor storage with underfloor Dometic freezer, moulded coaming lockers, platform staple and baitboard, and fully game rigged outriggers, its set to satisfy the hearty fisherman & diver.

Stepping into the saloon where you're treated to comfort and luxury with leather lounger settees and teak table, there is a fully appointed teak galley with gas stove and oven, 130ltr fridge and entertainment cabinet/wet bar. Comfortable cabin berths bring the home comforts out onto the water with a forward v-berth that converts into a large double, a bunk to starboard and shelf to port, and another double running athwartships under the saloon floor. The full-size shower/head utilises the 370lts of fresh water, 30ltr hot water cylinder and 100lt black water tank fed by electric maserating toilet.

Powered with Volvo Pentas 260hp D4 (with two year warranty), battery management and e-power smart charger, 12 inch Garmin/Glass cockpit and Humphree's automated trim system with auto list and auto trim, it has paired up a perfect marriage of performance and economy. And with 650lts fuel it offers extended cruising offshore. With features, smarts, details and quality workmanship throughout, this 10m sports cruiser and an extensive list of optional extras, truly need to be experienced and may just bring your dreams to life.

For more information about this vessel phone Steve on 027 600 9027. ADMIRALBOATSNZ.COM

We specialise not only in helm chairs but also custom made furniture, boat interiors, soft furnishings and all your upholstery needs.

A CASE OF TRUE LOVE BETWEEN SAILOR GIRL AND HER HIGHFIELD PATROL 660

Sailing since she was 10 months old, Nic Douglass, known as The Sailor Girl, is the ubiquitous force in yachting media –covering sailing all over the world, promoting it and competing when her schedule allows.

The proud owner of a 6.51-metre Highfield Patrol 660, fully equipped with her high-tech AV gear, Nic has been enjoying the boost to her team’s mobility and presence on the water. “We added quite a bit of AV equipment in partnership with Shure, RGB-Link and ClearCom, which is completely removable so that the boat can function with or without it,” she reports. “The Patrol takes care of everything with ease, and aside from the specialist gear, it was spot on out of the factory.”

At 6.51-metres (21’4”), with a beam of 2.59-metres (8’6”), the Highfield Patrol

660 can carry 1,287kgs, rated for up to 13 people (and a couple of dogs!) with a 140-litre fuel tank and maximum 200hp. The 26-degree deadrise hull keeps the boat stable and steady and the passengers dry. “I was commentating for the ABC for the Invictus Games in 2018 when I first noticed the Highfield brand. Their boats are incredibly efficient and a dream offshore.” Nic says her Highfield Patrol 660, known as SGHQ01 and dubbed “Ribbit”, has raised her coverage capabilities to the next level. “With the Highfield as our platform, not only can we be more flexible and more equipped, we are faster, safer and can be

super consistent with what we can deliver,” she states. “This makes the product that we can provide, for sailing events, brands and teams even better. We have now tested it in some trying conditions, and we can say that the robustness and drivability make the long days so much more manageable, and enjoyable. Our mission to encourage more people to get out on the water is much more realistic now, thanks to our Highfield platform. I honestly love her.”

HIGHFIELDBOATS.COM.AU SAILORGIRLHQ.COM

NZ BOAT MANUFACTURER, RAE LINE, EXPORTS TO THE UK

This month, North Canterbury boat manufacturer Rae Line Boats is exporting their first boat to the United Kingdom, made possible by the New Zealand and United Kingdom Free-Trade Agreement implemented in June 2023.

Rae Line has been building boats in Swannanoa since the 1990s. Initially contracted by Sea Ray Boats of America to meet the demand for 18 to 20foot trailer boats in the Australasian market, Rae Line has since developed their own range of boats that have proved popular in

Australia and New Zealand.

Ian Williamson, Director of Sports Marine and Rae Line Boats, a net importer of luxury boats and marine products from the U.K., welcomed the FTA and investigated the competitive advantage Rae Line could exploit for its range of boats for the U.K. market. The FTA allows Rae Line to build boats at a competitive price point for the U.K. market.

Immediately following the FTA coming into force, Rae Line undertook extensive market research to ensure their boats complied with U.K. and European standards. Shortly after, the first Rae Line 185 is shipped to a customer in Scotland later this month. Rhys Williamson, General

Manager of Rae Line, is excited to explore the new business opportunities the FTA will bring. The ease of doing business for New Zealand manufacturers is essential for growth, and the FTA makes it possible to explore further afield markets. There is always a demand for quality New Zealand products on a global scale. Removal of duties that add no value to the end consumers in the supply chain now makes our products more affordable. The FTA and our first initial order to the UK have come at a great time, just as the NZ economy has slowed after the industry had boomed during COVID-19. Rae Line has built over 2,000 boats since 1998.

RAELINEBOATS.COM

LITHIUM BATTERIES

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF HOLIDAY OUTBOARD SERVICES & BOAT STORAGE

For over 50 years, Holiday Outboard Services has been dedicated to servicing and repairing outboard motors of all makes and models, specialising as Johnson, Evinrude, and Honda dealers.

The company’s journey began in 1968 when Keith Smith founded Holiday Marine. In 1975, Ian Gallop took the helm, and in 1989, current owner Stuart Andrew joined the team. The company was rebranded to Holiday Outboard Services in 1991, the name under which it operates today 35 Years later.

Holiday Outboard Services caters to a diverse clientele from all over New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. Many customers have been loyal for years, returning repeatedly for the exceptional service and respect they receive. The team of Stu (38), Jeremy (38) who was a co-owner for the first 10 years, Lance (25) and John (5) (Years of experience) is known for taking the time to explain issues and provide effective solutions, boasting one of the

E MARINE

SABRE'S NEWEST MODEL

The Sabre 51 Salon Express

Wlargest selections of parts for older engines in Auckland. With decades of accumulated knowledge and experience, Holiday Outboard Services is truly a customerfocused business.

The pride in their work is evident when talking to the team at Holiday Outboards with their commitment driven by three main factors Safety: Ensuring the safety of boat owners, their families, and friends is a top priority. As Stuart Andrew says, “It can get very nasty very fast on the water”. Expertise: The staff are highly trained, with Master Technicians on site. Collectively, the staff boasts over 106 years of experience in the industry. Dedication: The Holiday Marine staff are passionate about providing the best service possible because they themselves are boaties and genuinely love

what they do.

Stuart Andrew, the Director, has over 38 years of experience in the marine industry, including offshore power-boat and circuit racing. Before his career in the marine industry, Stuart served in the UK military before emigrating to New Zealand. In addition to their top-notch service and repair shop, Holiday Outboards also operates a 4000-square-meter, fully secured storage facility on-site. The storage facility offers 24-hour access via individually coded security tags. The storage facility offers boat wash facilities, a drop-off and pick-up service to boat ramps and Boat valet service. For more information, call (09) 4481650 or visit them at 209 Bush Road, Rosedale, Auckland.

HOLIDAYOUTBOARDS.CO.NZ

ith all the traditional grace, performance, and nautical sophistication that Sabre has embodied for the past 50 years, the Sabre 51 Salon Express boasts enhanced social spaces in both the cockpit and foredeck. The generous salon provides a sanctuary of comfort for longer cruises, while the charming environment allows the owner/skipper and guests to unwind aboard for a sunset cruise.

Highlights include foredeck seating including sunbed and forward bench seat, expanded cockpit and enhanced salon. This vessel is powered by twin Volvo IPS 800 drives and is controlled by the Sabre digital switching system and the Sabre Connect app.

The Sabre 51 Salon Express has been described by members of the Sabre team as engaging, dynamic, and striking.

EMARINE.COM.AU

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Don’t miss out on this limited-time offer. Explore the Suzuki outboard range today at your local Suzuki Marine dealership! SUZUKIMARINE.CO.NZ

RIPBOB WILSON

NZ Marine and the team at Pacific PowerBoat magazine were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of renowned boatbuilder Bob Wilson at the beginning of August.

Bob Wilson, with his brother Richard, took the helm of Brin Wilson Boat Builders from his father Brin in 1974, continuing his legacy of designing, building and repairing some of New Zealand’s most notable timber boats.

Pacific PowerBoat magazine sends its deepest sympathies to Bob's wife Dale, and his family, including Gareth Wilson of Westhaven Marina and Chris Wilson of yacht Janice of Wyoming, and the team at Brin Wilson Boat Builders, at Gulf Harbour. BRINWILSONBOATS.CO.NZ

FLEMING YACHTS CELEBRATE MILESTONE

Fleming Yachts have celebrated recently, shipping the 400th Fleming built. This was a Fleming 85, hull number 006 which sailed from Kaohsiung and is now being enjoyed by her owners in some adventurous cruising in Asia.

FLEMINGYACHTS.COM

“Simrad marine electronics are made for saltwater anglers that don’t want to compromise, and our new RECON trolling motor absolutely delivers,” said Kevin Steinbraker, VP and General Manager, Digital Systems at Navico Group. “Nothing can hold you back when it comes to RECON. Its innovative joystick remote and premium GPS and power, combined with a seamless user experience, offer anglers the confidence and precision needed to level up their fishing.”

SIMRAD YACHTING DEBUTS RECON SALTWATER TROLLING MOTOR

Simrad Yachting, a leader in marine electronics and navigation, have recently proudly announced RECON, the brand’s first electric steer saltwater trolling motor, featuring a unique joystick remote and best-in-class power and GPS positioning.

RECON provides the precision, thrust and resilience anglers need to get closer to their target and keep them there. Built with a carbon fibre-infused shaft, the new trolling motor is made to battle the elements with best-in-class power and thrust, while the highly accurate GPS anchor holds anglers on the target, no matter the conditions, dialling into an incredible three feet zone. The motor’s brushless technology, combined with the weedless prop, allows for searching into the hardest-to-reach spots with no loss of control or efficiency.

RECON introduces Freesteer, an industryfirst, wearable joystick remote, providing full 360-degree precision steering. The FreeSteer remote revolutionizes positional control with its unique jogging abilities. Additionally, it unlocks the ability to

execute diagonal jogs in eight directions. Anglers can also move anchor positions freely, in almost any direction, without re-anchoring the boat.

Simrad Yachting’s first trolling motor, RECON completes the Simrad suite and delivers a seamless user experience that’s premium at every point. Full display integration via NMEA 2000 brings effortless control to the helm, and configurable remote buttons connect to multiple devices, allowing control from anywhere on the boat. The integrated sonar provides clear visibility of what’s beneath the surface.

The RECON trolling motor comes with a lifetime shaft warranty.

SIMRAD-YACHTING.COM

HORIZON YACHTS’ ALLNEW V77 CMY COCKPIT MOTOR YACHT

The much-anticipated Horizon V77 Cockpit Motor Yacht embodies the best of both worlds: unparalleled comfort and an owner-operator’s desire for maximized outdoor living.

Recognized for its quality, optimised functionality, and world-renowned Jonathan Quinn Barnett (JQB) design, the V-series now offers a whole new level of versatility with a dedicated cockpit. Spanning just over 77 feet, the vessel’s remarkably voluminous interior. Large windows on the main deck and cabins create an inviting atmosphere for any adventure, be it cruising the Bahamas or exploring the West Coast.

A meticulously designed cockpit forms the centrepiece of this collaborative effort between fishing enthusiasts, yachting professionals, and Horizon’s design team. This versatile space caters to both leisure and functionality, featuring an array of rod holders, electric reel outlets, duel live bait

transom wells, and ample storage to ensure equipment is readily accessible yet neatly stowed away.

Reinforcement in the upper deck allows for multiple varieties of outriggers to be installed, depending on the owner's preferred style of fishing. The hydraulic fold-down transom allows for multi-use purposes, including ease of access to water, tenders, or water toys.

The expansive aft deck flows effortlessly into a cosy salon, while the contemporary, well-equipped galley features an island with three barstools and a forward dinette for intimate meals. Below deck, the full-beam ensuite master provides a luxurious retreat, complemented by an ensuite twin cabin with a sliding bed to starboard, a bunk

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cabin to port, and a forward ensuite VIP. Crew quarters located aft ensure guests’ privacy, with direct access via the cockpit. Breath-taking views from the enclosed bridge with two helm chairs are paired with L-shaped seating that beckons with plush comfort. The inclusion of a day head ensures convenience for guests, while the sky lounge layout caters to some clients’ owner-operator lifestyles. The spacious boat deck is primed for entertainment and features an inviting U-shaped bar. The Horizon V77 CMY sets a new standard for transforming the boundless ocean into an exclusive playground. This innovative vessel blends impeccable luxury with functionality.

HORIZONYACHTAUS.COM

CHEOY LEE 130 EXPLORER MAKES A SPLASH

Cheoy Lee unveils its 130 Explorer, a magnificent tri-deck yacht launching from their cutting-edge production facility. Scheduled for delivery in Q4 2024, this vessel exemplifies Cheoy Lee’s commitment to excellence in design, performance, and comfort.

Key Features:

1. Dimensions: With a length of 39.73 meters, the 130 Explorer boasts a spacious layout that accommodates both relaxation and entertainment. Its tri-deck configuration provides ample room for guests to unwind and enjoy the open sea.

2. Materials: Crafted with a steel hull and an aluminium superstructure, the 130 Explorer combines durability with elegance. Cheoy Lee’s legacy of meticulous craftsmanship shines through in every detail.

3. Propulsion: Powered by twin Caterpillar C18 engines, the yacht achieves a predicted top speed of 13 knots. Whether cruising along coastlines or exploring remote islands, the 130 Explorer ensures a smooth and efficient journey.

4. Design: The exterior was designed by Overing Yacht Designs. Inside, Sylvia Bolton Design has created an inviting and sophisticated ambience.

5. Accommodations: Five ensuite staterooms offer luxurious comfort for guests, while a crew of five can enjoy their well-appointed cabins. The 130 Explorer is a haven for both relaxation and adventure.

CLYACHTS.COM

THE WHARF WELCOMES NEW MARINE PROFESSIONALS TO THE BOAT WORKS

“The Wharf” is the latest development at The Boat Works, architecturally designed, premium office premises that will accommodate up to eight yachting businesses in the heart of the superyacht facility.

The state-of-the-art new offices have welcomed the country’s most recognised brands, including Selene Yachts,Horizon Yacht Australia, Pantaenius Insurance, Sydney based yacht management team Chapman and Geoff Lovett International Brokerage, representing Baglietto yachts from Italy. The new additions will bolster the existing 100 on-site trades and marine businesses that operate from The Boat Works. This will be the last of the office developments to ever occupy space at The Boat Works – with one premium top floor office space still available for yachting brands and businesses

in the marine refit and service epicentre of south-east Queensland.

“We are thrilled to welcome some of the biggest names in yachting to The Wharf,” said Tony Longhurst, CEO and owner of The Boat Works. “The Wharf offers marine businesses a superb setting, landscaped gardens, restaurants, service sheds, haul out equipment and facilities, with immediate access to all the professional trades and suppliers on-site, and more within the Gold Coast Marine Precinct. “There are 2,000+ people on-site every day, and the place is buzzing with activity. We welcome hundreds of superyachts and boats of

all sizes all year round. There’s no better facility in the southern hemisphere. Owners and Captains feel at home here, and our partners benefit from the influx of vessels.” New sheds, new hardstand, and a sixth machine added to the fleet by the end of 2024; we are poised to accommodate even more boats, creating additional job opportunities. “We look forward to welcoming our new partners and providing exceptional, world-class service for our customers” the Boat Works Marketing Manager, Charmaine Webb commented. THEBOATWORKS.COM.AU

Our electric amphibious technology is whisper quiet, so you can slip out for a morning fish without anyone knowing. Find out more at tectrax.co.nz

QUEENSLAND’S MARITIME HERITAGE SHINES

In Andrew Harper’s Classic Moreton Bay Cruisers Volume II

Queensland’s maritime heritage shines in Andrew Harper’s latest masterpiece, Classic Moreton Bay Cruisers Volume II. This stunning coffee table book, a testament to Harper’s lifelong passion for wooden boats, is sponsored by the esteemed Norman R. Wright & Sons and serves as a vibrant celebration of Queensland’s rich boating history. This 451-page volume is a visual tour de force, featuring over 500 breath taking photographs of 47 meticulously restored vessels. From a charming 3.5-metre sailing dinghy to a luxurious 23-metre cruiser, the book spans boats built between 1912 and

2014. Harper’s dedication over five years has resulted in a collection that not only captures the elegance and craftsmanship of these wooden classics but also preserves their fascinating stories. Each boat in the collection is showcased in action on the water, often at renowned locations across Queensland and beyond. The book offers insights into each vessel’s history, from its designer and builder to its various owners and key specifications. Harper’s latest work builds on the success of his first volume, reflecting the growing public interest in wooden boats over the past 14 years.

As we celebrate these iconic cruisers, it’s heartening to see a new generation of enthusiasts and caretakers emerging to keep these maritime treasures alive. Classic Moreton Bay Cruisers Volume II stands as a tribute to their enduring charm and the skill of those who preserve them. This book is a must-have for anyone captivated by the beauty and history of wooden boats. For those eager to dive into this extraordinary collection, both the latest volume and the earlier edition are available online.

CLASSICMORETONBAYCRUISERS.COM

WINNER OF FIREFISH FABRICATION’S FILLETING STATION ANNOUNCED

Allowcrewandmovearoundsafely

One lucky winner was presented recently with the epic prize put up for grabs by Firefish Fabrication.

Keepyourvesselsteadywhendocking

AFilleting Station - compact and sleek with an inbuilt hose for quick and easy cleanup. With shelf storage, a knife compartment and of course beverage holder, perfect for fileting your catch after a successful day on the water. The winner was Gary Spicer of Whangaparaoa. The team from Powerboat Magazine was on hand to congratulate him, Gary is pictured alongside Steve from Firefish.

Effectiveattrollingandzerospeeds

As a big thank you to everyone who entered the draw to win Firefish Fabrication’s ultimate filleting station, they are excited to offer a 10% discount on any filleting station orders placed before 30 September. To claim your discount: Contact steve@firefishfabrication.co.nz and quote POWERBOAT10 Firefish Fabrication might be a little biased, but they think these filleting stations would make a fantastic present for the fishermen and women in your life. The standard filleting station, like the one given away, is priced at $1650 (including GST). Customize yours to fit your needs – wider stations for those bigger catches, drawers, extra beverage holders, and powder coating in any colour you desire. You name it, they can do it (they will quote any additions on request). Remember, these are made to order, so if you are working towards a gift for a specific occasion, there will be a few weeks’ wait. To receive the discount, you’ll need to have confirmed your order and paid a deposit to get your order underway before 30 September.

FIREFISHFABRICATION.CO.NZ

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ILIAD 62 ‘GINGER’ NOW AVAILABLE FOR LUXURY CHARTER

In Australia’s famous Whitsunday Islands

The ILIAD 62 motor yacht Ginger is now available for luxury charter in Australia’s famous Whitsunday Islands. Ginger has just been added to the Ahoy Club charter fleet where it can be booked for unforgettable crewed holidays and day charters at the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. The magnificent power catamaran offers an exceptional standard of luxury and service with sleek, modern interiors, a state-of-the-art galley and the latest technology and appliances. Multiple living areas throughout the yacht deliver

outstanding space for entertaining and relaxation.

The expansive flybridge features a flexible layout and full-service bar, while guests can also enjoy stylish alfresco dining in the vast cockpit and can soak up the sun with cocktails on the aft flybridge lounge or generous foredeck. Accommodating up to six guests in three beautifully appointed cabins, each with private ensuites, Ginger is beautifully appointed with exquisite finishes and thoughtful touches for a truly sublime luxury escape.

With a cruising capacity of 20, Ginger is also equipped with an array of water toys for guests to experience all the natural wonders of the Whitsundays. Fuel-efficient and eco-friendly, the ILIAD 62’s shallow draft allows access to secluded bays and pristine beaches, making her the perfect choice for exploring the islands and beyond. Ginger is now available for holiday bookings and day charters through Ahoy Club.

ILIADCATAMARANS.COM

TAKACAT T340LX-R –NEW FOR 2024

A premium tender offering superb stability

New for 2024 is the Takacat T340LX-R, a premium tender offering superb stability and economical performance.  The LX-R series features tough, durable 1.2mm TPU inflatable tubes and a 3mm aluminium dual plate deck.  The deck is nicely finished with a layer of EVA non-skid.  Three connecting eyes are welded into the deck for lifting with a davit crane, and two tow eyes are on the back of the transom, with another tow eye under the front of the deck.

Two rod holders are also conveniently welded to the inside of the transom for those who love to do a bit of fishing.  Engines of 6 to 20hp can be fitted.  A 6hp four-stroke offers efficient easy planing and a top speed of 12knots.  The ride is soft even in chop and turns on a dime.  Length 3.4m, Beam 1650mm, Weight without engine 64kgs  RRP $7,995.00. Ph: (64)021822285

TAKACAT.CO.NZ

NOOSA TO WELCOME NEW FERRY

Designed by the esteemed NZ boat designer, Roger Hill

Locals and visitors to Noosa will soon have a new ferry –described as a “big, beautiful ute on water”- catering for up to 52 passengers, including 14 guests in wheelchairs. Designed by the esteemed NZ boat designer Roger Hill and currently in-build at Noosa Marine by Julian Griffiths and his team, the new ferry is a 12m x 6m multihull that will complement the existing heritage fleet famous for river cruises. The ferry will be fully-accessible, hybrid-powered (low-emission petrol and electric engines) with solar panels on the roof for close to silent cruising. NOOSAFERRY.COM | POWERCATSNZ.COM

SANDBROOKS NEW BRAND TRANSFORMATION

Sandbrooks recently embarked on a significant brand transformation, which included a new brandmark, website, shop website, and a comprehensive implementation strategy.

Collaborating with Les Porter at Kin-creative.com, Sandbrooks sought to modernise its image while honouring its heritage. At the heart of Sandbrooks rebranding effort lies the brandmark, a visual representation of its identity. Inspired by the stamps historically used, the brandmark pays homage to the craftsmanship and legacy associated with these vessels. It symbolises durability and reliability. Sandbrooks’ commitment to excellence extends beyond aesthetics. The newly designed website (sandbrooks.co.nz) showcases its extensive range of marine and auto-glazing solutions, including windows, windshields, windscreens, and doors. It also includes information on all of Sandbrooks’ services. Whether you’re an original equipment manufacturer (OEM), a boat builder, refurbishing an existing vessel, or a car enthusiast, Sandbrooks offers top-quality products that meet the highest standards. The new shop website (shop.sandbrooks.co.nz) provides customers with a platform to purchase marine and auto products.

Les Porter, the creative force behind the brand transformation, brought his expertise to the table. His collaboration with Sandbrooks resulted in a cohesive brand identity that resonates with both seasoned boaties and newcomers to the boating world. By combining modern design principles with a nod to tradition, Les captured the essence of Sandbrooks’ legacy. As part of the ongoing update Sandbrooks now offer ‘On the water’ window resealing and refurbishing. This includes window replacement and repairs, sliding tracks, felt and rubbers, hardware and toughened glass. They also offer CNC router cutting, laser cutting, 3D modelling and printing, engineering and digitising your product part into a digital template.

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VESSEV'S ELECTRIC FOILING FERRY CONQUERS WAVES IN EARLY TESTING

Vessev, a pioneering company developing electric foiling vessels, has successfully completed the initial testing phase of its VS—9 platform, showcasing exceptional seakeeping capabilities in challenging conditions.

The VS—9 is designed to revolutionise the way we move on the water. The first vessels will be used in commercial service delivering premium private water transportation augmenting existing ferry fleets. Fullers360 – the largest ferry operator in New Zealand – is the first customer.

The first VS—9 platform was launched on May 10th and 24 test sessions have already been completed in the initial validation campaign. “We have been pushing the VS—9 less than two weeks after its first flight and she has been ticking all the boxes and more,” said Eric Laakmann Vessev CEO. “On some of our test sessions, we had 25 knots gusting 35 with wind waves to match and she was cruising over the waves. The sea-state in these photos and videos had waves averaging 0.75m but a few wave faces were over 1.0m.

“While the VS—9 didn’t have any issues operating in these sea-states, it was next to

impossible for the 9m chase boat to follow along without slamming through wave after wave. This was a testament to the difference that these vessels can make in our experiences on the water and the new opportunities that they unlock.” Vessev attributes this remarkable performance to its innovative foiling system, which uses some of the same techniques employed by winning America's Cup teams to make its systems ultra-efficient and resilient. These initial tests focused on evaluating the VS— 9's core functionality before final outfitting with the cabin and interior, which will be added in July before the VS-9 is relaunched in August.

Designed and built by Vessev (formerly Seachange) the VS—9 delivers smooth and quiet travel on the water like never before. The state-of-the-art vessel is currently undergoing sea trials out of Auckland, New Zealand, and the first VS-9 will be

certified this year, entering commercial operation with New Zealand’s largest ferry operator, Fullers360, thereafter. The nine-meter VS—9 will transport up to 10 passengers at a service speed of 25 knots providing an experience that is more like flying than sailing. The VS-9 has a range of 50 nautical miles (57 miles/92.6km) thanks to state-of-the-art efficient hydrofoiling technology. Vessev’s expert team of marine engineers and boat builders, combined with Fullers360’s NetZero Maritime decarbonization team, has ensured the VS-9 is designed and built to align seamlessly with commercial and tourism transport requirements. Intended for premium tourism services the VS—9 signifies a defining moment in Auckland's decarbonisation journey as the city welcomes its first fully electric passenger vessel.

VESSEV.COM

LOWRANCE’S NEW RECON TROLLING MOTORS

Lowrance, a world leader in fishing electronics, recently announced Recon, a new generation electric steer trolling motor, developed for both fresh and saltwater anglers, featuring a unique joystick remote and best-in-class power and GPS positioning.

“This is an exciting launch for Lowrance because not only are we introducing the next generation of trolling motors but we’re also offering a version for saltwater anglers for the first time,” said Jeremiah Clark, VP & General Manager, Fishing Systems at Navico Group. “Recon is all about control – of your boat, your position and your catch. Between the premium power and GPS and unique joystick remote, Recon takes care of all the heavy lifting so anglers can focus on the fish.”

Recon gives anglers total control and the confidence to go anywhere. Recon introduces Freesteer, a lightweight, wearable

joystick remote providing full 360-degree precision steering. Recon is built to put anglers on the target and keep them there. Best-in-class power and thrust give them the confidence to get into position, while the highly accurate GPS anchor holds them on the target, no matter the conditions, dialling into an incredible three feet radius. The FreeSteer remote revolutionizes positional control with its unique jogging abilities. Additionally, FreeSteer unlocks the ability to execute diagonal jogs in eight directions. Anglers also have the option to move anchor positions freely, in almost any direction, without having to re-anchor the boat. The brushless technology combined with

the weedless prop, allows for searching into the densest weeds with no loss of control or efficiency. Recon’s silent brushless motor doesn’t spook fish, and the integrated sonar technology offers the clearest high-resolution pictures. The Lowrance Recon offers an upgradeable sonar nosecone option. The Lowrance Recon trolling motor is available in fresh and saltwater versions. The freshwater is available in 48, 54, 60 and 72-inch shaft lengths, while the saltwater version is available in 54, 60, and 72-inch shaft lengths. Additionally, the Recon trolling motor comes with a lifetime shaft warranty.

LOWRANCE.COM

PALM BEACH INTRODUCES NEW FLAGSHIP PALM BEACH 85

Representing nearly three decades of innovative Palm Beach Motor Yachts design and construction, the Palm Beach 85 is set to become the new flagship of the renowned global yacht brand.

Entering the Superyacht realm is a natural progression for Palm Beach Motor Yachts, the acclaimed builder established by ocean-racing champion and performance yacht builder, Mark Richards. Since its founding in 1995, Palm Beach Motor Yachts has garnered international recognition and a devoted following among enthusiasts of technologically advanced, meticulously designed and built, high-performance motor yachts. They are becoming increasingly known for their impressive fuel efficiency and range, consuming on average 70% less fuel than other yachts in their class.

The Palm Beach 85 (PB85) is designed to

surpass all industry standards in luxury, onboard comfort, and performance, elevating the brand's custom offerings to a new level.

Each of the nine models in the Classic Palm Beach lineup, and three in the Palm Beach GT Sports series are completely unique, customised to the exact requirements of each discerning owner. The three (or four) stateroom, four-head layout is perfect for cruising with friends or extended family. Options start with a Skylounge or Sedan model, as well as twin or triple engine packages, among other customisable features.

Mark Richards remarked, "The Palm Beach

mtu SERIES 2000

85 represents a dream achieved. When I was a young man working on the docks in Sydney, I would watch the yachts cruising through the harbour and knew that one day I'd do the same on my own boat. When the Palm Beach 85 splashes, she'll be the largest yacht we've built and will represent a new level of luxury, fuel efficiency, and performance in the yachting industry. At Palm Beach, we’re constantly improving, innovating, pushing ourselves, and exceeding industry expectations the PB85 is the result of countless hours of hard work by our entire team. I am extremely proud of what we’ve been able to achieve."

PALMBEACHMOTORYACHTS.COM

EXCELLENCE MEETS PERFECTION

Rolls-Royce Power Systems’ mtu brand is the first-class choice globally for high-performance yacht propulsion systems.

Penske is your exclusive mtu regional distributor supplying and servicing New Zealand, Australia and Pacific Islands.

Contact us for all your marine power needs: marine@penske.co.nz penske.co.nz 0800 782 762

WAIHEKE MARINA NEW GATEWAY FOR BOATIES TO AUCKLAND’S PARADISE ISLAND

How can we help you? That is the mantra of Waiheke Marina’s new management team and they are opening up new possibilities for visitors and residents of the island.

“We want to become New Zealand’s first true destination marina,” says Tom Warren, co-Marina Director.

“Waiheke Marina is very special by design, and from next summer it will be a place that people visit as a destination in its own right. We are doing everything we can to make that happen.”

The marina in Kennedy Bay Waiheke, next to the Sealink depot, opened officially for summer 2024, and the team is making the most of the winter period to get ready

for more visitors, thinking of everything they might need to compliment the fivestar facilities already provided on site for visitors, such as rental cars, e-bike hire, ferry services, a cafe and getting them ready for the warmer months.

They are looking at options to provide more recreational facilities and services, such as a swim pontoon, paddle boats, SUPs, and even have a floating sauna in the pipeline. By the time summer arrives, the licenced cafe will hopefully be fully operational. This unique maritime facility won’t just

be welcoming the typical marina clientele of cruisers and game fishers: the marina extends a warm welcome to jet skis, kayaks, paddlers and trailer boats – anything that arrives by water. “Our guests will know they can visit, maybe with the family, tie up safely, enjoy the facilities, and perhaps even rent a car or bike to visit local restaurants and beaches.”

“Those with facilities onboard are welcome to stay onboard whether for a single night or a longer stay.”

WAIHEKEISLANDMARINA.CO.NZ

FRESH FINDS - FRESH FINDS

RIVIERA TEAK DECK CHAIR

This foldable Teak Deck Chair crafted with PVC

The Coated Mesh Sling creates a support, which forms to your distinctive body shape while allowing airflow for a quick dry and a cool feel against the skin. Easy to fold and store when not in use.

RIVIERAPARTS.COM/PRODUCTS/ RIVIERA-TEAK-DECK-CHAIR

YETI V SERIES HARD COOLER

This innovative ice chest can chill nearly 50 cans of beer or keep oysters and king crab legs on ice. NZ.YETI.COM

INTRODUCING THE TENOB BLACK BAIT BOARD & FRAME

Absolutely no tools required! The Tenob bait board is a great space saver by making the Tenob ski pole a multi-use addition to your boat. Using the quick clip on and release clamp gives you the choice of waterskiing or fishing at a moment’s notice. Reposition or completely remove the frame from the Tenob Ski Pole in seconds with the innovative patented clamp and wing nut –absolutely no tools required!

• Fits 2" (51mm) ski pole

• UV resistant

• Optional rod holders available

• Table size is 530mm x 353mm

• Quick to release

• Easy to store!

TENOB.CO.NZ

COAST NEW ZEALAND’S WEEKENDER

Your new favourite go everywhere bag Cook This simple, timeless design remains their most popular bag. Made from marine-grade Sunbrella® brand fabric, the Weekender is an enduring classic that will last and last while continuing to look superb. Everything on this bag is made to last using the very best marine-grade materials and construction, including stainless-steel parts, YKK zips, nubuck leather and a waterproof lining. The Weekender features two zipped internal pockets and one external pocket, an adjustable shoulder strap and a removable base. Designed and made in New Zealand COASTNEWZEALAND.COM

HUSKI CHAMPAGNE COOLER

The Huski Champagne Cooler is an award-winning, highperformance cooler that keeps your bubbly sparkling and perfectly chilled for up to 6 hours without the need for ice. Works off the shelf, so all you need to do is grab a cold bottle from the fridge, put it in your Huski, tighten the lid and you’re good to go.

HUSKI.CO.NZ

TO FEATURE YOUR LATEST & GREATEST PRODUCTS HERE,

FRESH FINDS - FRESH FINDS

CAPTURE EVERY ADVENTURE WITH QUAD LOCK’S ACTION CAMERA ADAPTORS

For those who live for adventure and love to film it all with their GoPro or DJI, Quad Lock offers two cuttingedge adaptors that elevate your recording experience. Just attach them to your Quad Lock mount, and you’re ready to capture every thrilling moment.

Quad Lock to Action Camera Adaptor: This adaptor features Quad Lock’s signature twist-and-lock mechanism, allowing you to securely fasten your action camera to any Quad Lock mount with ease. Twist, lock, and start filming. 360 Head Action Cam Adaptor: For a more secure, long-term setup, this adaptor offers a screw-in option, ensuring your action camera remains firmly in place on your Quad Lock mount. Create your ideal mount using the Quad Lock 360TM system, which offers over 200 combinations for a fully customised setup. Perfect for securing your phone or action camera, this system is designed for activities like jet skiing, boating, or kayaking.

QUADLOCKCASE.COM.AU

LANZA SCT LURE RODS

Impressive hand-built rods from legendary rod builder Graeme Paterson (ex-Synit).

Lanza Rods are built using solid carbon technology (SCT) blanks. Using the best carbon fibre threads and toughened resins in this process to give strength, flexibility, and power. Lanza Rods are thinner, stronger, and lighter than conventional carbon-constructed rods in the same weight classes. These quality 1-piece 6ft 8’ rods come with Fuji K-Guides, available in spin or overhead (acid wrap) in 3 weights: Light Max PE2 / Jig Range 40 - 130g, Medium Max PE3 / Jig Range 60 - 200g and Heavy Max PE4 / Jig Range 100 - 300g. These weights will cover all inshore fish species when soft baiting, slow jigging and slow pitch. Each rod weight has different stunning colours that stand out from the pack. All rods retail for the same price of $650 and each rod comes with a foam ball “butt saver” to protect the rod when in rod holders. Limited stock and models are available, so get in quick and order your next favourite rod online!

FISHINGINGODZONE.CO.NZ

ULTIMATE EARS EVERBOOM

The speaker built for adventure! Meet the Ultimate Ears EVERBOOM—the speaker built for adventure! The newest addition to the Ultimate Ears range, this speaker boasts 20 hours of playtime, a 55-meter Bluetooth® range, and is waterproof and floatable, making it your boat's best mate. Whether you're cruising the coastline or fishing with friends, bring your favourite tunes with you and experience the powerful 360° sound of EVERBOOM.

ULTIMATEEARS.COM/EN-NZ

ONE ON ONE:

DAVID FOULKES

CEO OF BRUNSWICK CORPORATION

In June 2000, my late business partner, Barry Thompson, interviewed George W. Buckley, who was then the President of Brunswick Corporation. Recently, at the Sydney International Boat Show, 24 years later, I was fortunate enough to chat with David Foulkes, the current CEO of Brunswick Corporation.

By DOUG DUKESON

For those who may not be familiar, Brunswick Corporation, with a global workforce of around 17,000, brings world-leading marine products to the market, including:

Marine Propulsion

Mercury Marine: Known for its outboard and sterndrive engines and more recently including the electric outboard Avator series.

Mercury Racing: Specialises in high-performance outboard and sterndrive engines.

Boats

Sea Ray: A leader in luxury sport boats and motor yachts.

Bayliner: Offers affordable family boats and bowriders.

Boston Whaler: Renowned for its unsinkable hulls, including centre consoles and cabin cruisers.

And 9 other brands we are yet to see downunder, including: Crestliner, Cypress Cay, Harris, Heyday, Lowe Boats, Lund, Princecraft, Uttern and Veer.

Parts & Accessories

Navico Group: Includes brands such as Lowrance, Simrad, and B&G, providing marine electronics and navigation systems.

Attwood, BEP Marine, CZone, Mastervolt, Lenco and ProMariner: Offer a range of marine parts and accessories, including lighting, electrical systems, and chargers.

Business Acceleration

Freedom Boat Club: The world's largest membersonly boat club.

Bluewater Finance, BoatClass, and Boateka: Provide services ranging from boat financing to educational classes and pre-owned boat sales.

All brands are among the leaders in their respective fields and are often recognised with awards for their innovation and customer satisfaction.

DD: How is Brunswick adapting its product lineup to address the growing interest in marine electrification? There has been the recent launch of the Avator outboard range, are there any plans for electric inboards?

DF: We introduced the first five Avator models and the last two are just hitting the market right now. They're the two most powerful of the 48-volt series. 48 volts will carry you up to maybe 20 to 25 horsepower. So 20 horsepower is decent for 48 volts. Once you need to get more powerful than that, you need to go higher voltage like 400-volt type, a high voltage type product.

We have product in development that is higher power and for larger boats, we expect the volumes to be relatively modest for quite a while. We'll introduce something over the next few years. We kind of like the outboard form factor a bit more at the moment and really because 90% of all the recreational boats sold now have an outboard on the back.

Inboards in particular are more either tow applications or bigger boats. We don't play big in that space. So if you want to electrify marine products without somebody having to develop a whole new hull and interior for it, if you want to apply electric products to existing boat models, it's easier with outboard kind of form factors.

So that's where we'll continue to play for a while. Not to say that electric inboard couldn't be present in the future or stern drive models, but probably not our immediate priority.

You can see the mix of outboards (90%) and stern drives (10%) and where they're heading at the moment.

Outboard vs Sterndrive sales mix and trend?

It's probably 90% of the new boats, are outboard powered. I think as outboards have become more powerful, of course, we've got the V12 600 now, you can power boats up to 65, 70 feet. And it is a very, very convenient system for service and maintenance, trimming out of the water. They run faster typically just because you can trim them to the right attack angle. So a lot to be said for outboards, if you look at Mercury Marine's stern drive business, the height of that business, we were making 80,000 stern drives a year. This year we'll make less than 10,000. Outboards are completely the opposite trend.

Given its strong performance in recent quarters, what are Brunswick's plans for expanding the Freedom Boat Club? Will we see the Freedom Boat Club in New Zealand??

Yes we are actually, we were in New Zealand at the weekend and talking about some options to introduce Freedom into Auckland, possibly Wellington and maybe down in the south as well. I think it's very clear there's a strong boating culture. It's very clear that even though it's a bit more of a seasonal market, the success that we're seeing in other parts of the world could certainly be replicated in New Zealand. Nice marinas, great boating and a great boating culture.

We have more than 400 locations now, with about 50 in Europe. The model is, you turn up the boats ready, and you don't need to do anything apart from go boating, taking away the hassles of boat ownership, maintenance, service, storage, insurance and all those other things.

How is Brunswick balancing inventory management with market demand, from the highs of post-COVID to the recent economic pressures on consumers?

We’ve been through the pandemic, then we went through a supply chain crisis, then we went through hyperinflation, then we went through high interest rates, that's kind of where we are right now. Hopefully, they're on the way down again. I think we, as a business, are very disciplined and process-orientated, we are very collegial and manage the business as a big team. So once you've been through a number of these kinds of shocks, whatever it is, you kind of build-up, you take everything somewhat pragmatically. You do the right thing.

And we've continued to do the right thing all through all of this, our business is a much more resilient business, though, fundamentally than most of the businesses in the leisure industry, because of the strength of our parts and accessories business, which doesn't depend so much on new boat sales. Our distribution business, our aftermarket sales, Freedom Boat Club, it's just a very resilient business.

So it's kind of interesting. If you look at us, if you look at the pandemic was a point in time when kind of the interest in boating was super high. It's the first time our stock price ever went through $70. The US boat market hit about 210,000 units in 2021, now we're back down to 140,000 units in the US (hopefully that's a local trough) and our stock price is still $70 to $80. So that tells you from the highest point to the lowest points of the market, our stock price is stable. And that's a reflection of the fact that people think that we can weather these storms, continue to generate earnings, continue to generate great cash flow, and continue to move forward with all of the strategic initiatives that are important to the future of the business.

We all know there are a lot of pressures on the consumer, but we've weathered it very well. And I think that hopefully, 2025 will be a better year than 2024. Hopefully, we'll start to see easing interest rates.

What opportunities do you see for further integration of Navico's technologies across Brunswick's product lines? Is the plan to be a One-stop marine shop?

That's definitely a good way to describe it and certainly a part of our business model. Mercury sells about 15% of its engines to our own boat companies, then 85% to every other boat company.

Same with Navico, who sell 10 to 15% of its products to our own boat companies and 85% to everybody else. Why would they buy from us and not from other people? Well, we have great brands and great products. But I think if you're a boat OEM,

the technology on board your boat is just too much for most boat OEMs to handle and integrate.

And we all know that systems tend to fail at interfaces. So our ability to offer full system solutions that are fully compatible, that are designed to work together, as opposed to having to include some interface or make some bizarre wiring harness, I think is a huge advantage for us and a really desirable proposition for customer OEMs. We have several really big brands, very well-known brands, that essentially buy pretty much everything from us. We probably have 90% of the systems on their boats, from the engines to the MFDs, to the bilge pumps, to the power management systems, to the digital control network. They can then focus on hull design and interior appointments and what makes their brand, their brand. So yes, that is definitely a part of what we do now and plan to continue to do.

Is there anything else you can see outside that may influence your strategies?

Well, external, I think we've been through them all just recently with COVID.

I think on the technological side, you know our ACES strategy, autonomous, connected, electrified and shared. So we've implemented a lot of products that are kind of the next horizon of technology. We continue, we will bring to market autonomous stocking in the next few years, which I'm very excited about.

But we are certainly aware of the AI trend and that it's finding its way into a number of applications. We have a research and development lab at the University of Illinois, which is the biggest engineering school in the US, that we have very recently kind of rededicated to AI. We trademarked the term ‘Boating Intelligence’. We see quite a number of applications for AI and boating, all the way from autonomous solutions to virtual agents that can support service maintenance and

navigation and all of those potential areas to augment and support the captain. And we intend to push pretty hard into those areas. I think we have the scale and the capability to be able to do that. We certainly want to be on the leading edge.

Can you share any insights into the product development at Brunswick? Such as Alternative fuels - Hydrogen and other fuel sources.

We continue to explore a lot of fossil fuel alternatives. I think there's everything from synthetic gasoline and diesel, which are being developed mainly for the aircraft industry right now, through to alcoholbased fuels, through gaseous fuels, including hydrogen.

I think, one of the things that we need to think carefully about is, that it's not just about the product, it's about the infrastructure. You can develop a hydrogen engine, but if there are no fuelling stations to supply hydrogen, it's a futile exercise. So we'll continue to explore those options.

I don't see any immediate opportunity for an easy-to-access drop-in type alternative to fossil fuel. I think electrification works pretty well in light-duty road vehicles, it does not work that well for commercial road vehicles. It doesn't work for aircraft. It doesn't really work that well for commercial shipping or recreational boating. So we'll develop the technology.

I don't see currently either the infrastructure or the fuel availability or the business case to go heavily into something immediately. I think continuing to develop and evolve our electric product line is probably our best path forward, at least in the short term, until we can think through some of the alternatives.

How is Brunswick approaching and prioritising sustainability in its marine products, particularly in engine development and boat manufacturing?

It's a heavy priority, we just released our annual sustainability report, with several initiatives in there, including electric engines.

I believe we can't neglect the fact that one of the biggest influences you can have on CO2 production from Scope Three Downstream, which is basically ‘the use of our products’, to make our existing engines and boats more efficient. So all of our new engines, in fact, almost all of our engines now, have lean burn technology, so they operate much more efficiently.

Our V12 has a two-speed transmission, which makes it more efficient to operate we are continuing to develop propeller

technology, and trim tab technology that makes existing boats and engines much more fuel efficient. So that continues to be a big priority for us.

If we look at Scope Three Upstream, which is our supply base, we're making huge strides on clean recycled aluminium, which is the biggest commodity that we buy. And Mercury in Fond du Lac uses 100% recycled aluminium, which is something like 90% less carbon footprint than virgin aluminium for bauxite. So we continue to push on upstream initiatives like that.

In terms of our own power usage, I think by the end of next year, more than 50% of Mercury's electricity needs will be satisfied by renewable sources. We've just finished a big solar array in the Fond du Lac area in Wisconsin, jointly, with a company called Alliant Energy that's pumping renewable electricity directly into the Mercury Fond du Lac facility. We have also inked what's called a virtual power purchase agreement with a big Texas solar farm to provide renewable energy to us.

So that's a big initiative, more and more of our facilities, including all of our distribution facilities in the US now are zero waste to landfill, which means that more than 90% of their waste is sent to recycling or reused versus landfill. So yes, that's a huge set of priorities, we'll work at every angle we possibly can.

I remember growing up with Brunswick brands, including Brunswick 10 Pin Bowling, is Brunswick still involved in industries outside marine?

No, we sold the last remaining vestige of non-marine (the fitness business), which I'm very proud of, Brunswick is now 100% marine.

Are there plans to further develop the Mercury 600 HP V12? Is Mercury considering producing even more powerful engines?

It's a bit of a balance because the V12 architecture was designed with some growth in mind, so that engine can be more powerful if we want it to be.

There's a point at which, so if you think about the V12, we make two or three thousand of those a year, if you go more powerful, you start to get to smaller and smaller potential applications, the smaller number of applications, then everything gets very expensive. You have to go to a non-traditional supply base, everything gets very custom, so the engines get more expensive. Alternatively, for a typical large boat, one could put on four 600 V12s and get 2,400 horsepower.

So if I make an 800-horsepower engine, then I can get the 2400 horsepower with three engines. But is it that much different from the four 600-horsepower engines?

So we keep thinking about not just individual engine horsepower, but transom horsepower. And we think we can do pretty much most of what we need to do with the 600, but yeah, never say never, right?

“...more and more of our facilities, including all of our distribution facilities in the US now are zero waste to landfill, which means that more than 90% of their waste is sent to recycling or reused versus landfill.”

Mercury 25 and 30hp FourStroke outboards make light work of your biggest adventures. Quick and compact. Reliable and durable. Efficient and easy to own. FourStroke outboards bring big capabilities to small vessels.

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- SmartCraft Capable (Electric Start Models)

- 3+3=6 Year Fully transferable, non-declining Warranty*

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NEW VMH 35-D GAUGES AN EASY UPGRADE FOR DIESEL DASHBOARDS

Veratron’s new VMH 35-D gauges allow owners of diesel-powered boats to quickly and easily upgrade from their existing older analogue panels to sophisticated, modern-looking, digital displays. The new VMH 35-D gauges will simply slot straight into any standard round panel cut-out, meaning there is no need to drill any new holes or undertake any remodelling. The new state-of-the-art VMH 35-D multifunction digital displays come with a powerful embedded gateway that reliably converts CAN and/or analogue signals into NMEA 2000 certified output. Its integrated GNSS receiver delivers accurate position, direction and speed over ground data. The VMH 35-D gauges allow more than 30 different types of data to be displayed, support both 12v and 24V systems and have four analogue inputs for external sensors.

LUSTY-BLUNDELL.CO.NZ

BLUEFIN’S NEW PIRANHA P4 UNDERWATER LIGHTS

SUPER-BRIGHT & PERFECT FOR TRAILER BOATS

Bluefin’s new Piranha P4 surface-mounted underwater light range is perfect for GRP, aluminium and even wooden trailer boats of all sizes. Compact and low profile with an optical grade high impact polymer construction, the Piranha P4 comes in three dynamic colours: Diamond White, Cobalt Blue and RGBW (Red, Green, Blue, White) Colour Change. With Bluefin’s patented X-Beam technology all three Piranha P4 lights are super-bright: the popular blue and white models deliver an impressive, class-leading 1600 Lumens, while the eye-catching RGBW colour change model is even brighter, boasting up to 2000 Lumens! The lights are dual voltage (12/24v), have a 60-degree beam angle and a massive 50,000-hour life expectancy. Suitable for all hull types, the Piranha P4 is incredibly easy to install, requiring just a single small cable entry hole and 3 mounting screws.

LUSTY-BLUNDELL.CO.NZ

LOWRANCE DEBUTS ALL-IN-ONE LIVE SONAR SOLUTION EAGLE EYE

Lowrance have recently unveiled Eagle Eye, announcing it as the world’s most accessible all-in-one live sonar solution, combining CHIRP & DownScan in one transducer, along with detailed C-MAP charting on a crystal clear IPS display. “We are excited to bring anglers easy and affordable live sonar technology with the new Eagle Eye,” said Jermiah Clark, VP and General Manager, Fishing Systems at Navico Group. “Live sonar is not just for the professionals. Anglers of any level can now take advantage of this complete, high-quality live sonar solution to improve their technique by watching fish react to the lure in real-time. From four different sonar views to detailed C-MAP charts, the all-in-one package provides everything you need for a great day out on the water.” Eagle Eye’s C-MAP embedded inland and coastal charts for New Zealand and Australia allow anglers to spend more time fishing than searching.

LOWRANCE.COM

RAYMARINE’S CLEVER NEW NEUBOAT DOCK 360 ENSURES EFFORTLESS DOCKING IN ALL CONDITIONS

Raymarine’s clever new NeuBoat Dock 360 Camera System ensures owners can always dock their boat with confidence, even in adverse conditions. Using an innovative six-camera system, based on advanced autonomous vessel technology, NeuBoat Dock provides a 360-degree bird’s-eye view of the vessel direct to the vessel’s Axiom chartplotter. This eliminates blind spots, greatly assists in tight-quarters manoeuvring and makes approaching the dock a stress-free experience. Compatible with Raymarine Axiom displays running LightHouse 4.6 operating system or higher, NeuBoat Dock is specifically designed so boat builders can seamlessly incorporate it into a new boat build.

LUSTY-BLUNDELL.CO.NZ

The MLI series delivers extreme Lithium-Ion performance even under the harshest conditions by combining our best Lithium-Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) cells with a proprietary Battery Management System (BMS) inside a sturdy housing.

MERCURY MARINE INTRODUCES NEW OUTBOARDS

The 8 and 9.9HP EFI Fourstroke and 9.9HP EFI Prokicker

Mercury Marine, a division of Brunswick Corporation have recently introduced 8 and 9.9hp EFI FourStroke and 9.9hp EFI ProKicker outboard engines. These new outboards feature an advanced Mercury electronic fuel injection system designed to provide boaties, fishing enthusiasts and pro anglers with easy starts and efficient performance. “In recent years, Mercury Marine has pushed the envelope at the top of the outboard performance range with our 350-400 and 600hp Verado engines, but at the same time, we have focused on developing the next generation of outboards in our lower portable range,” said John Buelow, Mercury Marine president. “Redesigning the 8 and 9.9hp family to include EFI delivers a host of consumer benefits such as faster starting and better fuel economy, which builds on our commitment to continuous improvement and delivering high quality products.”

Thanks to EFI technology and other enhancements, these engines deliver up to 27% better fuel economy than earlier carbureted models in the same horsepower range. They are light enough to be portable, making them ideal for powering spontaneous adventures on the water in trailerable fishing boats and other small craft, including inflatable tenders. Pound for pound, these outboards produce more top-end horsepower than prior-generation carbureted engines, at a substantial weight savings compared to most EFI outboards in their class.

EFI technology also makes these engines easy to maintain and there is no oil filter to change. In addition, their maintenance-free camshaft requires no regular service and no valve lash adjustments for the life of the engine. The new engines also come with a quick-connect freshwater flush attachment that connects to a regular garden hose.

While both the 8 and 9.9hp EFI models are offered with a choice of manual or electric start, the manual-start models do not require a cranking battery, adding to their convenience. “When you pull the rope to start the motor manually, it automatically charges the entire electrical system to enable ignition,” said Jim Hergert, Mercury Marine senior category manager for 30 horsepower and below outboards. The 9.9hp EFI is available with remote or tiller controls, manual or power trim. The 8hp EFI comes with an easy-to-use tiller control –shifting, throttle, steering, manual tilt and the engine stop button all can be operated with just one hand. The Mercury 9.9hp EFI ProKicker offers all these benefits and doubles down with additional features designed with the pro angler in mind. The ProKicker’s high-thrust, four-blade propeller provides superior control, allowing anglers to dial in precise trolling speeds. The new EFI model also comes with Mercury’s heavy-duty Command Thrust gearcase for greater durability, as well as standard power tilt.

MERCURYMARINE.COM

HASWING ADDS POWERFUL 36V MODELS

TO TROLLING MOTOR RANGE

Specifically designed for use in both salt and fresh water.

Haswing has added three new powerful 36V models to their popular Cayman range of bow-mounted electric trolling motors. With shaft lengths of 183cm (72”), 210cm (83”) and 250cm (98”), the new 36V models come with an impressive 120lbs of thrust, making them suitable for boats up to 8m. The three new models also come complete Haswing’s stylish, multi-function hand-held wireless remote. Ensuring owners have complete remote control of their motor at all times, the easy-to-use remote includes GPS enabled Spot Locking, heading functions such as Heading Lock, Steer Left and Steer Right, and Anchor Lock. When paired with Haswing’s Helmsman app (available for both Android and IOS devices), the new models can also perform a host of other advanced features including Route To, Cruise Control and much more.

Like all Haswing electric trolling motors, the powerful new 36V models are specifically designed for use in both salt and fresh water, are extremely competitively priced and backed with a comprehensive 24-month warranty.

LUSTY-BLUNDELL.CO.NZ.

THAT ‘WIFFY’ SMELL!

After I spilled Fuel Set inside my boat’s cabin, she smelled like Fuel Set. Then she smelled like an artificial version of wild flowers as I tried to disguise the Fuel Set. Finally, she smelled sweet, but then the bilges started to exude the wiffy smell.

The wiffy smell is that bilgey, black water, sewerage aroma and it’s never good. I gave the sanitation hoses a thorough check where I could, gave the bilges a thorough clean and a good airing, but after a run over a choppy harbour, the wiffy smell was back. Even without a leak, the wiffy smell can escape sanitation hoses, especially if they’ve done the business for two decades. In an extremely expensive exercise, I had the entire system replaced except the holding tank. It’s definitely labour-intensive so if your boat is in a similar state on the wiffy scale, you may choose to do the work yourself. Either way, it is good to know the following.

The selection of sanitation hose is critical. Mike Ledbrooke, service manager of Aquaplumb in Auckland, recommends a premium rubber sanitation hose that is nitrile-lined and steel reinforced so that it doesn’t kink when routed around tight corners in an installation. Do not be tempted to go with the much less costly PVC, Mike says, as odour may begin to permeate through PVC within six to 12 months. If well-maintained, the Nitrollined hose can be expected to give sweetsmelling service for five to seven years.

Well-maintained? If your boat is a luxury version with fresh water flushing on its two or three toilets, then you’re already ahead in terms of maintenance. That’s because when urine and body waste combine in a salt water-flushing system, they form calcium deposits in the hoses and holding tank. Over time those deposits may create a concretelike blockage in the pipe. Often, the first outward indication is a blocked toilet.

For boats like mine that have only salt water flushing, it helps to improvise. If you’re on a short cruise and have plenty of fresh water onboard, consider flushing the toilet occasionally or every time with fresh water from the shower rose in the bathroom or a bucket filled from an onboard tap. Even better is to leave fresh water throughout the sanitation system when you leave the boat. Discharge the holding tank before returning to the marina so that it is as close to empty as possible. Pour several buckets of fresh

water down the toilet and flush it through so that it half-fills the holding tank and the hoses leading to the tank. Leave the toilet bowl partially full with fresh water.

‘No matter how diligently you empty your holding tank,’ Mike says, ‘it is never completely empty and what is left inside can become dry and baked on. The next time the tank fills, the baked-on material softens and collapses into the bottom of the tank to eventually form a treacle-like substance. Worst case scenario, it can clog the waste discharge pump and cause it to burn out.’ Mike recommends using Noflex Digestor, a biodegradable additive that introduces a good-guy bacteria into the holding tank. ‘It looks like Napisan crystals,’ he says. ‘You put a capful down each toilet on your boat, flush it three times with fresh water to dilute it and pump it through and leave that in the half-full holding tank. It will keep the toilet bowl clean when leaving the boat for some time.’

Remember to pump out your holding tank at the beginning of your next outing as it will already be half-full. Most toilet additives typically mask odour rather than introduce healthy bacteria which attack the bacteria and sludge inside the holding tank. I’d seen Noflex Digestor on the shelves at Burnsco and hadn’t bought it because the directions for use seemed overly complicated. After my chat with Mike, I’m going back to get some.

As well as the above, Mike recommends a separate, annual service of the holding tank

using Sew Clean. ‘Sew Clean is an aggressive biodegradable product that you dilute five-to-one. You introduce five litres of Sew Clean to the holding tank through the boat’s toilet or toilets and add in about 20 litres of fresh water. You’re not trying to fill the holding tank, just treat the bottom layer. Leave that in the holding tank for about seven days, then discharge it next time you go boating or through a pump-out station. It will break down calcium deposits and break down that treacle-like sludge layer.’

Mike is not a fan of toilet treatment options that come in blue sachets because if they leak through the holding tank breather, they leave a blue stain down the topsides that is difficult to remove. He recommends the annual service includes cleaning the sensors that indicate the holding tank is nearly full. ‘They can get gunked up which prevents them from functioning,’ he says. ‘Worst case scenario, the full-tank sensor doesn’t activate, people keep using the toilet, the tank overflows out through the breather tube and down the side of boat.’

It gets worse.

‘In the process,’ Mike cheerfully continues, ‘it may block the carbon filter which means that when the toilet is flushed, the holding tank will pressurise and turn into a beach ball.’

Cleaning the holding tank doesn’t sound like a fun day at the beach but it’s worth it to keep the boat smelling sweet.

ARMCHAIR EXPERT RE-EDUCATED!

All self-opinionated armchair experts have a fatal flaw. The scope of their expertise is wholly limited to the range of their knowledge.

This knowledge base can be quite narrow and often becomes even narrower as the expert matures. My late father, Len Gilbert, wrote informative advisory columns on things nautical for many years. We called Diesel Diary ‘The Gospel according to Saint Lenny’. Yet I know for a fact he knew next to nothing about smaller Alloy boats.

I have been about boats all my life, built, owned and sold a few over the years, yet a recent visit to the Hutchwilco Boat Show also highlighted my almost total lack of knowledge about Alloy trailer boats. I have not attended one of these shows previously, being blinkered in my ‘big boat’ world. I didn’t even read the many write-ups in this magazine (until now) on new offerings unless it pertained to amphibious craft, and even then I was not looking at the boat, but more the system in that platform.

I did not attend the show with any intent, just a ‘why not?’. My boating life almost entirely consists of 2-4 hour fishing trips nowadays and my Smuggler 750 RIB (Budgie) does that very well, albeit with some caveats. As I meandered through the first pavilion looking at various craft, it dawned on me that many of the Alloy craft on display were right up there in terms of appearance and finish. So too were the asking prices but we won’t let that fact interfere with a good story. Actually having a closer look revealed that nearly all the 7-7.5m Alloy boats on display had at least twice the workable cockpit space of Budgie - even with permanent bait stations, reverse seating and boarding platforms. Admittedly these are purpose-built fishing weapons, not a general purpose unit like Budgie. I thought about how I carry two directors’ chairs for my fishing partner and me, as she prefers to sit comfortably during those quiet moments between fish! Sadly these almost fill the cockpit, creating some ballet-like manoeuvres when the fish suddenly return to the bite. Most had a WC, or provision for one, an essential requirement! The merits of drum winch versus horizontal

rope/chain units befuddled the mind. What I did notice, is that only one manufacturer had a permanent mid-ship cleat fitted, an essential on bigger craft. I wondered if that would be a good place to attach a drogue when drift fishing, not to mention just tying up. Embarrassed to reveal my newly discovered ignorance I asked nobody!

As I meandered, and saw more craft, a germ of an idea formed. Every boat owner knows that infectious virus that evidences itself when they see something that fits or may be better than what they currently possess.

Consequently, I looked at every boat over 6.5m with much more interest. The NZ builders have created a massive range of options and choices from base hull forms, to satisfy the wish list of most discerning buyers. Variations included the ability to close doors and lock the (then) small helm station area. I didn’t want doors or a half bulkhead… no problem! Some have flood tanks in the hull to stabilise the craft at rest, a feature I like on Budgie, although the tubes do a great job of shortening the roll also.

I wanted good comfortable rear-facing seats for fishing and travelling. Depending on the helm seating installed, most had reasonable provision for this also. All had ‘holes for poles’ everywhere; stern mounted,

gunnel mounted, bait station mounted and usually a cabin top multi rail, in case the angler should carry more rods than the 12 already catered to. Long or short cabin top overhang options are decisions for the fairer skinned, I surmised. Asking learner questions I discovered there is much conjecture on the merits of 8mm hull bottom plating v’s 6mm. Hull rigidity and plate deflection are improved and reduced. I learnt 8mm bottom plate lowers the CoG and is much quieter. One manufacturer is also painting the inside of the hull with sound deadening paint, alleviating my memory that a tin boat required the user to wear ear muffs. . Weight is a small negative for towing. My long held cynicism over paint adhering to alloy for more than a couple of years without bubbling is now a thing of the past. I am assured modern systems have this covered off.

I started to like what I saw. By the time I left the show, the germ had mutated into a full-blown ‘I want!’

Budgie is a top toy, and I have never put a hole in a tube, something the other armchair experts told me would happen, but I live in fear!

Budgie is on the market! Anybody out there want a really good 7.5m RIB?

and Supplied Installed

Quality 316 Stainless Steel Made From Full Electric and Hydraulic Options

200KG - Available 1500KG

Options

Single Stage and Fixed Boom

Hydraulic Swim Platforms

Installation Completed at Our Hobsonville Location

BBQ SALMON With

Whisky/Bourbon Sauce

INGREDIENTS

Salmon

2 x 120g Salmon fillets

Rice flour (for dusting)

50g ribbon vegetables (carrot, courgette, red, yellow & green capsicum onion)

1 lemon slice

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 sprig of fresh fennel/coriander or Italian parsley to garnish

Cocavo Turmeric & Lemon Oil for brushing

For the Sauce

1 nip of whiskey/bourbon

1 tsp dill chopped

1 tbsp sparkling wine

25g butter

METHOD

1. Mix sauce ingredients together in a saucepan, place on heat and simmer until blended.

2. Roll Salmon in seasoned flour, brush with the Cocavo Turmeric & Lemon Oil and place on grill.

3. Cook till just done and allow time to stand.

4. Stir-fry julienne vegetables in a wok till hot but still crunchy.

5. Place Salmon on the bed of julienne vegetables and pour sauce over both.

6. Garnish with lemon slice and fennel.

CHEFS TIP:

Season the rice flour with onion powder, garlic powder, sea salt & freshly ground peppercorn medley.

PAIRING PERFECTLY...

Delicious aromas of strawberries and cream introduce our Anchorage Estate Pinot Noir Rose. The palate is balanced beautifully with flavours of rose petals and strawberries made in a medium style. Wonderful summer drinking and pairs perfectly with Derek’s BBQ Salmon. Delicious!

ANCHORAGEWINES.CO.NZ

Winter Adventurer

As one the country’s premium production trailerboat builders, anytime you get to experience a Tristram, is an experience in itself. It’s been a few years since I was at the helm of a Tristram, so when the new 691 Offshore came across my desk to do a review on, I was instantly interested.

BY FREDDY FOOTE

The 691 sits in the middle of Tristram’s Targa-Top range which includes the 581, 641, 691, 701 & 741. Above that are the Offshore Hard-Top models.

The collection has an emphasis on fishing, and with this new version, the Tristram team have expanded the options list to enhance fishability and for a more comfortable fishing experience in the winter months.

To go boating in winter, you don’t have to own a hardtop boat. As is the misconception here in New Zealand. The Tristram design team have developed some

features and enhancements that with a Targa top style boat such as this, will allow you to maximise your on-water time no matter the season. More on that later.

But how could I experience this functionality and these features properly?

I called Tristram’s General Manager, Kingsley Fink and we began some planning.

“How would you like to sample our new 691 Offshore?” he asked.

“I think we should do something different… Let’s go boating and go somewhere over a day or two?”

“Like where?”

“What about a bit of an adventure/road

trip? Hit Coromandel one day, catch some fish, then head to Taupo the next day and catch some Trout there to show just how good winter boating can be on the ocean or the lake?

“Heck yeah! Let’s do it.”

So, with the plans in motion, we set ourselves a challenge. We had to catch some fish in the saltwater on the Coromandel, then Trout on Lake Taupo. In the middle of winter and to showcase that winter boating can be fantastic in a non-hardtop boat. Of course, fishing can be fickle at the best of times, so no pressure. That’s why it’s called Fishing and not Catching.

Tristram Marine’s new 691 Offshore, enroute to the Red Mercury Islands.

Garmin Kraken deployed. Amazing piece of technology!

The helm seat provides a commanding seating position.

The Landrover Defender towed the 691 with ease.

With some careful planning, daily contact and eyeing a suitable weather window we were ready to pull the trigger with 24 hours’ notice. With a winter high moving its way across the North Island we hit the go button, and we were off.

One Tuesday in early August, with the Landrover Defender packed, the Tristram in tow, Kingsley Fink, his brother Tristram and myself left Tristram Marine in Hamilton around 8am and headed towards the Coromandel Peninsula, with the destination being Whitianga.

Once we arrived mid-morning, with bait, fishing gear and camera equipment loaded, we headed out of the tranquil Whitianga harbour for a short blast out to Red Mercury Island. Kingsley insisting, he had a spot that had delivered some Snapper the week prior.

After about 45 minutes of motoring on a gentle rolling swell and a few stops along the way we arrived at Red Mercury Island, and we may as well have been on Mars. If Mars had water.

Red Mercury Island is the second largest of seven Mercury Islands named by James Cook in 1769. The islands are ringed with boulders and cliffs and have few landing places. Red Mercury is the outermost of the group and was named because of its reddish colouring, which is evident in some of the photos we captured on the day.

The weather was cool and crisp, and we were pretty much the only boat out there.

GARMIN KRAKEN

Kingsley quickly found the spot he’d marked a week prior, and we deployed the Garmin Force Kraken electric trolling motor to keep us on the spot. The berley bag went over the side, and within 10 minutes we had small snapper swimming up the berley trail and circling the boat. Stray lining a few baits, we hooked and released a handful of undersized fish before bigger fish started swimming up the berley trail and our catch bag began to become more populated.

The electric trolling motor mounted on the bow is a new feature for the 691 Offshore – with a number of the units being mounted on larger Tristram hardtop models with great success. The Garmin Force Kraken trolling motor is engineered with a longer shaft (75”) for boats with high freeboards and a pivot-style mount for easy installation in vessels where bow space is limited - a perfect fit for the 691 Offshore.

A few hours fishing, around 10 Snapper landed and into the catch bag, a break for lunch and some more exploring around the barren and wild looking Red Mercury Island, with light getting low, we blasted back to Whitianga for a well-deserved beer.

The next morning, we hit the water again at first light for an early morning photo session, a quick fish and to check a cray pot (installing the optional pot hauler) we had put down the night before, which was unfortunately empty.

With phase one of the adventure complete, the boat was back on the trailer, and we set off for Kinloch at Lake Taupo, roughly a four-hour drive away.

Kinloch is a small settlement on the most northerly bay of Lake Taupō, 20 kilometres by road northwest of Taupō township. The kilometres passed quickly, the Landrover Defender towing the 691 with ease and the Lake was soon in sight.

Having arrived in Kinloch we were greeted by clear blue skies, sunshine and a flat calm lake. Motoring out of the Kinloch Marina and into Whangamata Bay we went out past the headland, to troll some lures. The Kraken deployed, and the trolling speed set along with a heading, we had some lures out in about 40 metres of water and just waited for the inevitable strike. The Kraken is so quiet that we could easily hear the birds in the forest nearby. It certainly wasn’t a bad way to spend a Wednesday afternoon. However, we were all slightly anxious. We needed to catch a trout to complete our mission. It was a seriously long way to drive and to have no luck.

However, that serenity was soon broken with Tristram’s reel screaming into action. Shutting off the Kraken via the portable remote, we retrieved the other lines while Tristram played his fish closer to the boat, successfully netting it and bringing it onboard. A reasonable sized fish, but we elected to release that one back and see if we could hook a bigger one. At that point, the stress was off, we’d caught a Trout, and we may have rewarded ourselves with a cold drink out of the onboard fridge. It was at that point we all realised that none of us had boated on the ocean and a lake on the same day. And the fact that just over six hours ago we were fishing in Whitianga Harbour, and here we were just having caught a trout on Lake Taupo. We trolled for a little while longer, with no success, so we switched methods and decided to do some jigging.

We motored over to Kawakawa Bay, and motored out from the shoreline until we found the drop-off. Deployed the Kraken again, which kept us in place while we jigged some flies off the edge of the drop-off. Sure enough, after

about 5 minutes we had our first strike. Only a small fish, but on a light jigging rig it was great fun. As the sun began to get lower in the sky, and the temperature dropped, we zipped in the removable enclosed wheelhouse clears. Turned on the Diesel Heater, and shortly the helm and cabin area was soon a toasty warm 23 degrees and capable of heating up to 30 degrees if need be. These things are great. On those cold winter mornings when you want to hit the water early, you can turn it on before you leave home, and by the time you get to the ramp, the boat will be toasty and warm. How good!

THE BOAT

As you step aboard, you’ll notice that low profile walkthroughs are built into both transom corners, with a recessed pull-out boarding ladder in the port side. One

Idyllic mid-winter boating.

Cameraman ducked into the cabin where it was a balmy 24 degrees.

Winter sun and a warm cosy interior.

The

The seating on

neat feature is a step situated in the centre just above the outboard well. This is so you can step across from port to starboard if you need to, if playing a fish for example and you don’t want to get tangled up in the outboard or with your fellow angler. The port side corner features a live bait tank, while an identical compartment on the starboard side features a saltwater wash-down hose or can also be used as a second live bait tank.

A large locker houses batteries and other onboard systems in the centre of the transom, while above is a large bait station with a storage shelf located underneath. The plastic cutting board within the station can be removed and turned over, one side for cutting bait, the other side can be kept cleaner and used for food prep if you choose.

High gunwale thigh padding runs along the upper inside edge of the cockpit sides, and below you’ll find recessed storage racks for rods. Further rod storage sees two rod

holders in the coamings, with a further five in the rocket launcher above.

Under the floor, there is a sizeable storage locker which we put a catch bag in for our Snapper. It’s also big enough to handle dive bottles and anything else that’s bulky that you want to secure away.

Seating was made up of a traditional back-to-back King/Queen arrangement all of which was finished in a custom upholstery colour ‘Bahama Tan’. The aft-facing seats lift and provide cavernous storage underneath. The diesel heater is located under the port side seat along with the battery for the Garmin Kraken. Opposite under the helm seat is an Isotherm pull-out drawer fridge. At the helm and the forward-facing passenger seat, you sat nice and elevated with plenty of visibility forward. The windscreen did a great job of deflecting any wind up and over us while underway.

The port side seat lifts forward, and it creates a bench

space that can be utilised for food preparation should you wish.

The Targa top above provides great protection, and is truly multi-dimensional. You can zip in forward clears, side clears or the aft enclosure should you wish. What’s more, when you get home, it’s easy to drop down and will enable you to potentially store the boat in a garage or shed.

Underfoot, the cockpit floor was finished in SeaDek, which colour is labelled as ‘Mocha over Storm Grey.’

At the dash there was a Garmin 16” MFD with a 1kw Transducer. Entertainment and audio came via a Fusion Apollo stereo with 4 x 8.8” Signature Series speakers and an amplifier. Add to that there were plenty of storage cubbies and charging for devices.

In the forward cabin, there was a vee berth with plentiful side shelf storage, and an insert to turn it into a full berth should you want to overnight.

PERFORMANCE

Our 691 Offshore test boat was fitted with a Mercury 250hp 4.8L V8 outboard, with the hull rated from 200hp through to 300hp.

With the boat well loaded up with three adults, fishing gear, camera equipment, food and a full load of fuel, the boat performed exceedingly well.

We achieved a top speed of 43 knots @ 5850rpm, using 84L/H.

Pull that back to a cruise of 26 knots at 4000rpm, fuel use was 33L/H which gave a range of 150 nautical miles.

The fine entry 22-degree hull gives a soft ride. We experienced varying conditions, particularly on the Whitianga leg of the trip. A rolling swell in the morning, then choppy conditions on the return trip home. The 691 just ate it up with ease and we enjoyed a comfortable trip all the way back to Whitianga. The Tristram hulls have always delivered an exceptional ride and performance.

Idyllic Lake Taupo. Isotherm fridge drawer kept lunch cool.

Tristram Fink with Trout caught! Objective complete!

The addition of the removable enclosed wheelhouse clears transform the boat for winter boating.

Clean and uncluttered.

A Mercury 250hp V8 outboard will achieve 43 knots.

Kingsley Fink with one of the handful of pansized Snapper caught on Day 1.

SUMMARY

Overall, a great few days and a fantastic opportunity to spend more time on a boat in different locations and different fisheries. We all love hardtops, and many of us aspire to own a hardtop boat. But not everyone can manage it, factors like cost and size can often limit what we can have. But what Tristram have done here is add in a lot of the ‘hardtop’ functionality into a soft top boat.

Features such as the removable enclosed wheelhouse, the diesel heater, the onboard refrigeration are all features usually associated with larger boats, but by incorporating them into a boat of this size, it’s going to maximise the amount of time you spend on the water, no matter what the season. What’s more, it’s still easily towable at around 2100kg.

The 691 has been a staple of the Tristram range for around 27 years and it just doesn’t age. This latest version will ensure the configuration remains timeless for years to come.

SCAN THE CODE TO CHECK OUT THE VIDEO AND MORE PICTURES FROM THE ADVENTURE

THE NUMBERS

700Km (8.7 hours) of driving across the Waikato & Coromandel regions.

Hamilton-Whitianga-KinlochHamilton across three days.

12 hours on the water covering 80 nautical miles on the Whitianga Coast and Lake Taupo.

SPECIFICATIONS

Maker & Model: Tristram Marine 691 Offshore

Price as tested: POA

Type Cabin Targa Top

Construction GRP

LOA 6.9m

Beam 2.48m

Deadrise 22 - degree

Height on trailer 2.3m T-Top

Down/2.84m T-Top Up

Trailerable weight 2100kg

Test Power Mercury 250 V8 Outboard

Power options Outboard

HP Range 200hp-300hp

Fuel Capacity 235L

Trailer Enduro Tandem Axle trailer with Balex

Manufacturer Tristram Marine TRISTRAMBOATS.COM

PERFORMANCE DATA

Every element of the Tristram Ownership Experience is premium, from a new models CAD designed inception through to production, handover, and aftersales service. Our diverse range of Tristram Hardtops, Targa Tops and Cabriolets are designed and crafted to perform by a talented team of innovators who live for the ocean. We continue to redefine trailer boating for thousands of proud Tristram owners who seek to venture beyond the ordinary.

Discover more at www.tristram.co.nz

Over this decade the Propeller/PowerBoat Magazine team conducted multiple HP engine shootouts. In this 115HP Shootout, we had eleven Bonito's built and tested eleven 115HP outboards, comparing them to determine which was the fastest, quietest, and most economical.

A HISTORY OF KIWI TRAILER BOATS BY THE DECADES

PART SIX: The 2000's

BY DOUG DUKESON & HOLLY DUKESON

The 2000s was a significant period for power boating in New Zealand, marked by key events such as GP Racing and the New Zealand Offshore Powerboat Series, which featured high-speed races around various coastal locations in the country. These events attracted top local and international competitors, with new race classes such as Thundercats and the Sonic/Honda 150hp class adding to the excitement, bringing new blood and interest into powerboat racing.

While the America's Cup in 2003 and 2007 was primarily a sailing event, it involved significant participation from powerboats, especially in roles like support, media, and spectator boats. The 2003 event took place in Auckland, and the 2007 event in Valencia had a strong Kiwi presence. New Zealand's powerboating expertise was showcased on the global stage through these events. Boat shows around the country were popular throughout the 2000s, with a strong influx of imported boats entering New Zealand waters and hundreds of new local models being released at these shows.

The 2000s also saw significant innovations in hull design and building processes among New Zealand boat manufacturers, leading to better performance in various sea conditions. These innovations contributed to the success of New Zealand powerboats in both domestic and international waters.

The 2000s marked a growing awareness of environmental impact, leading to the development of more fuel-efficient engines and cleaner technologies. With these new engines and boat models, New Zealand experienced a surge in recreational power boating, with more New Zealanders taking to the water. This was facilitated by the availability of a broader range of boats, from small RIBs to larger cruisers.

Trailer boats were often the vessel of choice for participants in numerous fishing competitions and Poker Runs held across New Zealand. As recreational boating grew, so did the focus on marine safety, with increased efforts in promoting safety measures, including the use of life jackets, trip planning, and better boating education programs.

In general, the early 2000s was a good time for the New Zealand trailer boat market. However, the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) of 2008 had a significant impact on the market, along with the broader marine and recreational boating industry. While the GFC caused a decline in production and sales in the short term, the industry adapted to changing market conditions and maintained a positive long-term outlook.

• Mercury increased their Optimax range by introducing their 115hp V6, based on a 60-degree, 2.5 litre V6 engine.

Volvo Penta 560hp 8.8 litre

Mercury Optimax

• Volvo Penta showed further strength with the launch of its most powerful gasoline engine yet, the DPX 500 and the DPX 600. Rated at 475 and 560 propeller shaft horsepower respectively.

• Yanmar released their 4LH Diesel engine, coupled to a MerCruiser Bravo sterndrive. Available in 230 and 180 HP models.

Yanmar's 4LHSTZE package

• The first Yamaha HPDI (high-pressure direct injection) outboards arrived in New Zealand. The first is a 200HP, based on a high performance, low emission 2.6 litre 76 degree V6 engine.

• Tristram Marine introduced their popular Tristram Prima 581, powered with just 150HP was capable of 50 MPH.

• Seaforce released their flagship model, The Discovery 6.5 MAV (Multi Activity Vessel).

• The Fi Glass Lightning came back, Fi Glass resurrected the famous name that between 1967 and 1978 adorned one of the most distinguished ski and performance boats in the land.

• The Victory team came to Auckland for the World Class 2 Championship and victory they took, in atrocious conditions.

• Buccaneer introduced their 550 Billfisher –The smallest of the Billfisher series.

• Stabi-Craft released their 593 and 643 models, available in XR and HT versions.

• Raeline introduced their second model, the 190CC, adding to the 180BR, both based on popular Sea Ray models.

• OMC filed for bankruptcy, it came as quite a shock to learn on December 22nd, that one of the world’s largest manufacturers of outboard motors had filed for voluntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Chicago–based Outboard Marine Corporation (OMC) makers of Evinrude & Johnson outboards as well as several boat brands, including Chris Craft, Seaswirl and Donzi, had closed its North American plants and stopped shipments throughout the world to its 6500 independent retailers.

• New model releases included the Fyran 600, Bonito 585 series II, Reflex Chianti 615, Tristram 600 Cabriolet, Lazercraft 620 and the Mac Millennium 600, Challenger 565.

2001

• The New Zealand CPC programme introduced Robin Williams as auditor for the CPC programme.

• Hella launched the 100% waterproof LED submersible trailer light.

• Tristram Marine released their 600 Cabriolet, a great bowrider that Propeller Magazine ran as a photo boat.

• Mac Boats introduced the world’s largest rotationally moulded pontoon powerboat on the planet.

• The release of the Lazercraft 620 GT Sport proved so popular in 2001, that it encountered over 80% of all Lazercraft’s new builds

• New outboard releases came from all the big players, with big moves in the four-stroke and direct injection areas. These included Evinrude 30 Four Stroke, Evinrude 135 Ficht, Mercury 60 HP Four Stroke, and Yamahas 8 HP – The world’s smallest outboard with a power tilt unit.

• Fibre Force released their all-new flagship – The Discovery 6.5, a popular Kiwi boat that still holds its value today.

• Introducing yet another aluminium boat to the market seemed somewhat foolhardy, but then came the Extreme 620 Sportz Fisher, the start of a brand that is one of the leading alloy boat builders today.

• Tristram Marine won the Westpac Trust Business Excellence Award.

• The government funded the marine industry to ease the shortage of boatbuilders in New Zealand.

• Mercury increased their Optimax range with the edition of the Optimax 200.

Mercury Optimax 200

Yamaha F225

• After a decade of suspense, the world’s first V6 four-stroke outboard arrived in the form of the Yamaha F225.

• The Haines Hunter SS720 was the first Haines Hunter with sterndrive power and hard top styling.

• New model releases included the Buccaneer 635 Exess, Southern 670, Seaforce Ranger 444, Fyran 600 Horizon, White Pointer 750, Steadecraft 600 Prowler, Challenger 680, and the Bonito 485 Sprint.

2002

• The 2001 Propeller Magazine Poker Run attracted 61 boats from 4-metre inflatables to 12-metre sport cruisers, drawn by the adrenaline rush and best hand offering a trip to Australia prize. - Tony Hembrow (right) with crew Wayne Patten and Lindsay Turner was first to Kawau in their Protector 8.5, but weren't winners when it came to the poker hands.

• CSB Huntsman released their popular Crusader – a boat with a layout that makes maximum use of the space available.

• Propeller Magazine completed many head-to-head engine shootouts – the Cresta Craft 900 (which cleverly made use of a Mack truck windscreen) was the vehicle for the petrol vs diesel sterndrive shootout.

• In 2002 the Haines Signature 670 Cruiser picked up an unprecedented three major awards at three different shows.

Haines Signature 670

• New model releases included the Sea Ray 235, Reflex Chianti 485, Legacy 7m, Stabicraft 759 HT, Aquapro 900 Raider, Cresta Craft 590, No Limits 6.1, and the Aquapro Raider 790.

2003

• Sealegs, who commenced business in the early 2000s, launched their Sealegs Explorer 4.7 runabout in 2003.

• Bombardier released their E-TEC Technology.

• Selling boats in the snow isn’t something that most NZ marine retailers are familiar with, at the 2003 Christchurch boat show, it was a matter of having to.

• The Tristram 851 Grandeur, the company’s new flagship picked up boat of the show at both the NZ Boat Show & Christchurch Boat Show.

• After 41 years in business, Fi-Glass released their third version of the popular Warrior.

• The Buccaneer 735 Exess was released at the NZ Boat Show, just weeks later they had 15 deposits for a boat they couldn’t even give a final price on.

• Hella launched bright ideas – their DuraLed Multivolt LED trailer lamps.

• After 7 years of different HP engine shootouts, the Propeller Magazine team took eleven 115HP outboards and put them into battle to find out which was the quickest, quietest and most economical.

• New model releases included Stabicraft 559CR, Ramco Fish n Ski 600, Barchetta 409, Kingfisher 650 Striking, Southernsportz 695 Open HT, Rayglass 2300, Seahouse 5600, Sea Nymph 480 Sport, and the Ramco Predator 620.Hella launched bright ideas – their DuraLed Multivolt LED trailer lamps.

2004

• Fusion released their full marinized FPC-65 speakers for the marine market.

• Lazercraft released their head-turning 620 Avanti – A great-looking aluminium and fibreglass combination.

• Orams Marine opened their 370-vessel mega boat park, capable of storing boats of up to 12m.

Mercury Verado

• Mercury released their in-line 6-cylinder supercharged Verado Outboard. 200, 225, 250 & 275 HP.

• Buccaneer launched their 5.5m Billfisher.

• With 30 boats sold in 3 years of business, Image Boats released their popular 7.85 HT.

• The world’s largest and most popular one-design Offshore Powerboat Racing class was launched in New Zealand.

• Tristram Marine launched their popular Tristram 640 Cabriolet.

• The return of an icon – Smuggler released their Stealth 665 Open.

• New model releases included the CSB Huntsman La Plata, Seahouse Liberty 6400, Smuggler Stealth 665, Bonito 535 Multisport, Lazercraft Avanti 620, Haines Signature 500BR, and the Extreme 635.

2005

• With over 10,000 boats in 45 years, Fi-Glass unveiled the new look 5.1 Dominator.

• Greg Brink clinched the first New Zealand Honda Championship.

• Richard Shores in PlaceMakers racing won the 2005 NZ Offshore Championship.

• Sealegs co-founder Maurice Bryham set an English Channel crossing record in a Sealegs 5.6 Amphibious RIB of 43 minutes and 12 seconds.

• Fusion Marine launched a marine CD player.

• New model releases included Buccaneer 605 Exess, McLay 725 Cruiser HT, Stabicraft 589XR, Lazercraft 680HT, Southern Pacific 630 Vortex, Fyran 580 Horizon, Sea Nymph Hustler 620, and the Bluefin 620 HT.

2006

• Suzuki introduced the world’s first 300-horsepower 4-stroke outboard, the DF300, a large displacement V6 engine.

• Over 100 Rayglass Protectors were built and sent to Valencia for the upcoming Americas Cup.

• Warwick Lupton won the world GP Hydroplane Championship in Annihilator.

• Rayglass released the Legend 2500 Hard Top –A replacement for the market-leading Legend 730.

• The Haines Hunter SS660 won the Propeller Magazine People’s Choice Award.

• The Outboard Boating Club celebrated their 50th year.

• Tristram Marine released their popular 781 Ultimo, filling the gap between their 691 Millennium and 851 Grandeur.

The Tristram 781 Ultimo then went on to win the boat of the show at the Hutchwilco NZ Boat Show.

• Stabicraft became New Zealand’s largest exporter of trailer boats.

• New model releases included Buccaneer 565 Exess, Ramco 1700 HT, Stabicraft 509WXR, Blue Water 9.30 Portofino, Steadecraft 635 Caprice, Fyran 600 Horizon GT, Air Nautique 220, Smuggler Stealth 695XS, and the Bonito 535 Bowrider.

2007

• Ginger Gibbs passed away –The Flying Pirates attempted to break the world record of 112 hours around New Zealand in his honour. They successfully completed it in 69 hours and 44 minutes.

• CPC reached 17 members encompassing all of New Zealand’s leading boat builders.

• The Rayglass 2800 Legend took out the boat of the show at the Hutchwilco NZ Boat Show.

• New model releases included Scorpion 535 Cuddy, Seaswirl 2101 DC, Fi-Glass Warrior 640 HT, Tristram 690 Cabriolet, Image Elite 5.8, Bayliner 185, Image 8.0m Fishfinder, Haines Signature 580BR, SouthernSportz 605 HT, Four Winns 200 SS Horizon, Seaforce 645HT and the Surtees 6.7 Coastal Explorer.

2008

• Yamahas new V8 outboard motor – The F350A was awarded the US Boating Industry Association award just months after its release.

• Maxwell Marine Limited joined the Vetus group of companies.

• Rayglass had their Pakuranga premises destroyed by fire, 12 fire trucks and 60 firefighters could not save it.

• CSB Huntsman Boats released the third generation of their popular Dorado model.

• Propeller Magazine organised a world exclusive – A 300HP Outboard Shootout, V8 4 Stroke vs Supercharged inline 6 vs V6 FourStroke vs V6 Direct injected 2 Stroke.

• New model releases included Seaforce 530 Mate, Stabicraft 759 SuperCab, Buccaneer 565 Classic, Bluefin 720L, Barchetta 502XR, Smuggler Stealth 720 Cruiser, Fyran 760 Pursuit GT, Reflex Chianti 585, Assault 850 RIB, Scorpion 600 APB HT, Rayglass Cruisemaster 850, Surtees 7.3m Gamefisher

2009

• Nic deMey released his new production Ski Boat - The Phantom, 6.1metres in length with a 20-degree deadrise.

• E-TEC released five new models to celebrate 100 years of Evinrude.

• New Zealand Marine Industry reached over 700 apprenticeships in training.

• Aucklander Sam Harvey won the world championship in Arizona on a Sea-Doo PWC.

• New model releases included The Profile 600H, Bluefin 665 Offshore, White Pointer 7.5 Sports Hard Top, Fi-Glass Cavalier, Bonito Sting 550, Haines Hunter 485 SF, DNA 550 Sport & DNA 500CC X, Seahouse Liberty 850, Sea Nymph 640 Blazer, Four Winns SL222, CSB Huntsman Explorer, McLay 640 Fisherman Jet and Nautique 216V Crossover.

THOSE WITH GYPSY SOULS ADVENTURE AWAITS

I reviewed the Island Gypsy 50 WB earlier this year, and more recently the 40 WB, so I took the time to read what makes this company standout from the others in the semi displacement cruising market.

BY KYLE BARNES

The bow chine starts aft eight or so centimetres above the water and finishes on the stem around 30 centimetres above the water.

As a writer it is always a worry that you might repeat yourself or run out of superlatives to describe a vessel in what sometimes can be a vanilla marketplace. But I shouldn’t have given it a second thought when jumping aboard the Island Gypsy 40 wide body. I was shown around the newest version by director, veteran boatbuilder and importer and allround great bloke of Island Gypsy Boats, Brett Flanagan. And the one thing you come to realise about Brett is that he is an ideas man, a sort of a “Gyro Gearloose” of the boatbuilding trade. It seems he never stops refining and whittling ideas out of his first initial brainchild.

HULL

The first of the innovations is found around the hull. The bow chine starts aft, eight or so centimetres above the water and finishes on the stem around 30 centimetres above the water. It is quite a chunky chine and so I asked

Brett how it works. “When at rest trying to get to sleep, I hate the sound of the water tapping the traditional semi-submerged chines. But a chine is necessary to clear the water from the bow and create a dry boat, so this does both jobs, leaving just the hull in the water while at rest and works as a great splash guard while underway.”

Further astern on the hull five distinctive groves run midway up the hull, from just forward of the rear of the chine to almost all the way down to the stern. These lines are “purely aesthetic” according to Brett, and are simply a doth of the cap to the clinker heritage of this style of cruiser.

SWIM PLATFORM

When climbing aboard the 40 from the swim platform, you could almost be tricked into thinking you were climbing aboard a sports cruiser-style vessel. There is no mean duckboard and hard transom to negotiate. You are met with a wide Portofino stern, which for the uninitiated is simply a swim area that is included in the hull rather than bolted on.

The juxtaposition of this hull and stern make you want to hop off and take another look from the jetty. And yes, it is true - you have the classic lines of a semi-displacement vessel - a salute to its nautical past and the sporty rear end of a sports cruiser. You now see why when dealing with Brett I should always have confidence in my kit of superlatives as there is always something different he is cooking up.

COCKPIT

Once aboard through the starboard gate you’re into a nice wide cockpit, complete with aft waffled transom settee complemented with an expensive looking, shiny golden, hewn slab of tabletop wood. It kicks off our journey into the rest of the sparkling woodwork panels that make up the interior of the boat and end with a finale all the way downstairs as the bedhead in the master cabin.

But back to the cockpit, where underfoot in the lazarette is 1000 litres of fuel capacity and, nicely tipping the scales, the other way is the 700 litres of fresh water which has a home forward in the master’s cabin. The cockpit, swim platform and saloon

Inside the saloon the headroom increases by an extra five plus centimetres, and you feel that sense of volume that is synonymous with the brand.

The galley sports the same sparkling timber finish that ties the look of the boat together.

There are the usual number of dials tapped into the engine at helm level.

The engine has oodles of room either side.

are three entirely separate rooms while zipped up for the weather with camper covers creating the cockpit space and a wall created by a lift-up glass panel and a half door which ensure the saloon remains snug. But the natural state of this boat is most definitely opened up, the camper covers off and the tropical breezes pumping through.

GALLEY AND SALOON

The aforementioned lift-up glass panel pins up to the ceiling of the cockpit outwards from the saloon and galley. If there was one small thing that I could fret about (and talk about your first world problems), it would be the height as I wander through. The metal edge of the glass panel sits around 190 centimetres from the saloon floor and I am 187 centimetres in height. Combine that with an eager and distracted step up I came close to touching the top of my noggin on the frame, but I didn’t. Once inside the saloon the headroom increases by an extra five plus centimetres, and you feel that sense of volume that is synonymous with the brand. The galley sports the same sparkling timber finish that ties the look of the boat together. With the benchtops there is a reflection of the soft furnishings, a sort of a stark white with the cupboards fashionably underlit. And with a couple of well-placed recessed over bench lights to check on the state of the steak, this all blends beautifully with the hood lining, aft and saloon dining settees.

PILOT STATION

The helm area located on the starboard side has a slight step up to define it and below there are the usual number of dials tapped into the engine is at helm level. A single centred multi-screen is just below eye level to handle your navigation needs. And there's plenty of room for extra screens for folks who like a more complicated set-up – for me the simplicity of the layout is bang on.

There is plenty of room to scoot up and down along the helm station between the luxe double, white, waffle-branded helm seat and the wheel. And a pop out dogged full-sized door to get you out on the deck quick sticks. The door took me a minute to work out with an old-fashioned chrome handle and a chrome pin-style lock button - the sort you would find on an old Cadillac, pure simplicity and classic aesthetics.

ENGINE ROOM

The saloon floor has several hatches, each accessing bits of the engine. For instance, you can have a quick look by pulling up the forward hatch or remove a couple more for a full blown “WTF” look. The engine has oodles of room either side, one of the advantages of a single screw situation in a large vessel. It has the typical Island Gypsy blue underlighting on the white gel coat to pick up any leaks or spillages at a glance. As usual I didn’t spend too much time down there to try to describe things I don’t know a lot about, suffice to say it was a large, clean and uncomplicated space.

ACCOMMODATIONS

The forward master cabin has plenty of light provided by a hatch and a couple of windows either side and the bed is a surprising size. I am not usually drawn to an island bed, but this thing is king-sized and easily accommodated my length. The up and under bunks further back towards the saloon on the starboard side make for great guest quarters with the bottom looking closer to a double. Opposite is the large bathroom with full sized shower and separate toilet. There is also a lot of bench space obviously catering for stay aboard situations.

OUTSIDE

The walk around side decks or gunwales are hugely practical, there is no balancing act getting yourself around the boat with plenty of hip space and rails to keep you in. And the forward deck is a bit of a blank canvas - a large space left empty so an owner could put sun pads on it or a simple deck chair to throw a line over.

HEIGHT

This vessel was obviously designed for cruising situations and getting up into the river systems and harbours. This is easily achieved with the drop-down, traditional looking radar pole, low height and flat roof all extending cruising right up into the middle of Australian cities under the low bridges.

LINEAGE

Island Gypsy Yachts traces its roots back to over 130 years when Halvorsen Boats were launched in Norway in 1887 by Halvor Andersen. His son Lars joined the family business and a few years later relocated to Sydney with his family. There the Halvorsen name became synonymous with quality and style in the boat building industry. Lars died in 1936 and the business passed to his eldest son, Harold, who continued to design pleasure, commercial and military vessels. He was awarded the Order of Australia Medal in 2000 in

recognition of his contribution to the war effort. During the 1970s, Harold’s son Harvey became the new designer for the business and in 1975 he started a venture between his family business and marine heavyweight Joseph Kong. The new project was to design, build and market a brand-new range of pleasure boats all over the world. Harvey started with a new 30-foot design, and while designing the vessel he began to brainstorm names for the brand. He wanted to sell a lifestyle, so began gaining inspiration from thoughts of cruising the Great Barrier Reef and other exotic lands. He didn’t want to use the Halvorsen name in case the range was ever sold, and seemingly out of nowhere came up with the name “Island Gypsy”. However, years later he found out that in 1948 the family business had actually built a large boat for the tourist market with the name “Island Gypsy”, to be used on the reef. At the time he was just nine, so the name had clearly stayed with him subconsciously.

FROM DIRECTOR BRETT FLANAGAN

“Ninety per cent have been fitted with Cummins 355 Hp and the other engines that we have fitted are the

The forward master cabin has plenty of light provided by a hatch and a couple of windows either side and the bed is a surprising size.

The up and under bunks make for great guest quarters with the bottom looking closer to a double.

There is a large bathroom with full sized shower and separate toilet.

Once aboard through the starboard gate you're into a nice wide cockpit, complete with aft waffled transom settee complemented with an expensive looking, shiny golden, hewn slab of tabletop wood.

The walk-around side decks or gunwales are hugely practical, there is no balancing act getting yourself around the boat.

There is no mean duckboard and hard transom to negotiate. Instead, a wide Portofino stern, a swim area that is included in the hull rather than bolted on.

fantastic Nanni diesels. For the uninitiated, Nanni diesel engines are a Toyota-based marine diesel engine developed from the original automotive blocks of Toyota. These engines range from 200 to 370 Hp and are designed for powerboats, sports boats, fishing vessels and fast cruisers. Both of those marine engine companies have been fantastic to deal with. Although the boat does lend itself to those slower revving engines with torque. The hull is semi displacement and good for 15 knots with it popping to the plane at around 12 knots. All the 40s have been built with underwater exhaust, which make for a much quieter and less fumy cruise.”

THE FUTURE

“I am building hull number 21 at the moment, after operating for two and a half years and can still get a delivery in before Christmas. With my main clients being mainly Queensland based, I have a line of stock-boat orders in different stages of build and varying sizes. So, a potential owner doesn’t have to wait too long and can put their mark on the vessel, picking out trims, woodwork and even engines, although in saying that I have future proofed a lot of the foreseeable changes that a client might want to make

instead of having to do it post factory. For instance, if a buyer wanted to run solar on the roof, we have already run the wiring in the hood lining, so tradies don’t have to rip into it. And if the buyer wants a bigger fridge or another fridge/freezer, next to the standard offering of the 140-litre under bench model, I have put in the extra plumbing and wiring required and you only have to remove the drawers and pop in the bigger model or extra appliance.”

SUMMARY

The Island Gypsy 40 Wide Body may be the smaller of the Island Gypsy offerings in terms of her size, but to find a cruiser with this much useability and liveability for under 900 K is going to be a bit of a stretch. Especially when you consider it comes as a kind of a “hamburger with the lot” with its delivery inclusions incorporating navigation equipment, auto pilot, bow and stern thrusters, generator, air conditioning, right down to the stainless steel chain and anchor. Therefore, she represents fantastic value and economic long-term cruising with classic good looks.

“Embrace the magic of the Gypsy life!”

SPECIFICATIONS

Make & Model IG40WB Launch Year 2024

Builder Island Gypsy

Designer Island Gypsy

Loa 12.90 meters

Beam 3.96 meters

Fuel Capacity 1000l

Water Capacity 720 litres

Engine Make Cummins

Fuel Type Diesel

Air Conditioning 16000 BTU

In Saloon, 12000 In Cabins

Inverter 3000 W

Charting System Raymarine

IGBOATS.COM.AU

PERFORMANCE DATA

ISLAND GYPSY

50

Wide Body

This luxurious vessel with traditional lines is gaining popularity for its impressive appearance, speed, and tremendous interior volume. It is perfect for those who love spending time on the water ready for an adventure about to happen.

• Two Cabin Layout

• Full beam master

• Two heads

• 800hp Scania

• Shaft drive

THE NEXT GENERATION OF CLASSIC CRUISERS

ISLAND GYPSY

40 Wide Body

The stunning Island Gypsy 40 features enough space for up to 7 guests, boasting a generous sized cockpit, a spacious saloon for easy entertaining, and stacks of innovative features complete with a luxurious twin cabin fit out.

• Diesel shaft drive

• Full keel protection

• Generator

• Air conditioning

• Bow and stern thrusters

Contact: Brett Flanagan (Director) P: 0414 997 654 | brett@igboats.com.au www.igboats.com.au Hope Harbour Marina, 9

DESTINATION

DENMARK

Part Two

BY RON CZERNIAK, Marine Journalist

Faaborg is yet another charming and well-sheltered harbour. Interestingly, as enjoyable as Faaborg is, my lasting impression is the amazing meal we had for lunch during our wanderings ashore. I had never seen or heard of (never mind eaten) a twenty-one eggs and crispy bacon omelette before, but it was awe-inspiring and absolutely delicious. Adopting the adage that a picture speaks a thousand words suffice it to say that between the three of us, we struggled to finish this gargantuan meal. These omelettes are not uncommon in Denmark, but the island of Fyn seems to be more renowned than others for serving up this sybaritic concoction.

Faaborg provided the perfect location and base for further mini explorations of the South Funen Archipelago Region. Mini for two reasons. Firstly, the discovery of some of the lessor islands is made easy, as none are that far from Faaborg. Secondly, we used ‘Mini-Karoline’, the mothership’s 3.6 metre (Ukrainian) Brig RIB for exploration. Mooring ‘Mini Karoline’ in the little harbour of Dyreborg we set off on foot to investigate and enjoy what the place had to offer, enjoying the rustic charm of yet another delightfully clean and tidy Danish village with old boats and centuries-old homes making for a pictureperfect postcard day.

With much of the day ahead of us, as at this time of year in Denmark, it doesn’t get dark until almost 10:00 pm, we left Dyreborg and set off southwest to Bjørnø, one of the smallest islands in the South Funen Archipelago. At only 1.5 square km, it is the perfect place for a one-day trip. You can walk around the coast in a couple of hours via numerous flower-lined paths and walkways. With a population of under 100 people, the island is totally committed to ecological farming. All the fields are planted, in and around them, with beautifully coloured wildflowers which act as natural insecticides. Marvellous!

Returning to Faaborg for the night, we witnessed the arrival of four large, old wooden sailing ships ghosting into the harbour late in the evening. Gawd, these must have been challenging to sail! However, sometimes it is the little things you happen to notice that still stand

out in your mind years later. What a simple and effective mooring point secured into the wharf.

Another thing one cannot fail to notice throughout Denmark is the plethora of public art; sculptures, statuary, abstracts, murals and all sorts of other creativity that abound in every little village, town or city in the country. Faaborg was no exception, and I was particularly delighted in a stainless-steel whale tail sculpture in the outer harbour. “What a whale of a ‘tale’ these two kayakers could tell”.

Sailing (no iron spinnaker for a change) south and then west to Sonderborg, we came very close to the German border, which probably explained why we were seeing so many boats flying German flags off their sterns. Duh! One tends to forget how compact this part of the world is and how many common borders there are between the numerous nations in this region. For me, Sonderborg was somewhat of an unusual, although wonderful port, laying as it does along the narrow Alssund Strait which separates the island of Als from Southern Denmark’s mainland. It’s almost as though you are moored beside a long wharf built lengthways along a large canal, but very secure in most weather conditions. The waterfront is picturesque and many of the old buildings are home to marvellous restaurants, with several only a few minutes’ walk from where we were moored.

And as elsewhere throughout Denmark, every little village, town and harbour seemed to have at least one church (usually more); all charming and all seemingly chiming or ringing bells quite frequently. Not surprisingly, Sonderborg is home to Sonderborg Castle built in 1154 and, during a long leisurely stroll around the town on a splendid late spring day, I savoured all the public statuary and art that adorn Danish settlements. Certainly, good for the spirit. Although an old city, the Danes have managed to merge modern and medieval architecture most pleasantly. A highlight of this stopover was catching up with a long-time friend of Jess’s who lived only a few kilometres from where we were moored. Bent kindly invited us out for a day trip on his 65’ Fairline Motor Yacht, along with members of his family, to one of the most wonderfully sheltered marinas in Denmark; Dyvig (pronounced ‘duvet’). So, on a magnificently clear, warm sunny day we voyaged in style aboard the Fairline to Dyvig, for the afternoon. Fortunately, we were to visit this harbour again a day later aboard ‘Karoline’. Nothing like having a reconnoitre beforehand to a place which, we were to discover, was tricky to navigate.

Despite its secluded location, Dyvig sports a top-class marina that sits in front of a true fourand-a-half-star hotel, where marina visitors are welcome to dine or stay for a night or two ashore, should they wish. The approach to Dyvig is by way of a very narrow and quite shallow channel with a maximum depth, in the centre of the well-marked entrance, of only four metres. However, Bent’s son, Simon successfully navigated the narrow, winding channel and once secured in a guest marina berth, we strolled ashore for a look at the ‘Dyvig Badehotel – Relais & Chateaux’. Impressive and quaintly cozy at the same time. To quote from their website, and based on our visit, I must say accurately; “This elegant

boutique hotel located on the waterfront is in perfect harmony with the surrounding countryside and the waters of the Baltic Sea, revealing its charm through its 19th century building which itself is a beautiful reflection of the local traditional architecture”. Although only a brief visit on this particular afternoon, I was thrilled that we were going to re-visit Dyvig. Consequently, after enjoying a most pleasant day and appreciating the hospitality and conviviality of Bent’s family, it was back to ‘Karoline’ for our last night in Sonderborg. But first a final dinner ashore at a lovely little restaurant on the wharf, a mere two-minute walk from the boat. A final stroll around the streetlamp-lit and late sunset dusky waterfront, before hitting our bunks, revealed Sonderborg Havn as though plucked from a wonderful Grimm’s Fairy Tale. Morning broke to a sky looking somewhat ominous, but with the promise of better weather later in the day, as we set off back to Dyvig. Once again motoring, but obviously not at the speed of the Fairline, we reached Dyvig marina in time for lunch ashore at the Dyvig Badehotel’s garden restaurant, overlooking the marina on a, by now, sunny warm afternoon. The meal and the ambience were both superb. After a long, leisurely lunch, we discovered that the hotel/ harbour master had a rack full of bicycles, free to use by hotel guests or crews from visiting yachts. How civilised is that!? Selecting our bikes, we were off on an exploration of the surrounding environs to work off our sumptuous lunch and enjoy the charming Danish countryside under a clear and sunny sky with a temperature perfect for cycling. Returning the bicycles back to the marina racks, it was a light supper aboard ‘Karoline’ and off to bed. Summing up the day in one word? Priceless! Awaking the next day, we discovered that a bag full of fresh bread, ordered from the marina office the previous afternoon, had been delivered to, and left in the cockpit of the boat earlier in the morning. Fresh bread, Danish butter and cheese on a morning that turned out to be better than forecast, what more could one ask? Dyvig, by any measure, is a GREAT little harbour!

Having reconnoitred the region on bikes the day before, it was time to launch ‘Mini-Karoline” for a water access exploration of the upper reaches of the inlet near the tiny hamlet of Mjels (population 148), where we were to discover another small marina with a harbour

office building offering, which is not uncommon, immaculately clean guest toilets and shower facilities, kitchen, dining and relaxation room and an outdoor deck with barbeques for local marina boat owners and visiting boaties to enjoy. But here’s the thing. There was not a soul in sight, but everything was open for guests to enjoy. Even a fridge stocked with beer and wine and a local farmer had left trays of fresh vegetables. Help yourself and just pay for what you take into an honesty box. Marvellous! After a most enjoyable El Fresco lunch we strolled up the hill to explore Mjels. Having enjoyed the tranquillity of Mjels, we returned to “MiniKaroline” and motored back to Dyvig Marina, with a stop for a swim along the way. Back on board, Mie served up gluten-free pancakes with bananas and fresh strawberries. Yum! But Jess had to do one better, and with a flamboyant display, dug out a tub of chocolate chip ice cream from the ship’s freezer. As we enjoyed this extra treat, the harbour mistress popped by to take our order of freshly baked bread for breakfast again the following morning. We can learn a lot from the Danes.

As Jess now needed to be back in Hals to take care of some business for a few days, we began our journey north, once again motoring on glassy seas, first to Middelfart, some 30 NM away, but with a stop along the way to anchor off the small island of Ærø. Although tiny, the island has a fascinating history and I encourage readers to “Google” it for more information than I have room for in this narrative. Suffice it to say that we enjoyed a pleasant few hours ashore. I was impressed to discover that the island has a winery as well as an obligatory Kirke (church). One might say that Ærø takes care of both body and soul. Securing “‘Mini-Karoline” on her stern davits, upping anchor and cranking up the ‘iron spinnaker’ it was on to Middelfart, the day’s final destination.

Middelfart is a town of old and new contrasts, but it manages to seamlessly blend the two into an aesthetically pleasing whole. Laying at the top northwest corner of Funen (Fyn) Island, by the time we had moored alongside the wharf in the ‘old’ Middelfart harbour, we had also all but circumnavigated this third-largest Danish island over our past fortnight of cruising.

One of the many things I enjoyed while crewing aboard ‘Karoline’ is that the captain tended to eschew the more modern harbours whenever there was a choice, opting to enter and moor in the much more interesting and quaint ‘old’ harbours. Middelfart was no exception and as we motored towards the ‘old’ harbour entrance, just south of the quite

large and much more modern ‘new’ harbour/marina, the beautifully restored old sailing ship, the “Fulton” was pulling alongside the outer harbour wharf. As I’ve mentioned before, magnificent old wooden sailing and motor vessels seem to abound in just about every small or large harbour we visited. Many of these vessels are now entering their second century of service, with many of them being lovingly restored and continuing to be used. Fantastic! Once secured in the ‘old’ harbour, we could not help but notice an erstwhile classic motor sailer moored off our bow. As one does when cruising, we struck up a conversation with the sprightly older couple who, although well into their 80s had owned and maintained this vessel for over 50 years! Still going strong (boat and crew), we smiled as they chugged out of the harbour later in the day, on their way to yet another adventure in true Viking tradition.

The following morning, I took leave of my fellow crewmates for a ‘sticky beak’ around both the older and newer parts of the town, the former, in my mind being much more interesting. As usual, it is not hard to find a Kirke (or two or three) and one beautiful example I stumbled upon dated back to 1667. Maybe I’m just an old romantic, but as I wandered the cobblestone streets and alleyways, it was impossible not to snap numerous photos of the buildings, statuary, stainedglass windows and lovingly maintained cemeteries. One old pub (Holms), dates back to 1584! Awe-inspiring!

That evening, sitting in ‘Karoline’s’ cockpit with a glass of wine in hand, I reflected on my day ashore and mused on the fact that what was notable and what impressed me yet again, was how clean and orderly everything is in Denmark. Sorry New Zealand, we used to come close, but not so much anymore. And bear in mind, this is a country not dissimilar to ours. On that note, I did a bit of further research, but rather than list what I discovered, check out this link: https://denmark.dk/quick-facts. Then, if you’re interested in comparing with New Zealand, start with this link: https://leverageedu.com/blog/facts-about-new-zealand/ . Thoughtprovoking.

The following morning it was off to the small island of Tunø and, for a change, after motoring for the first third of the journey, we ended up sailing with favourable winds, allowing us to average about 6.5 to 7 knots towards our destination making the 44 NM passage to this car-free island, with a village and farms plus hiking trails known for fossil finds, in about seven hours. Stretching our legs ashore, before retiring for the night, the symbiotic lighthouse and Kirke were impossible not to notice in the little

hamlet and I was rather delighted in a building that provides both navigational and spiritual guidance. Continuing our voyage north (again motoring on a calm ocean) towards Grenaa Harbour, where we had been a few weeks before, we stopped for a mid-sea swim. Latitude 55°55’ N and 10°27’ E. Depth 8.7 metres (the Kattegat is very shallow in many places). Sea Temperature 10°C. Mie was adamant throughout our sea-going adventure, that I should aspire to become a Viking. One of the qualifications is to swim in Nordic waters whenever possible. So, counting my voyage aboard ‘Karoline’ five years previously, where we had ventured as far north as Ålesund in Norway, I had now swum in many of the northern seas and oceans; the Baltic, North Sea, Skagerrak and Kattegat. But Mie was insistent that I must partake in this final swim with her before the end of the adventure, so in we plunged. Perhaps now I can claim to be somewhat of a Viking?

Grenaa this time was but a stopover on our way back to Hals and the following morning, under an ominous sky as a front, blowing from the south of England, rapidly moved through bringing strong winds and heavy rain, we set off on the final leg back to home port some 48 NM away. Fortunately, the sky cleared about an hour out of Hals, but the strong winds persisted, gusting to 30 knots, and as we lined up the ‘leading lights’ into the harbour, a lot of preberthing discussion and preparation was undertaken before entering the harbour. Manoeuvring a boat as large as ‘Karoline’ (48’), into a barely wide enough berth under these conditions, leaves very little margin for errors. Suffice it to say, that with the wind still howling through the rigging of the sailboats in the marina and the flags ashore stretched and flapping horizontally to the max, we slipped into ‘Karoline’s’ marina berth without incident. Celebrating our return in a cozy restaurant ashore, we enjoyed a hearty dinner and, after a long day at sea, slept extremely well that night, even though the shortest of the year, it being the Danish summer equinox upon our arrival back in Hals.

We were to spend several days in Hals in order to participate in an annual wooden boats’ rendezvous event and concert that week. The days slipped by in preparation, but wonderfully so, as more and more classic boats (power and sail) converged on Hals. One particular afternoon was most interesting as the 125-year-old wooden sailing boat, “Martha” came into the harbour, her ancient engine barely up to the task of getting her moored against a strong wind blowing directly against her expansive beam. However, thanks to the skill of the captain, his well-experienced volunteer crew and some strong arms ashore, the ship was deftly secured an hour after she first entered the harbour, the bow sprit barely avoiding the flagpole at the end of the wharf during the final manoeuvre.

And so, it transpired that our last day and evening in Hals was event-filled with over thirty old wooden boats arriving at harbour and a big party, under massive marques ashore, provided much fun and the opportunity to make new friends, enjoy amazing stories from all these wonderful Vikings, male and female alike, while wining and dining on spitroast pigs and other food galore. Yeah, it was kind of like you would imagine Vikings banqueting as they have for hundreds of years. Such fun!

For me, it was also a farewell party, as now into the early part of July, it was time to set sail one last time back down the coast to Copenhagen, where I was to catch a plane to Vancouver the following week. However, as the saying goes, “It’s not over, until it’s over”, and more adventures and enjoyments were still to come. A most pleasant surprise, just before leaving Hals, was the addition of a new crew member. An old (literally and figuratively) friend of the captain’s; Birger joined us for our voyage to Copenhagen. He turned out to be a really fun guy, a knowledgeable seaman and a great addition to the crew. We motored south under somewhat leaden skies and very little wind, the ‘iron spinnaker’ once again being employed. A mostly uneventful voyage, but I found it interesting to see the number of offshore wind farms that dot the Danish coast, not surprisingly, as Denmark generates over 40% of its energy from wind. These huge ‘farms’ were clearly evident on the ship’s GPS chart plotter and peering through the binoculars at one expansive ‘farm’ I counted upwards of 100 of these, almost eerily prehistoriclooking, machines slowly turning and generating clean electricity for not only the Danes, but at times, selling their surplus to other European countries.

Eventually we approached the narrow channel at Helsingor, separating Denmark and Sweden, where Kronborg Castle, immortalised as Elsinore in Shakespeare’s play, Hamlet, is located.

Birger regaled us with wonderful, tongue-in-cheek stories about the castle’s history. Hilarious, while still largely factual. Two sizeable ferries continually crisscross this channel, and one has to stay alert while sailing through the gap between Helsingoer (Denmark) and Helsingborg (Sweden).

Our final anchorage turned out to be Rungsted Havn, a lovely, modern marina about 30 km by road, north of Copenhagen. Although the original plan had been to voyage on to Copenhagen in order for me to catch my plane in a few days, Birger, whose home is not far from Rungsted, talked us into leaving ‘Karoline’ at the marina and volunteered to drive us all down to Copenhagen the day before I was due to leave. This turned out to be an excellent plan, as unbeknown to me at the time, there were two very interesting places to visit quite near Rungsted.

One of these is the Karen Blixen Homeland Museum, which was only a twenty-minute walk from the marina. You may not recognise the name, but I am sure that most readers will be familiar with this Danish author’s most famous book (also made into a film) called “Out of Africa”. Mie and I enjoyed a most enchanting afternoon at this homestead which is where Blixen grew up and later spent many of her adult years until she died in 1962 at the age of 77. She was buried here, according to her wishes, under a tree in the woods at the back of the large property. It was so interesting to discover more about this remarkable woman. The home and property have been beautifully restored and is open to visitors. Besides being a writer of many books, Karen was also an accomplished artist who loved and cultivated wildflowers, of which many varieties abound on the grounds. Wonderful!

The whole area around Rungsted, besides being extraordinarily beautiful, is a centre for the arts and culture and another nearby attraction that draws people from around the world, is the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art. What an exquisite day was spent here with Mie and Birger’s wife, Ida Bendix, a well-known opera singer. Louisiana was an amazing and unexpected experience with both indoor and outdoor exhibits, features and enchanting grounds, not to mention the three original Henry Moore creations! Back on-board ‘Karoline’, as the evening set in, so did the rain

and for the first time in the two months that I had been aboard the boat, it was the only time we had to use the rain cover over the cockpit. But as the rain cleared away and the sun set late that evening, the harbour took on a peaceful serenity befitting the past twenty-four hours. Is it just me or something everyone experiences; that heightened sensation of taking in the most insignificant details, knowing that soon a remarkable experience is drawing to a close?

Next morning, and the final day of my voyage, what do we discover, but a fish shop only 15 metres away from where we were moored at Rungsted Havn!

The selection of fresh seafood in this small, harbourside shop was incredible and, of course, the captain, having invited friends to join us for lunch, had to go ‘Viking”, buying up large and ending up with enough different seafood delicacies to feed twice the number joining us. No complaints from me!

Leaving ‘Karoline’, the following morning, after several weeks of fantastic cruising, was a mixture of sadness and exciting anticipation of what was yet to come before returning to New Zealand. However, things ain’t half bad when you get to spend your last day and evening in the magical city of Copenhagen along with old and new-found friends. Birger drove us to the city and acted as a guide for a non-touristy exploration of Copenhagen. You see a city

in a completely different light when shown around by a local. But the icing on the cake was, that having insisted that I treat everyone to dinner for my final night in Denmark, the captain and rest of the crew elected to go to the Herring restaurant right on the Copenhagen harbour waterfront. We were fortunate to not only have our most recent crew member (Birger) along, but also Emma (Mie’s daughter), who as you may recall (part 1) had joined us for the night sail down the Danish coast several weeks earlier. A most delicious meal made that much better, in the company of wonderful people.

After dinner, a leisurely stroll along the waterfront and through the old city where Mie and I took a moment to just sit and enjoy Copenhagen, it was back to Birger’s car for me to be driven to my airport hotel in preparation for an early morning flight to Vancouver the following day. What a memorable experience the two months had been. It doesn’t get any better!

Bewitching little beauty hides a big heart

Marine Magic is Admiral Boat’s new 10m Sportfisher and arguably the best yet!

BY MIKE ROSE

Although just 10m, Marine Magic boasts some of the very latest technology.

The well thought out helm station including a large comfy seat, features an extra large opening window so the skipper can easily see back to the stern.

Wide bi-fold opening doors and windows make for a seamless transition from saloon to cockpit.

Since launching the first Admiral 10m Sportcruiser in 2018, Steve Clement and his small team have produced slightly better than one of these “big little launches” a year. That’s some achievement given the care and attention that clearly goes into each and considering how turbulent some of those past seven years have been. Marine Magic is the first of the company’s new Sportfisher models. With more of an emphasis on game fishing, it has been designed to be able to back up fast, has more cockpit space, traditional Sportfisher full teak coamings, a live-bait tank plus tuna tubes and a single transom door to starboard.

Although Admiral Boats are basically a production GRP boatbuilder, when we catch up with Marine Magic at its home berth in the Tauranga Bridge Marina, it quickly becomes apparent that Steve is more than happy to tweak both the design and the fit-out to incorporate lessons learned from previous boats and the thoughts of new clients, such as Marine Magic’s experienced owner.

SURPRISINGLY SPACIOUS

While one owner chooses to use their Admiral 10m Sportcruiser solely as a day boat, the boats have been designed for extended periods away and have accommodation to match. In fact, the space allocated

for this purpose is surprisingly spacious. With a veeshaped berth (complete with infill) in the bow, a single berth alongside and an almost-queen-sized berth back under the saloon, Marine Magic can comfortably sleep two couples and a child or, on a lads’ fishing trip, 3 or 4 mates. Steve is quick to point out that there are other options too: the vee berth can be replaced by an island one and the handy shelf (portside, opposite that single berth) can be widened to create another single. Depending on an owner’s requirements, there are other options here, too: including additional clothing and/or rod and tackle lockers.

Marine Magic’s decor is a study in white and grey with timber surrounds for the doors and bunks providing a stylish accent. Covering the forward bulkhead with a dark grey, ribbed fabric is another nice touch. There is stowage under the side berths, on that side shelf and in a good-sized locker, complete with a mirrored door, that can be either a hanging locker or shelved, depending on the owners’ preference.

Ventilation is provided by a large Lewmar hatch, complete with Oceanair combination blind, sunshade and insect screen, and an oval porthole on each side. The lighting is also double-switched for convenience and there are loads of cleverly positioned USB chargers for those needing to stay digitally connected. The ship’s head is a simple, functional unit. Cleverly moulded up underneath the dash console it boasts considerable headroom and tidily combines the toilet, shower, sink and a shelf into a well-thought-out and appropriately sized area.

STYLISH SALOON

That stylish decor continues into the saloon area as does the generous headroom (at least 1.9m through the saloon and head). A 4-person settee and oval timber table occupy the space across from the ship’s station. Although most Admiral 10 Sportcruisers so far have come with a contrasting grey dash, Marine Magic’s owners have chosen to leave it white, so it seamlessly blends with the rest of the saloon.

There is an additional seat behind the helm, complete with a large pull-out drawer under (although this can be

replaced by a freezer drawer). This would be a perfect spot to position the DMO (Drinks Movement Officer) as it is immediately adjacent to the 130-litre Isotherm fridge.

Above is a moulded bench area and, above that, a timber unit housing a TV, controls for the Fusion stereo and the saloon lights and a handy open locker for things such as phones, sunglasses, wallets, keys and the like. This is also home to the Mastervolt inverter charger system panel, responsible for maintaining the ship’s simple but effective 12v power supply: twin house and one starter battery.

The nicely understated blend of the moulded fibreglass benchtops and the oak cabinetry continues over in the galley where there is a handy timber unit above the bench and just inside the opening to the cockpit, and timber drawers under the diesel cooktop/heater and sink. The latter has been fitted with a carbon water filter and, another really nice touch, macrocarpa cutting boards have been made to sit over both cooker and sink when not in use.

With wide bi-fold opening doors and windows making for a seamless transition from saloon to cockpit, Steve and his team have created another nice touch in this area: the floor area throughout the entrance and galley area is from a fibreglass mould, cleverly designed to look just like white ceramic tiles (although at a fraction of the cost).

SPACIOUS COCKPIT

Given that Marine Magic is just 10m LOA, the amount of both usable cockpit space and easilyavailable stowage is impressive. Steve Clement is obviously one of those boatbuilders who has never seen a cavity he didn’t think could be better filled

with something useful, and it shows. In addition to the traditional side and underfloor lockers, there are large lockers built into the bulkheads on either side of the entranceway, another back under the galley, a tidy little fender locker in the floor in front of the live-bait tank and, the piece de resistance, a handy stowage locker for gaffs, nets and even small jigging rods in the underside of the hardtop. There is also a handy moveable insulated bin, complete with a squab, positioned just under the galley window.

For those who like their fishing, as the owner clearly does, there are good-sized toe kicks on each side, an already-plumbed outlet for the washdown hose handily positioned low down, and a most impressive 90-litre live bait tank.

Occupying the centre of the new Sportfisher transom, this substantial fully moulded fibreglass unit employs all the best practices: it is oval in shape with no corners, its interior is a soothing shade of light blue and there is a large window facing into the cockpit for natural light. It has also been thoughtfully fitted out with a brace of tuna tubes. Fittings for the custommade bait board sit in the transom top to port and have been so perfectly positioned that, when the board is in place, there is just enough room to open the live bait lid, and not a millimetre more.

Basic access to the engine room is via a large hatch in the middle of the cockpit and, should greater access be required for servicing, insulated access panels on either side can be quickly and easily removed, too.

As well as being practical and good-looking, Marine Magic’s cockpit has been designed to be both safe and durable, too. All the top rails are solid teak, the floor is U-DEK and there are five separate gravity-fed drainage channels leading to the outlet above the leg.

The uninterrupted flow, literally from bow to stern, makes the Admiral 10m feel much bigger than it is.

With a vee shaped berth in the bow, a single berth alongside and an almost-queen sized berth under the saloon, there are a variety of sleeping arrangements available.

Cleverly moulded up underneath the dash console, the head is simple and functional with 1.9m of headroom.

Solid teak top rails feature as well as a substantial centrallypositioned live bait well and loads of practical stowage.

The relatively small Sportfisher platform and substantial freeboard means Marine Magic can back up, fast and safely.

Powered by the bigger Volvo Penta D4-320hp through a DPI leg, Marine Magic is capable of hitting 32 knots with full fuel & water plus 5 people on boardcruising along in the high teens and low to mid 20s.

(Right hand page)

The engine room is reached via a large hatch in the middle of the cockpit with the insulated access panels easily removable for servicing if required.

FULLY KITTED OUT

At the helm in readiness for our sea trial, one cannot help but be impressed by the amount of “kit” that has been fitted into this compact launch. The helm chair, a Hi Tech Plastic, albeit fitted out by Admiral’s upholsterer, Auto & Marine Trimming World, is a classy one, coming with a bolster and a drop-down footrest created by the Admiral Boats’ team. The dash is dominated by the twin Garmin 12” MFDs (a single 16” is another option) and into these feed the data from the ship’s chartplotter, fishfinder, radar and FLIR M232 thermal night vision camera, as well as all the glass cockpit data one needs from the Volvo D4.

There is also a Vesper Cortex VHF and remote monitoring and control system, a traditional Garmin VHF and a sophisticated Humphree Lightning auto trim system. In addition to the traditional auto trim functions, this latter comes with co-ordinated turn function (that automatically keeps the vessel at a predetermined angle of heel throughout the turn, no matter how tight or shallow it is), a function that automatically gives additional lift when breaking free of the plane and then reduces it again once “on top” and integrated underwater lighting.

There are also controls for the Auto Anchor (for the Maxwell RC8 windlass), the spotlight and the Fusion entertainment system, a BEP DC switch panel, switches for the horn and three windscreen wipers (and their freshwater washers), gauges for the black and grey water tanks and a Scanstrut phone holder and charger. In addition to the aforementioned joystick, there is also a Garmin G20 remote, a sort of mouse for the MFDs that allows the skipper to remain in complete control while comfortably sitting back in their chair, rather than having to awkwardly lean forward to make adjustments.

There is also a new extra-wide opening side window, designed to make it easier for the skipper to see what is happening back at the stern, for example when battling a gamefish or when coming into a tight berth.

POWERFUL PERFORMER

Marine Magic is the first Admiral 10m to be powered by the bigger Volvo Penta D4-320hp through a DPI leg. Even more impressively, it is also the first boat in New Zealand to be fitted with Volvo’s new joystick, a clever piece of kit that is able to control both the engine and the Sleipner SEP80 bow thruster at the same time. It is clear the Admiral 10m Sportfisher is one of those vessels that loves to get up and run. Capable of hitting 32 knots with full fuel (600 litres) and water (370 litres) and 5 people on board, it comfortably and economically cruises along in the high teens and low to mid 20s. With the Bay of Plenty turning on one of those classic, virtually windless and glassy mid-winter days, there is unfortunately no harsh chop to run against, just a gentle, smooth swell. Nevertheless, Marine Magic acquits herself well, riding easily and predictably to all points of what little wind there is, ably assisted by that sophisticated Humphree Lightning system. It is certainly novel to not have to bother about trim when getting on to the plane, or to have to make any adjustments when transitioning from fast straight running into a tight turn. On the other hand, those, like myself, who prefer to control a boat themselves rather than having the technology do the work, need have no fears. The Admiral hull with the tab system in full manual mode proves a real joy to drive, and is delightfully responsive to both fore-and-aft and side-toside trim.

With its short duckboard, the Sportfisher backs up superbly, both at speed and at just-in-gear, with no tendency to become seacocked in either direction. Back in the harbour, the full benefits of Marine Magic’s joystick control become apparent. Like anything, it takes a bit of practice to master but, by being able to control both the engine and the bow thruster with just one hand, closequarter manoeuvring, coming alongside, manoeuvring around gamefish, docking and the like certainly become simple, straightforward affairs, even for a vessel with just one engine. There is also the option, should one wish, to have a second joystick control added to the cockpit.

SUMMARY

It is good to see that there is still a place in New Zealand for a production launch manufacturer even if, at the moment, it is on a fairly modest scale. Since its first appearance at the 2018 boat show, the original Admiral 10m Sportcruiser has collected a fair few admirers and proved to have a surprisingly wide appeal. These boats can now be found in Gulf Harbour (two), Half Moon Bay, the OBC,

SPECIFICATIONS

Designer Admiral Boats

LOA 10m

LOH 8.8m

Beam 3m

Deadrise 12degree variable

deadrise

Displ (Dry) 4.8t approx

Max Speed 32knots full fuel and water w/5pob

Construction Full Fibreglass

Fuel Cap 600lts (Optional fuel/ water tank sizes)

Water Cap 370lts

Engines Make Volvo Penta

Drive Train Volvo Penta

Pauanui and, of course, this new Sportfisher in Tauranga. The owners are an equally eclectic bunch: retired couples, families with kids and that keen day fisher who has no interest in overnighting and uses his accommodation area for stowage. And now, in stark contrast, Marine Magic’s owner. One who has a 6-person life raft on his cabin top and is planning trips to the Three Kings.

Thrusters Sleipner SEP80

Trim Tabs

Humphree Lightning

Lighting Hella

MFD Garmin/Volvo Glass

cockpit

Management BEP Battery

switching

Windlass Maxwell RC8

Ent System Fusion

Underwater Lights Humphree

Flooring UDEC, Fibreglass moulded tiles and Carpet

Contact Steven Clement

0276009027

ADMIRALBOATSNZ.COM

SPORTFISHER

KEEPING IT ON THE LEVEL THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO TRIM TABS AND INTERCEPTORS

Trim tabs are an essential component for many powerboats offering improved performance, comfort, efficiency and safety on the water. This comprehensive guide explores the purpose, functionality, benefits, and proper use of trim tab systems for powerboaters.

BY DOUG DUKESON

In the past, trim tabs were predominantly seen on cabin cruisers and sport fishers larger than 7 meters, generally called upon to assist with boat performance for vessels with top-heavy weight distribution and boats prone to windage. Nowadays, they are increasingly common on boats ranging from 5 to 6.5 meters. Trim tabs are now found on various types of boats, including open tiller steers, bowriders, ski boats, as well as cabin and hardtop models. Despite some beliefs that trim tabs are less crucial for smaller boats, the opposite is true. They significantly enhance the handling and comfort of smaller boats, compared to larger ones which are less sensitive to weight distribution.

A minor adjustment of the trim tab or interceptor can swiftly correct the fore and aft or lateral trim angles of a small boat, thereby improving its ride quality. Properly adjusted trim tabs or interceptors result in a smoother and more comfortable experience on the water. Over decades of use, it has been established that all boats, regardless of size, benefit from trim tabs or interceptors for similar reasons: enhancing planing efficiency, and to a degree improving fuel efficiency, while addressing issues of uneven weight distribution, enhancing speed, safety, and overall boat performance.

‘Properly adjusted trim tabs or interceptors result in a smoother and more comfortable experience on the water.’

What are Trim tabs and how do they work?

Trim tabs are adjustable plates attached to the transom of a boat, just above where the hull meets the water. They are typically made of stainless steel or aluminium and are controlled by hydraulic or electric actuators. When deployed, trim tabs deflect water flow to alter the boat's running attitude, allowing the operator to fine-tune the vessel's performance in various conditions.

Trim tabs operate on a principle of "reverse psychology" in relation to water flow. When lowered, they create resistance against the water moving along the boat's hull, effectively lifting that section of the stern. This action, in turn, lowers the bow on the opposite side.

By adjusting the trim tabs independently, a skipper can control both the fore-and-aft pitch and side-to-side roll of their vessel. A complete trim tab system typically includes:

• A pair of hinged metal plates attached to the transom

• Electric or hydraulic actuators to control the angle of the plates

• A hydraulic reservoir or control box

• A wiring harness for each tab

• A 12-volt switch at the helm for independent control of each tab

What are Interceptors and how do they work?

Interceptors on boats are specialised devices designed to improve the vessel's stability and performance in varying sea conditions. They are typically mounted on the hull's transom and can be adjusted to change the angle at which the hull meets the water. Like trim tabs, Interceptors help in controlling the trim (foreand-aft angle) and list (side-to-side angle) of the boat. By adjusting the interceptors, boat operators can optimise performance, fuel efficiency, and comfort for passengers. Interceptors can be adjusted continuously and independently on each side of the hull. This allows for finer control over the boat's behaviour in different sea conditions. Interceptors work by deploying downward into the water to create lift or reduce drag on the transom. This lift or reduction in drag helps to level the boat, improve planing efficiency, and reduce fuel consumption. Like some trim tab systems, modern INCORRECT

of Navigation

TRIM CONTROL MADE EASY

goodbye to uncomfortable pitch and roll.

interceptors often come with automatic control systems that adjust the position of the interceptors based on the boat's speed, sea state, and user preferences. This automation makes them userfriendly and ensures optimal performance without constant manual adjustment. They are particularly beneficial for larger boats where stability and comfort are critical.

Benefits of Trim systems

Trim tabs and interceptors both offer numerous advantages for powerboat owners in diverse marine environments. Properly adjusted they can significantly enhance a boat's performancereduced bow rise during acceleration, faster time to plane, increased top speed, improved fuel efficiency and better handling in various sea conditions.

Both trim tabs and interceptor technologies are now widely recognised as a safety feature, particularly in New Zealand's sometimes challenging coastal waters allowing boats to run flatter and faster in bigger seas, thus reducing the risk of bow rise and potential "blowover" at high speeds. They can also assist in correcting “chine walking” in racing applications. By optimising the boat's running attitude, trim tabs and interceptors can greatly improve onboard comfort offering a smoother ride in choppy conditions. They can reduce spray and water over the bow and minimise porpoising (bouncing) at higher speeds.

Both systems allow boaties to adapt to changing conditions and loads compensating for uneven weight distribution, adjusting for varying passenger loads and optimising performance with different engine configurations.

When and how to use Trim tabs and Interceptor systems:

Understanding when and how to use Trim tabs / Interceptors is crucial for maximising their benefits:

Getting Underway

Start with the Trim tabs / Interceptors fully retracted. As you accelerate, use short bursts of downward tab adjustment to reduce bow rise and get on the plane faster. Once on the plane, fine-tune the Trim tabs / Interceptors for optimal running attitude.

Trim tabs can also be utilised for a faster holeshot when getting underway. This is achieved by deploying both tabs/interceptors to create lift at the stern of the boat, allowing the boat to get "out of the hole" faster.

Cruising

Adjust the system in small increments, allowing time for the boat to react between adjustments. Aim for a level running attitude, with the bow slightly up for best efficiency. Use Trim tabs / Interceptors in conjunction with engine trim for optimal performance.

Compensating for Weight Distribution

To correct a list (lean to one side), lower the Trim tab / Interceptor on the side that's riding low. For a bow-heavy condition, raise both Trim tabs / Interceptors equally to lift the stern. For a stern-heavy condition, lower or deploy both Trim tabs / Interceptors to allow the bow to drop slightly.

Handling Different Sea Conditions

In a head sea, lower both Trim tabs / Interceptors slightly to keep the bow down and cut through waves. In a following sea, raise the Trim tabs / Interceptors to keep the bow up and prevent stuffing. In a beam sea, lower the windward Trim tabs / Interceptors to level the boat and improve comfort.

The Revolutionary Trim System

Hydrotab has a simple and open-to-sea water interceptor without the need for sealing or use of any components sensitive to salt water.

Trim tabs / Interceptors and Engine Trim

It's important to understand the relationship between Trim tabs / Interceptors and engine trim. Both Trim tabs and Interceptors primarily affect the hull's attitude. Engine trim adjusts the propeller's angle of attack. Used together, they allow for precise control of the boat's running angle. For optimal performance, use Trim tabs / Interceptors to achieve the desired planing attitude. Adjust the engine trim to position the propeller path parallel to the water flow. Fine-tune with Trim tabs / Interceptors as needed.

Choosing the Right Trim tabs / Interceptors:

Selecting the appropriate Trim tabs / Interceptors for your boat depends on several factors:

• Boat length and beam

• Hull design (deep-V, semi-V, catamaran, etc.)

• Typical operating conditions

• Power and weight of the engine(s)

Available with manual control or glass bridge display with automatic pitch and roll intelligence.

Consult with marine equipment specialists to determine the best size and type of Trim tabs / Interceptors for your specific vessel and needs.

Several types of Trim tabs / Interceptors are available for boat owners looking to improve their vessel's performance and handling.

PNEUMATIC PATENTED TECHNOLOGY

Construction types:

Stainless Steel Trim Tabs: These are the most common type, made from high-quality stainless steel plates strategically installed on the boat's transom.

Composite Trim Tabs: Also known as "blades," these are constructed from materials like fibreglass or carbon fibre, offering a lightweight alternative to stainless steel.

Controls and Mechanics:

Electric Trim Tabs: These are electric motors connected to the tabs that control their movement.

Hydraulic Trim Tabs: When the operator presses the control button, the hydraulic pump sends fluid to the actuators.

Spring Loaded-Self Levelling Trim Tabs: These are quick and easy to install with nothing to do inside the boat – particularly suitable for smaller boats.Trim tabs come in different mounting configurations and trim tab cylinder lengths to suit various boat designs - Standard Mount, Pocket Mount and Edge Mount. They are available in various sizes to accommodate different boat lengths, hull and transom designs and can be equipped with different control types, such as electronic indicator control, switch pad or simpler manual systems.

Interceptors:

Interceptor-style boat trim systems have gained popularity in recent years as an alternative to traditional trim tabs. Again these systems are designed to improve a boat's performance, fuel efficiency, and overall ride quality. Several brands now produce interceptor systems, offering various sizes, shapes, and power options to suit different boat types and sizes in manual or automated options.

Interceptors come in different sizes to accommodate boats of various lengths from 6m to 30 m. Interceptors in some instances can be straight, V-shaped, chine-adapted, or designed for tunnel hulls.

POWER SYSTEMS

Electric: Many modern interceptor systems, use electric actuators for quick and precise control.

Hydraulic: Some systems, particularly those designed for larger vessels, may use hydraulic power for operation.

Pneumatic: Some systems use an independent air unit to control the interceptors.

Installation Considerations

While professional installation is recommended, some key points to consider include:

• Proper placement on the transom

• Ensuring watertight seals

• Correct wiring and/or hydraulic connections

• Appropriate mounting of control switches at the helm.

Maintenance and Care

To ensure the long-term reliability of your trim tab/interceptor system:

• Regularly inspect trim tab/interceptor and actuators for damage or corrosion.

• Check and clean electrical connections.

• For hydraulic systems, maintain proper fluid levels.

• In saltwater environments, use zinc anodes to prevent electrolysis.

Safety Precautions

When using trim tabs/interceptors, keep these safety considerations in mind:

• Avoid over-trimming, especially at high speeds.

• Make gradual adjustments and allow the boat to respond.

• Be cautious when using significant tab trim tab/interceptor deflection in turns.

Setting a new standard

Setting a new standard in trim & stabilization. Again. Priced for 20-45ft boats.

• Fully retract trim tabs/interceptors when running inlets or in following seas.

Setting a new standard in trim & stabilization. Again. Priced for 20-45ft boats.

The Future of Trim Tab and Interceptor Technologies:

LIGHTNING by HumphreeTM is an automatic trim & stabilization system that brings world class comfort, increased speed and fuel savings. LIGHTNING is suitable for 20-45ft boats.

As boat design and technology continue to evolve, so too will these systems. Some emerging trends include automated trim systems that adjust based on speed and sea conditions, integration with digital control systems and displays, more efficient and durable actuator designs and the use of lightweight, corrosion-resistant materials.

Conclusion

Its combination of our advanced technology, user-friendly interface, mobile app integration, and beautiful underwater LED lighting system is what truly sets it apart.

When choosing trim tabs, it's essential to consider factors like the size of your boat, the speed of your boat, the desired level of control and what kind of electronics you have on board, which will be compatible with new-age technologies available on these systems and lastly your budget. Whether you're cruising the waterways, fishing off the coast, or competing in local powerboat races, mastering the use of Trim tabs and Interceptors will contribute to more enjoyable and efficient boating.

No matter which propulsion system you use; outboards, electric, sterndrive, inboard—this new system will be the perfect choice for new build boats or for when you refit a used boat. It will take you to the next level.

As with any aspect of boating, practice and experience will help you develop a feel for your boat's optimal trim in various situations. Remember that Trim tabs and Interceptors are just one tool in the boatie's arsenal. Used in conjunction with proper loading, engine trim, and good driving practices, they can significantly enhance your time on our beautiful waters. Always prioritise safety, be aware of your surroundings, and enjoy the improved performance and comfort a well-adjusted Trim tab or Interceptor system can provide.

Trim tabs and Interceptors are a valuable addition to many powerboats in New Zealand and Australia offering improved performance, safety, and comfort across a wide range of conditions.

By understanding how to properly use and maintain whatever your choice of system, you’ll enhance your on-water experience and get the most out of your boat.

Setting a new standard in trim & stabilization. Again.

Priced for 20-45ft boats.

LIGHTNING by HumphreeTM is an automatic trim & stabilization system that brings world class comfort, increased speed and fuel savings. LIGHTNING is suitable for 20-45ft boats.

HumphreeTM is an automatic trim & stabilization system that brings world class comfort, increased speed and fuel savings. LIGHTNING is suitable for 20-45ft boats.

Its combination of our advanced technology, user-friendly interface, mobile app integration, and beautiful underwater LED lighting system is what truly sets it apart.

Its combination of our advanced technology, user-friendly interface, mobile app integration, and beautiful underwater LED lighting system is what truly sets it apart.

No matter which propulsion system you use; outboards, electric, sterndrive, inboard—this new system will be the perfect choice for new build boats or for when you refit a used boat. It will take you to the next level.

No matter which propulsion system you use; outboards, electric, sterndrive, inboard—this new system will be the perfect choice for new build boats or for when you refit a used boat. It will take you to the next level.

AUTOMATIC FUNCTIONS

There are quite a few brands available on the market to suit a variety of boat sizes and styles. Some of the examples of tabs and interceptors from leading brands on the market today include Bennett, Humphree, Hydrotab, Lectrotab, Lenco, Quick Intercepta, Dometic, SeaStar - Dometic, Ultraflex and Zipwake, available through various marine equipment retailers.

BENNETT TRIM TABS:

Bennett Marine is a well-known manufacturer of trim tab systems. Their trim tabs come in various sizes and configurations, including hydraulic and electric actuators. Bennett Marine also offers several trim tab accessories that will enhance the performance of your system. Their patented Auto Tab Retractor automatically retracts the trim tabs when the ignition is turned off.

Trim Tab Indicators are now commonplace with most systems, but some are a little more sophisticated and precise than others. Bennett Marine offers three kinds of indication. One of them, the Electronic Indicator Control, includes the Auto Tab Retractor and connects easily to the Auto Tab Control. The only thing better than a performance-enhancing trim tab system is one that runs itself! Auto Tab Control (ATC) does exactly what it says it does – it automatically adjusts your trim tabs to changing conditions and maintains the optimum running attitude for your boat.

TENOB.CO.NZ

HUMPHREE INTERCEPTOR TRIM TABS:

Humphree Interceptor Tabs are advanced marine stabilization devices designed to enhance the performance and safety of vessels. These interceptors are mounted on the transom of the boat and use fast-acting, vertically mounted plates to control the pitch and roll of the vessel. By adjusting the position of these plates, Humphree Interceptor Tabs can provide instant and precise trim adjustments, improving fuel efficiency, reducing drag, and ensuring a smoother ride even in rough waters.

One of the key advantages of Humphree Interceptor Tabs is their ability to automatically adjust in response to changing sea conditions and vessel dynamics. This automated functionality allows for optimal trim and stability without constant manual input from the operator. Additionally, these tabs are known for their reliability and low maintenance requirements, making them a preferred choice for both commercial and recreational marine applications. The advanced technology behind Humphree Interceptor Tabs includes a user-friendly interface and integration with existing onboard systems, allowing for seamless operation and monitoring. Whether for improving speed, reducing fuel consumption, or enhancing overall ride comfort.

VOLPOWER.CO.NZ

HYDROTAB:

Hydrotab interceptor trim systems have been designed with simplicity in mind. By applying pressure to the hull, Hydrotab controls pitch and trim quickly and effectively. This creates a more effective lift directly under the hull rather than on a set of plates beyond the hull line. They are also more compact on the transom and protected from damage caused by beach launching or storing in a dry stack. There is something for every size of boat and every budget. The top-of-the-line control systems feature a glass bridge design and full automation of the entire trim system, complete with built-in gyro and GPS that manages both pitch and roll. Options include composite modular systems, Inox straight line and tunnel versions. Custom options are also available. The entry-level system comes with just four manual button controls and LED indicators, yet still gives the skipper complete control of both fore and aft and sideways trim.

LUSTY-BLUNDELL.CO.NZ

LENCO TRIM TABS:

Lenco Marine, a Navico Group Brand, offers a range of trim tabs, known for their electric actuators and durable construction. They provide options for both retrofitting and new installations. Lenco has the Auto Glide Boat Control System, which controls your trim tabs from the time you leave your shore until you come home again! The Auto Glide uses engine data and GPS data to drive your boat to the most efficient running angle by adjusting the trim tabs as needed. This optimum running angle is determined during the set-up process upon the installation of the Auto Glide system. They also offer a range of trim indicators, including the older style in-line rocker switch with trim motor and switch the load directly without any controller. The Lenco up/down switch panel with LED Indicators is supplied with waterproof connection plugs and includes an electronic controller and switch panel.

LENCOMARINE.COM

*At the time of printing, Lenco, a member of the Brunswick family were about to make a significant announcement on upgrades to their existing system. Unfortunately, we were not able to include this in our feature, but we will follow this up with a release and pics in our November/December issue.

LECTROTAB:

Lectrotab uses an electromechanical trim tab system, with non-hydraulic actuators. The unit ensures very accurate tab positioning, provides maximum lift force, and is self-contained for easy installation. An internally designed friction brake prevents unwanted tab retraction when underway or backing down. The actuator assembly is packaged in a non-metallic permanently sealed housing. No components need to be installed inside the boat. Most importantly, unlike hydraulic trim tabs, there is no oil to leak out. The actuators incorporate either a standard or low-profile transom mounting bracket and is available in 12V and 24V DC with standard, short or heavy-duty style housings.

SEASTAR – DOMETIC:

Dometic Standard Trim Tab Kit - When it comes to a basic trim tab system, Dometic has redefined ease of use and practicality. Featuring an intuitive dial controller, adjusting the pitch and roll is simple to get your boat on the plane quickly and efficiently. A programmable favourites button makes for effortless operation. While an innovative, rugged design and auto-retract feature, ensure reliability and safety on the water, whatever the conditions.

Features include:-

• Favourite planed position

• Push and hold start button

• Intuitive dial controller

• Easy user interface

• Intelligent actuator system

• LED position indicators

BLA.CO.NZ

ULTRAFLEX TRIM TABS:

The innovative joystick by Ultraflex takes all the guesswork out of realigning the boat. Both trim actuators move simultaneously in opposite directions when pushing the joystick to port or starboard. This means the realignment of the boat occurs very quickly and with optimal tab positioning in terms of efficiency. UFLEX trim tab systems are available in 2 versions. The Ultraflex Trim Tab plates are high-performance polished or non-polished tabs and are stainless with mirror electro-polished blades. They are not designed for use in racing applications.

LUSTY-BLUNDELL.CO.NZ

QUICK INTERCEPTA:

These interceptor trim tabs, are a complete ‘plug&play’ system. The central unit reads and predicts the dynamics of the boat to coordinate the movement of the trim tab based on the sea and navigation conditions. Intercepta is powered by a 10-30V motor and engineered with a completely integrated electric actuator and easy installation on every transom. Besides eliminating pitch underway, Intercepta by Quick improves the boat’s steering, consumption and dynamics. The range includes five models: IN30, IN45, IN60, IN75, IN100 for boats from 20’ to 130’, which can be combined up to a maximum of six units. These are expected to be on sale in New Zealand in early 2025.

TENOB.CO.NZ

ZIPWAKE:

A Swedish company, Zipwake offer smaller units for trailer boats as well as larger cruisers. The Zipwake, Dynamic Trim Control System (DTCS) comes in four model sizes, suitable for planning and semi-planning boats from 6m to 18m. One unique feature of Zipwake is that it offers two alternatives for the cable through the transom, either above the waterline or concealed through the hull. The above waterline option is an important factor to consider when retrofitting the units to trailer boats with moulded or glassed-in cockpit floors, making access difficult. Each Zipwake control panel is fitted with an internal GPS and equipped to read additional GPS source information (NMEA2000 and NMEA0183). The Zipwake Dynamic Trim Control System will automatically use the source with the best information to trim the boat. While the system is fully automatic, it will also let the operator manually adjust the pitch and roll settings to compensate for variations in different conditions, such as load.

ADVANCETRIDENT.COM

ENHANCE YOUR BOAT PERFORMANCE

SeaStar Standard Trim Tab System

Dometic has redefined the ease of use and practicality of a basic trim tab system. Featuring an intuitive dial controller, you can easily adjust the pitch and roll to get your boat on plane quickly and efficiently. A programmable favorites button makes for effortless operation. While its innovative, rugged design and auto-retract feature, ensure reliability and safety on the water, whatever the conditions.

PREPARING YOUR BOAT FOR THE SEASON: A DETAILED DE-WINTERISATION CHECKLIST

As the winter chill makes way for warmer days in New Zealand, it’s time to ready your boat for the upcoming season. So whether you are planning a trip around the Bay of Islands or exploring the Sounds it’s important to prepare your boat after winter and run through your boating checklist.

At Coastguard Education, we recognise the importance of good preparation to ensure a safe and an enjoyable time on the water. So, before you hit the water, conduct a thorough de-winterisation process to guarantee both your vessel’s seaworthiness and your peace of mind.

CHECKLIST:

1.HULL INSPECTION:

Check for Damage: Thoroughly inspect the hull for any signs of damage, cracks, or blistering that may have occurred during the winter months.

Anti-foul, Clean and Polish: Remove any marine growth or barnacles, clean the hull, and apply a fresh coat of wax to protect against corrosion and fouling. If your boat lives in the water then remember that anti-foul often needs reapplying every 2 years!

Seacocks and Fittings: Remove any marine growth or barnacles, clean the hull, and apply a fresh coat of wax to protect against corrosion and fouling. If your boat lives in the water then remember that anti-foul often needs reapplying every 2 years!

2.ENGINE CHECK:

Oil & Filter Change: Ensure the engine oil is changed and topped up to the recommended level and it’s a good idea to change the oil filter at the same time.

Fuel System Inspection:

Inspect the fuel lines, filters, and tanks for any leaks or blockages. If your fuel is old then think about replacing it or topping it up with some fresh fuel.

Start-Up Test: Start the engine and check for unusual noises, vibrations, or leaks. Check that there is a clear tell-tale coming off/out of the engine and that it is cooling properly. If there is an inline water filter ensure that this is free from debris.

Battery Examination: Test the battery charge and connections. If any corrosion ensure you clean the terminals to prevent any power issues while at sea.

3.SAFETY EQUIPMENT EVALUATION:

Life Jackets: Inspect all life jackets for wear and tear, ensuring they are in good condition and fit properly.

Inflatable Life Jackets: Inspect Check the inflation mechanisms and cartridges in inflatable life jackets, replacing any expired cartridges. You can also blow up the lifejackets manually to test their buoyancy by using the mouthpiece.

First Aid Kit: Review the contents of your first aid kit, restocking any expired items, and ensuring it is adequately equipped for emergencies.

EPIRB: Inspect Ensure your EPIRB is registered and in good working order, remember this is a key piece of safety equipment so should be checked regularly and be accessible.

4.ELECTRONICS TEST:

Navigation Equipment: Verify the functionality of all navigation instruments, including GPS, chartplotter, fishfinder and compass. If you are not entirely sure how to use this equipment why not consider going on a short course.

Grab Bag: Inspect Having a grab bag onboard is a vital piece of equipment packed with emergency essentials. You should check the condition of this equipment and make sure it is fit for purpose. You may not think this is essential if you are just day cruising but if you are planning on any coastal cruising or going further afield it is essential. Things that should go in a grab bag include: Red rocket/ parachute flares, red pinpoint/ handheld flares and orange smoke flares for daylight use. These need to be checked for expiry dates and outer casing damage/ cracks.

First aid kit, knife (covered), seasickness tablets, clothing, hand-held VHF, food, signalling mirror, torch (with spare batteries), drinking water, handheld GPS (with spare batteries), whistle, navigational chart.

Bilge Pump: A bilge pump is often overlooked but it is crucial. Without a bilge pump, excess outside water or leaks can cause a boat to flood or sink. Consequently, these pumps save lives, making them essential to any vessel. The start of the boating season is a good time to check these pumps and ensure they are still pumping out water. To test this add a small amount of water into your bilge and listen for the gurgle of the pump.

Communication Devices: Test VHF radios, portable handheld VHF radios and distress beacons to confirm they are in working order for effective communication while at sea.

APPS: Ensure you have up to date Apps on your phone such as the Coastguard App, and weather forecast apps such as windy and predictwind.

Fuel Levels: Check fuel levels and top up as necessary, ensuring you have ample fuel for your planned journeys.

Fluid Levels: Verify levels of engine coolant, hydraulic fluid, and steering fluid, topping up if needed to prevent system failure.

By diligently following this comprehensive de-winterisation checklist, you can ensure a safe and fun day on the water. Coastguard Education stands ready to support you with expert guidance and training, empowering you to navigate the seas confidently and responsibly.

Fair winds and smooth sailing on your upcoming maritime endeavours!

ULTRASONIC CLEANER

For marine hardware and fishing reels, an ultrasonic cleaner is a must-have tool. These devices are amazing at cleaning intricate components like boat fittings, outriggers, and winch parts, reaching areas that are difficult to clean manually. By using high-frequency sound waves, ultrasonic cleaners remove salt, sand, and grime thoroughly without the risk of damaging delicate parts, which can be a concern with abrasive cleaning methods. They are also highly effective for maintaining fishing reels, and dislodging contaminants from gears and bearings.

Pro Tip: you can pick these units up for less than $100 from Trademe stores.

TIP #157

CHECK YOUR RAW WATER VALVE

After leaving Gulf Harbour, the routine took an unexpected turn when an unusual noise from the engine broke the calm. I turned off the engine immediately and began inspecting the cooling system. The source of the problem was the raw water intake valve was closed. This critical valve allows water to flow through the cooling system and prevents engine overheating. With the valve shut, the engine was at risk of severe damage.

I had the engine inspected by West Auckland Marine, who found that while the engine itself appeared to be ok, the inspection revealed a serious leak behind the engine where the exhaust exits through the stern leg. This leak was attributed to damaged exhaust seals and potentially a faulty exhaust pipe.

Key Takeaways for Boat Owners:

Always quickly address any engine noises or anomalies, in this case, turning off the engine and inspecting the cooling system prevented further damage.

Complete Regular Maintenance: Routine checks and maintenance of critical components like the raw water intake valve can prevent such issues. Regularly inspect and test these systems to ensure they are functioning correctly.

Professional Help: When faced with complex problems like leaks in the exhaust system, relying on professional marine technicians is essential. They have the expertise and equipment needed to diagnose and repair such issues effectively.

Precautionary Measures: In the event of a problem, it’s wise to return to the nearest safe harbour or ramp to prevent further damage. Continuing to operate a vessel with potential issues can exacerbate the problem and lead to more costly repairs.

Pro Tip: This experience underscores the importance of vigilance and proper boat maintenance.

TIP #158

WINTER MAINTENANCE - CHECK YOUR ANCHOR WARP.

As winter maintenance season rolls around, it’s essential to give your anchor warp a thorough inspection. During my recent check, I discovered significant chafing on the warp that was hidden while coiled up in the chain locker. This hidden wear could have compromised the warp’s integrity, potentially leading to losing the entire anchor & warp to Davey Jones. I visited Chains Ropes & Anchors in Glenfield, where their team promptly replaced the entire warp with new, high-quality rope. They did an excellent job, ensuring my anchor system is now in top condition for the coming season. When replacing your warp, ask them to mark the line every 10 meters with red marker dye. This simple step makes it much easier to deploy the exact length of line needed during anchoring, ensuring you always have the right amount of warp at your disposal.

Pro Tip: repurposing the old warp for towing or as a spare line on your boat not only extends the utility of the old line but also provides you with extra rope for various emergency needs.

TIP #159

AUTO-LEVELING SYSTEM

If you have trim tabs, I highly recommend installing an auto-leveling system, this will significantly enhance your boating experience by optimizing stability and performance with minimal manual adjustment. An auto-levelling system automatically adjusts the trim tabs to maintain a level boat regardless of changes in load distribution or sea conditions. This system relies on sensors that detect the boat’s angle and automatically deploy or retract the trim tabs to counteract any list or pitch. The result is a smoother ride, improved fuel efficiency, and better control, particularly in varying sea states or when navigating through rough waters. See Page 98 for the complete guide to trim tabs and interceptors.

TIP #160 FLEXIBLE SOLAR PANELS

Installing flexible solar panels on your boat can revolutionize your energy setup this summer. These lightweight and versatile panels conform to the curves of your boat’s surface, making installation easy and adaptable to various locations like the deck or cabin roof. Unlike traditional rigid panels, flexible solar panels can be mounted directly onto fibreglass without additional framing, offering a sleek and efficient solution for powering your boat’s electrical systems. This setup ensures a reliable power source for your navigation equipment and onboard appliances, enriching your boating experience and sustainability. Pro Tip: I recommend using 3M panel tape to ensure everything is securely attached, this extremely sticky tape is designed for outdoor use and provides very good adhesion to the fibreglass and solar panels.

MARITIMO’S ONGOING EXPANSION ACROSS THE GLOBE

Chapter 8

Identifying, establishing, and developing into new markets isn’t achieved overnight. It’s certainly not an exercise for the ill-prepared or faint-hearted. Great commitment from every member within an organisation, a strong vision, a solid plan, unwavering dedication from stakeholders are required, and of course, it’s all underpinned by a world-class product.

Maritimo is not new to this. From the early days in Australia, New Zealand would soon follow, with the USA quickly next, and thence onto Europe, consolidating with the Middle East a little while ago. Relationships do take time, yet the rewards are substantial. Maritimo entered into the US market from 2006, only a few years after the company was established. Fast forward to today, and the US market is very strong for these now-recognised blue water motor yachts built ‘down under’. As a result, each year the Australian factory dedicates a significant percentage of production to meet the demands of its ever-growing Americas clientele.

Maritimo’s next phase in its international expansion plans saw Japan as a key strategic market. In 2022, Eins A Resort was appointed as the brand’s exclusive dealer and representative within the region. Eins A Resort has a well-established dealer network in Tokyo and Nagoya, supported by its head office located in Osaka. The Japanese luxury cruiser market is well-established, with many clients described as ‘experienced

boaties’ who enjoy all manner of water-based lifestyle activities, including long range cruising and fishing. Eins A Resort’s Sales Manager Hideki Morooka said “The quality of build and styling of Maritimo motor yachts has been well received and is highly suited to the Japanese market. “Our clients are looking towards a larger style of boat and the 55-to-75-foot motor yacht is becoming increasingly popular,” Mr Morooka stated.

With production underway throughout 2022 of Maritimo’s largest vessels to date, the M75 and S75, simultaneously relationships were being forged in South East Asia for future expansion. This culminated in early 2023 just prior to the launch of the S75 at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, with the appointment of the highly credentialed The Yacht Sales Co as Maritimo’s exclusive dealer for the region. The Yacht Sales Co manages markets that include Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand and Hong Kong.

Jim Poulsen, Senior Sales Executive at The Yacht Sales Co and based in Phuket recently pointed out that, “The commitment in the region must be cultivated over time to be successful, and it’s a case of ongoing education in these various markets, which are at differing stages with respect to boating. “Another thing in our favour is our proximity and time zone, meaning it’s also easy for our Asian clients to get to Maritimo for a factory tour. It’s an eight-hour flight from Singapore, direct into Brisbane. It’s super simple. You can often do daytime flights, which are fabulous. It’s just so much easier than Europe and our time zone differences are only two to three hours depending on what time of year it is. So, we have all these ingredients that are lining up and are really going to accelerate Maritimo’s awareness in Asia,” Poulsen added.

With South East Asia firmed up and now in the hands of respected and trusted representation, Maritimo’s global expansion sights moved further afield throughout 2023 and into 2024. In March of this year, Dubai Power Boats were appointed exclusively for the Arab Gulf States. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) had been earmarked years earlier as a potential market of great interest, and had also been pivotal in some of Maritimo’s Offshore Powerboat racing success. Most notably when Maritimo Racing was crowned the UIM XCAT World Champions in 2019.

Following their appointment this year, Dubai Power Boats’ Rob Westerhof offered key insights about the Maritimo brand in the region. “Being Australian Made is a great asset, as is the ability to select engine packages, customise interior colours and finishes, as too the ample air conditioning on board, which is imperative in the summer months. There is great interest in Maritimo, from the 60-footers to the new M75 and S75 flagships.”

Key yacht shows in the region are critical for the further exposure of the Maritimo brand and Dubai Power Boats will attend the 2024 Abu Dhabi International Boat Show in November and events in Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar.

As a key part of the relationship building process, selected clientele of Dubai Power Boats and industry contacts were invited to attend the 2024 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, in May, in Australia, to meet the Maritimo team, tour the factory, and view current models on display.

“Developments like the Bada Al Jubail community have further enhanced marina and water sport infrastructures. We see a perfect fit for Maritimo’s exquisite craftsmanship, and are eager to invite potential clients to experience the Maritimo factory first hand. All in all, this will further cement the brand’s presence in the lucrative GCC market,” Westerhof added.

Development of the newer and larger Maritimo motor yachts has now progressed to the construction phase. These models that offer even more amenity, entertainment and live aboard space, including that for crew if required. Accordingly, more markets around the world are opening up to deliver to both the experienced owner, and those new to the boating lifestyle.

For Maritimo, expansion is achieved by assessing markets, selecting the right partners, educating the buyers as to the benefits of Maritimo ownership, and then delivering not just their first craft, but also their subsequent ones. They may sometimes seem like small building blocks, but they are an investment that forges strong relationships for the passage of time.

LOOKING BACK ON

40 YEARS OF BRIDGE TO BRIDGE

In November 2024 we celebrate 40 years of Bridge to Bridge ski racing and would like to take a quick walk down memory lane to see what has gone before us and how we all have come to enjoy the event today.

BY BRAD DUTTON

There have been many changes in formats, boats, motors and other technologies but the thing with the Bridge to Bridge is that it still takes a team of 4 humans to make it all happen. I believe this is why so many people keep returning every year, even if they are not regular racers to give this iconic race another

crack. One man who has competed in all 40 of these racers is Hamiltonian Allan Bedford. In 2024 he owns the black and gold Bullet 1750 called “Show No Mercy” and is very competitive in the Formula 5 200HP Class. In 1984 he was in Family class and has some great stories to tell from every year in between. Well done Allan, an outstanding achievement!

1984 – The 1st Bridge to Bridge took place. It was called the Pit Stop Bridge to Bridge and ran from Cambridge to the Pit Stop Café in Huntly. Family Class was a Jump start from the Wellington Street Beach and ran to Huntly.

1986 – The Bridge to Bridge long race was shifted to be run as we run it today from Cambridge to Taupiri and return back to Hamilton.

1988 – Rollo’s Marine and Johnson and Evinrude Outboards come on board the event as principle sponsors, a position Rollo’s Marine still hold 20 years on.

Early 1990’s – The Bridge to Bridge was dominated by a little green 1750 Bullet called “C.T.” Owned and driven by Colin Townshend, the Yamaha powered boat won the long race 3 years in a row.

1994 – The late Peter Stevenson had not long set up his beautifully prepared Mercury powered 21 Ft Bullet Twin Rig “Stinga” which won the race this year and broke the record by

1995 – A great battle between Mark Segedin’s new boat “Under Siege”, Greg Dutton’s Evinrude powered twin rig “Performance Marine” and Tony Ward’s jetboat “Kwik Kraft”. Eventually finishing in that order. “Under Siege” took another 25 seconds off Stinga’s record towing Danny Cropper for his first run down our river along with Craig Brown. Junior World Champ, Alex Ross from Australia also was over to ski the race.

1996 – The arrival of the boat “Warlord” into NZ. After winning nearly every classic race in Australia over the previous couple of seasons, “Warlord” towed Bevan Turksma and Kane Everett to its first NZ Bridge title – the start of a dynasty.

1997 – Novice, Masters, Social and Family all run in one race from Taupiri to Hamilton – there was 70 boats this year. This was the last year the race was run in this format.

1999-2000 - Kiwi Hot Shot Michael Davy and his Australian ski partner Reece Middlemiss won the race back to back firstly behind “French Maid” and then behind “Warlord”. The 1999 race win Michael was the youngest ever winner of the Bridge.

2002 – The year that everyone remembers as ‘The rough one.’ It was the year Australian Superclass Boat “The Axe” came to town and won every race of the weekend except the one that counts. Warlord took that one with DC and Jamie Oliver and 2nd place outright and 1st in MOC was “Sleaze”. There was some huge water and speeds were way down at the northern end of the course close to Taupiri. Was also the first year that coverage of the event was made into a TV programme for Sky Sport.

2003 – “Noizworks” another Australian Superclass boat came to our shores this time towing 2 kiwi under 19’s - Chris Holman and Brad Dutton. They were 2nd to Warlord in the Time Trial and took a fall on the day of the main race 800m out of Taupiri. “Warlord” won in a 35:03.

2004 – “Top Gun” towing Bevan Turksma and Aussie Mitch Galvin set a new race record of 33:31 that stood until 2015.

2007 – “Noizworks” returned once again towing Brad Dutton and Australian skier Cara Jochinke, but again didn’t manage to topple “Warlord” from Bridge to Bridge glory for the 9th time. The MOC, Under 19’s and F5 record all fell in a year with a huge amount of Australian competitors over for the trip.

2009 – “Force Fed” with NZ Skiers Chris Holman and Paul Mitchell outlasted the rest to win that boats one and only Bridge win.

2010 – For the first time 2 Australian boats made the trip across the Tasman – “Filthy” had extreme bad luck blowing an engine on their first practice in the river pre-event and didn’t get to race at all. “Gotta Go” driven by Adrian Heffernan towed Danny Cropper and Bevan Turksma to 2nd place falling just shy of race winner “Warlord” towing Kevin Vahtrik and Neil Rix.

2011 – The year of “The Beast” – a very young Mitchell Horan and ski partner Will Groves took a surprising victory that shocked everyone including themselves.

2013 – Yamaha powered SMOC boat “Outvoted” driven by Greg Dutton took out the time trial in giant killing performance in treacherous conditions towing Mark Luxford and Dylan Stevenson. It was calmer for the main race on Sunday which saw “Messiah” take the victory.

2015 – “Messiah” towing Vaughan Hyde and Bevan Turksma finally eclipsed the Top Gun record of 2004 after several attempts.

2016-17 “Under Siege” went back to back – breaking “Messiah’s” 2015 record by 1 min 48 secs in 2016 and then taking a further 27 seconds off the time in 2017. Ray Ball and Jake Tegart setting a new standard.

2018 – 3rd time lucky for “Burnin” from Australia becoming the first all Australian team and boat to come and conquer our race. Travis Stone, Bernard Simpson, World Champion Ben Gulley and Codie Rigg took the race and the record in the first sub 31 minute time in 30:59.

2020 – The New Zealander’s only Bridge – Due to COVID lockdowns and international travel restrictions there were no Australian’s who were able to make it to the event – Kane Carter and Perry Jamieson got their maiden win and the legend boat “Warlord” picked up its 13th and final win before being shipped back to Australia.

2021 – First time the race was not held – due to COVID.

2023 – Probably known for the epic finish as the winning boat “Raptor” nearly threw it all away up the final straight. The boat getting out of control and Australian skier Harrison Galea coming unwrapped and skiing across the line with his hands out in front in a great recovery. Raptor was the first single rig boat to win the race since 1993.

The NZ Water Ski Racing association is super proud of the event to reach this milestone. They would like to thank all the sponsors, organisers, volunteers, competitors, boat owners and spectators over the history of the event that has made the Bridge what it is. Long may it continue to bring joy to so many people for many years to come. A special thanks to Rollo’s Marine and Yamaha Marine NZ for their unwavering support to the event and their significant contribution to the sport. Here’s to another 40 years of great racing!

NZ ALLOY BOAT SPOTLIGHT

EXCITING NEW MODELS & INDUSTRY UPDATES

Image Boats have a reputation for building customised aluminium boats, ranging from 5.8m to 12m. They combine safety, strength, durability, quality and performance to produce the perfect all-rounder. They have recently added three new models to their fleet – we take a look at them.

IMAGE 7.75M FISHMASTER

The first is an Image 7.75m Fishmaster with a toilet/ shower cubicle included. Custom designed and built for a family in Queenstown, this build has a 2.7m beam and is powered by a TX 250 Suzuki outboard.

Other special features include:

• GME FX700 VHF Marine Radio

• 350 L Fuel Tank

• 150L Water Tank

• Sleeps 4

• Diesel Heater/Water Heater

• Image designed and built 3.5T Trailer with Credo Braking System

• NSS12 Evo 35 Halo 20+ Bundle

• Black Water Tank

The Image 7.75m Fishmaster was created from the demand for smaller boats that can sleep 4 people comfortably and most importantly, with a separate toilet/shower cubicle.

IMAGE 10.5M CRUISEMASTER

As you can see from the pic, this new model is still under construction. The photo was taken on arrival back from the paint shop and is currently in the Fit-Out Department. Custom designed and built for a local Southland family, this is their second Image Boats custom designed build. This build has a 3050mm beam and is to be powered by Twin DF 350 AGMDX Suzuki outboards.

Other special features include:

• Twin Garmin GPS Map 8416 Fishfinders and Radar

• Flir M332 Thermal Camera System 30 Hz (L&B)

• Victron Inverter (L&B)

• Lithium Battery (L&B)

• 370 W Solar Panels (L&B)

• Auto Pilot

• Fusion Stereo

• Thetford K1500 Oven with separate grill and gas hob

• Pillarless bi-fold doors with motorised drop-down window

• Electric Trim Tabs & Bow Thruster (ATL)

• Image designed and built 8-tonne Triple Axle Trailer with full stainless steel rotors and brakes/discs

• Comfortably sleeps 6

• 1100L Fuel Tank

IMAGE 8.5M FISHMASTER - KOTARE

This vessel comes with the specially designed Anura Limited (electric) Amphibious System fitted to the 3.5 tonne hull. Custom designed and built for a customer in the picturesque Bay of Islands, this build has a 2.8m beam and is powered by a 300hp COX Diesel outboard.

Other special features of “Kotare” include:

• 500 L Fuel Tank

• 150L Water Tank

• Bi-fold doors

• Diesel Heater/Water Heater

• Toilet Cubicle in Front Cabin

• Solar Panels

• U-Deck flooring in cockpit, cabin, wheelhouse, gunnels, boarding platform and steps, bonnet and roof

• Tuna Tube with Rule Tournament Pump 1600 gph and shut off valve

• Outriggers

• VIC GX Touch 70 Display

• Twin GARMIN 8416 Fishfinders

• GMR18 Radar

• Autopilot

• Airmar SS175 Transducers – 1x high/wide, 1x low

• GARMIN Kraken Trolling Motor 90”

• Lithium Batteries

• FLIR Camera M232 Thermal IP Camera

If you are interested in building a perfect customised boat for yourself, then give Dean at Image Boats a call on 0274 368 055. “You Dream It, We Build It.”

PROFILE 785H

The all-new Profile Boats 785H is a testament to modern boat design, tailored for the avid fisherman and adventure enthusiast. With its lockable cabin and fully opening rear doors, this model promises security and comfort for those overnight stays or long trips out at sea.

The 785H boasts a robust build with a 10-year structural hull warranty, ensuring unbeatable safety and a quiet quality ride. Its Pro-System features, including the Pro-Hull Advantage and Pro-Fit factory fit-out, ensure a high-quality finish and a ride experience to be envied.

The boat's overall length of 7.95 meters coupled with a 2.5m beam offers a big volume boat that has a tow weight of 3200kgs including fuel. With a 400-litre fuel tank, the recommended horsepower of 300hp means it's built to perform under various conditions with ease. The twin walk-thru transoms with duckboard cages further enhance its functionality as a fisherman's paradise. The transom wave-deflector design, along with the hull’s ability to track straight in a following sea, plus the inherent safety of the pontoon chambers, means it is ideal in bar crossing situations.

Unique to alloy pontoon style boats is the deck toe-space, for a sure stance when fishing or boating that prize fish. The new large flat bowsprit area offers safe standing room for casting lures with security from the large, raised bow rail. With packages starting from NZ$285,491, the 785H is positioned as a premium offering in the boating market.

Profile Boats deals directly with the public from its factory in Napier.

PROFILEBOATS.COM

FC BOATS - DESIGNED BY FISHERMEN, FOR FISHERMEN

For over 12 years, FC Boats has dominated the market with their Aluminium Centre Consoles. Building on the success of their FC Amphibious range, it was only natural to evolve the popular FC600 hull into a centre console amphibious model.

FC Boats is proud to introduce the FC600 Centre Console Amphibious (600 CCA), designed to meet the demands of passionate sports fishers. This model combines the highperformance hull of the FC600 with expansive fishing space, offering the best of both worlds.

Why Choose the 600 CCA?

• Incredible Dry Ride: FC Boats trademark dry riding gunnels ensure the 600 CCA possibly remains the driest centre console on the market.

• Innovative Features: It includes all the features you’ve come to love, including a passive live bait tank that eliminates the need for pumps, a dual positive buoyancy system for enhanced safety, and a high-performance chine-system for superior stability.

• Customer-Driven Design: Developed in response to customer demand, the 600 CCA is built on the outstanding hull of the FC600, providing a superior boating experience.

Experience the difference with FC Boats. The 600 CCA is not just a boat; it’s your gateway to unforgettable boating adventures. FCBOATS.CO.NZ

CUSTOM 950 – TWIN OUTBOARDS DICKEY BOATS

The highly regarded Custom 950 will soon be available with twin outboards as an option. The performance sportfisher has long been a favourite of those who appreciate the versatility of a large trailerable vessel that can provide comfortable live-aboard adventures. The standard Volvo Penta sterndrive serves the model well; however, recent enquiries for twin outboards prompted the team at Dickey Boats to explore this option through their design process.

WHY TWIN OUTBOARDS?

Higher Cruising Speeds:

Twin engines offer higher cruising speeds compared to a single inboard, allowing you to reach your fishing spots and return home faster.

Advances in Outboard Technology:

The latest helm technology from various brands has significantly enhanced the user experience on outboardpowered boats.

More Cockpit Space:

Eliminating the underfloor engine compartment frees up additional usable fishing space in the Custom 950, making it even more spacious.

Twin Engine Peace of Mind:

Twin engines provide an added layer of assurance. If one engine fails, the other offers a valuable safety net for longer trips.

The Custom 950 maintains its excellent balance of size and functionality. It is large enough for comfortable living on board but still fits on a COF trailer. This makes it an ideal choice for those seeking a high-performance fishing boat capable of travelling.

Currently, on their design table, the Semifly 40 is optimised to fill a much-requested niche in the Dickey Boats range. Like its larger Semifly 45 sibling, the Semifly 40 is specifically designed for the fuel-efficient, highly manoeuvrable twin Volvo IPS drive system with the added appeal of fitting neatly into a standard New Zealand 12-metre marina berth.

As with all Semifly models, the interior and layout are flexible and can be customised to an owner’s specific directions. This vessel will offer an impressive interior volume for its size, easily catering to family and small-party cruising and fishing requirements. Envisaged as a twin-cabin layout for family and friends, it can also be

configured with a more open layout for a couple cruising.

The Semifly 40 is a much-talked-about size option for potential owners, slotting nicely between the flagship Semifly 45 and the popular Semifly 36. The increased size over the Semifly 36 allows for a twin-engine option, providing more power and flexibility for various cruising and fishing needs.

As the team continue to develop this model, they welcome feedback and enquiries from potential owners. The Semifly 40 promises to uphold the reputation of the Semifly range while offering new and exciting possibilities for boating enthusiasts

DICKEYBOATS.COM

MCLAY ‘ON THE MOVE’ ON BOTH SIDES OF THE TASMAN

The third container to move multiple McLay models to Australian dealers in a month is pictured here with a McLay 661 CrossXover, 531 Fortress & a 491 Fortress heading to Reef Marine in the state of Queensland. Other significant changes for McLay Boats distribution include a dealer in Taupo for the first time and the appointment of Rogers Boat Shop as Auckland’s new McLay dealer. The McLay team is proud to welcome Rogers Boat Shop to their dealership network, a professional and reputable boat retail business with more than 50 years of experience in marine sales.

STABICRAFT MARINE RELEASES THE 2350 SUPERCAB

The new 2350 Supercab from Stabicraft is the latest to join the Stabicraft Supercab line-up with a brand new, proven offshore performance hull - with 40% more usable cabin volume than its predecessor and a plethora of cabin amenity improvements, the 2350 Supercab feels BIG! This is due to the wider beam on the 2350 stretching out to the maximum legal towing width in Australasia and due to a reconfiguration of spatial priorities within the cabin-focussing space where you spend most of your time. With more room comes more storage options, drink holders and underfloor storage and most importantly,

more accommodation for friends and family.

The 2350 Supercab hull is a ground-up redesign emphasising offshore performance. The hull has been thoroughly put through a tough testing regime in Stabicraft’s local patch, commonly referred to as ‘Hells Gate’. Close chop, rolling swell and following seas have all been thrown at the new hull and Stabicraft’s dealers reckon it’s one of the best hulls they have ever produced. Stabicraft has recognised the growing demand from end users for more of the finely finished comforts now expected in their vessels. The 2350 Supercab boasts an optional

3rd berth between the two cabin bench seats, suspension seating from Scandinavia, drawer-style fridge and even a pie warmer! All amenities are finished in Stabicraft’s grey powder coating finish, just like their cabins, for a more durable and longer-lasting finish. “We’re absolutely rapt with the response from our dealer group,” says GM Marketing at Stabicraft Daniel Upperton. “It's one thing for the team at Stabicraft to know they have a winning combination, but to have confirmation from the guys on the coal face makes the 2350 Supercab a really exciting launch for us”.

STABICRAFT.COM

WHITE POINTER CELEBRATES MILESTONES

With over 32 years of experience, the team at White Pointer Boats is dedicated to "doing it once and doing it right." Their impressive track record includes 600 custom builds, establishing a strong reputation for reliability and excellence. This assures customers that their investments are well-placed.

As they recently celebrated their 30th anniversary, White Pointer Boats proudly reflects on three decades of crafting premier trailer boats, celebrated for their elegance and superior performance in the New Zealand marine industry. This year, they introduced the latest addition to their esteemed line-up at the Hutchwilco NZ Boat Show—the 745, a testament to their innovative spirit. The company’s bespoke approach ensures each vessel is meticulously tailored to meet the unique aspirations of their clients. Their 970 models, in production for over 20 years, have delivered exceptional performance, including suitability for commercial survey, Lloyd's special service craft. With their low centre of gravity, stylish lines, spacious cockpit, and true gamefisher transom, these boats stand out in their class. Their interior layouts maximize space, making them ideal for extended trips, while their trailerable and manoeuvrable design adds to their versatility.

The Pro Sportsman range, with 40 builds across four models, showcases their profound expertise and commitment to their craft.

Every White Pointer boat receives meticulous attention to detail, ensuring each build is uniquely special and perfectly aligned with the customer's needs.

WHITEPOINTERBOATS.CO.NZ

HERLEY BOATS LAUNCHES FIRST 11M EXPLORER AND COMPLETES HANDOVER TO CANADIAN CLIENT

Herley Boats is proud to announce the successful launch and handover of its first 11m Explorer to a Canadian client. The handover occurred in Tauranga, New Zealand, marking a significant milestone for the company. The vessel has since been shipped to its new home in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The 11m Explorer boasts a spacious, luxurious interior layout designed for comfort and functionality.

• The interior features:

• Two queen double berths

• A head with a separate shower

• A fully-equipped galley

• A dining area

• A helm station

• Twin forward-facing passenger seats

The Explorer’s cockpit is designed for versatility, making it perfect for entertaining and fishing in local waterways. Additionally, the cabin top is equipped with an electric crane, facilitating the easy launching of the OC tender. Herley Boats has once again demonstrated its commitment to quality

craftsmanship and customer satisfaction with the successful completion of this project. The new owners in Vancouver are set to enjoy unparalleled adventures and experiences with their state-of-the-art 11m Explorer.

HERLEYBOATS.COM

NEW NAIAD 7.3 SPORTLINE

Naiad is well known for creating specialised RHIBs that perform in rough water. For over 45 years Naiad has earned the reputation of “4WD of the Sea” with a range of rescue, patrol, and tourist boats that maritime specialists trust around the world. The new Naiad 7.3 Sportline is designed for families and friends who want to get out for adventures and enjoy a day on the water, knowing they can safely return in dry comfort even if the weather turns.

The design is an evolution of previous proven designs and includes improvements to ride quality through the inclusion of Naiad’s Knuckle

Bow, and increased usable deck and cabin space through the use of a D-Collar (over traditional round collar RHIBs). Built tough of marine grade aluminium, they retain their worldleading 23-degree progressive deadrise to ensure performance, ride comfort and dependability that Naiad’s are renowned for in even the toughest of conditions. Built for every adventure, the fishing station layout offers plenty of deck space to bring in the big fish, seamless access to the water through the transom platforms (protected by washboards when underway) with a retractable ladder for those swims or cray dives, and many other options

such as ski pole and cooler ensure a craft for the whole family. Some customisation is available, such as a back bench seat layout offered if more seating is preferred.

Finishing is to a high standard and highly spec’d including premium electronics, custom decking, and the super quiet Mercury Verado outboard. The generous transom platforms, stylish targa bimini with clears, and handy seating and storage options complete this head-turning Naiad 7.3 Sportline. Available in cuddy, centreconsole or cabin versions.

NAIAD.CO.NZ

The Surtees Boats has updated its popular Workmate Range with an updated cabin design - making it a Workmate PRO. With a 420mm extension, the cabin increased by 820l in volume allowing the crew not just a smooth, but also an even drier ride. The new Workmate cabin also comes with added internal grab rails for additional security for the passenger. For taller fishermen, there is still the option to increase the roof height by 100mm. The newly designed dash area allows for sounders up to 12inch, has USB

and USBC charging ports, drink bottle storage for the driver as well as brand new laser etched, blue LED backlit rocker switches to make the operation of your options and extras not just easier, but also even cooler looking! They have also added a storage pocket for a phone, sunglasses or car keys. The roof rail now reaches all the way around the roof, perfect to tie off unused gear such as dive bags or camping equipment. The ample rocket launcher still allows storage for 7 rods and the anchor light sits in the middle.

"It's always exciting to come up with updates and modify your boats over time! Meeting the market requirements and most importantly listening to your customers is key. If they are happy, you will have brand ambassadors for life. We are proud of the relationship we've got with our Surtees Tribe and the feedback they have continued to provide us over the years, so we are sure that the improvements and updates we do on the brand are what our customers and keen fishos need for a great day on the water". SURTEESBOATS.COM

Lurking, ready to strike, a White Pointer is at the top of the food chain.

It will venture further, for longer and return with the prize. Designed for serious fishing and built tough, with its legendary non-pounding ride, White Pointer is the perfect predator. Proven in all conditions for over 30 years, it is the ultimate in custom alloy trailer boats for those who seek the very best.

THE KING OF GAME KINGS

The King of Game Kings has been a hit since its release at the 2024 Auckland On Water Boat Show and has proven to be a popular addition to the fleet. The impressive Extreme 986 Game King bridges the gap between a trailer boat and a motor yacht, giving motor yacht luxuries with the ease of handling, trailer boats offer. The 986 Game King can be configured to suit personal requirements and is available in two beam configurations. A wide body version is on offer for those wanting to leave it berthed or moored, and a slightly narrower beam version is available for those wishing to leave on a trailer. The expansive forward vee berth features a walk-in shower cubicle, a large double berth with ample storage below, and the option to have additional bunks above making stay-away trips for 4 people comfortable and enjoyable. The saloon features Extreme Boats’ new pillarless bi-folding wall arrangement allowing the wheelhouse to be closed on the cooler days, and nice and open while enjoying the warmer days. A large settee around the drop-down table makes a relaxing place to enjoy a meal at the end of the day and there is plenty of room on the Starboard side to configure an arrangement to suit individual on-water requirements. With some of the larger horsepower options on offer now the 986 Game King can be powered by a single outboard or twin outboards, and has the ability to hold up to 1000 litres of fuel.

EXTREMEBOATS.CO.NZ

FREWZA F15

FISHER

The Frewza F15 Fisher is a versatile and highly functional aluminium boat crafted to cater to both serious anglers and recreational boaties alike. Constructed with high-quality marine-grade aluminium, the F15 Fisher is built to withstand the rigours of coastal environments while remaining lightweight for easy towing and launching. At 4.85 meters (15 feet) in length, it offers a balanced combination of size and manoeuvrability, ideal for navigating various water conditions from inland lakes to coastal waters. Equipped with ample storage in the gunnels, rod holders, walk-through windscreen, bow rail, padded seats, boarding platforms and much more. Customisable with loads of optional extras to choose from to build your dream boat.

The F15 Fisher offers generous space for fishing gear, safety equipment, and personal belongings. The layout is intelligently designed to maximize deck space, allowing for unrestricted movement and casting when fishing. Whether exploring coastal waters, trolling for the day’s catch, water sport adventures or simply enjoying a leisurely cruise with friends and family, the Frewza F15 Fisher stands out as a versatile and reliable choice, promising memorable experiences on the water. FREWZABOATS.CO.NZ

PUREKRAFT 650 HARDTOP

The team at Purekraft, alongside their sister company Hall Marine Design, has recently refreshed the design of their 650 hardtop to align it with the design features seen in their larger 7-12m hardtops. This updated model is currently in the paint stage at Super Yacht Coatings. It’s the first newgeneration 650 built by Purekraft in recent years, as they’ve been focused on producing larger hardtops and amphibious boats. Jarrod Hall, CEO of Purekraft Boats, remarked, “It’s exciting to see the new 650 taking shape among our larger models. The 650 offers the perfect blend of towing convenience and spaciousness, comfortably accommodating four anglers with a range of optional features, ensuring an enjoyable time on the water.”

PUREKRAFTBOATS.CO.NZ

ALLOY MAX: Same, same, but different. Responding to customer feedback

Several years ago, Sealegs released their 8.5 metre Alloy Cabin boat. Fast forward to the May 2024 Hutchwilco Boat Show and behold a new Sealegs 8.6m Alloy MAX model appears, the successor to the popular 8.5m vessel.

BY RON CZERNIAK, MARINE JOURNALIST

The 8.6 Alloy MAX was almost lost on the Sealegs stand in the shadow of the latest Sealegs 12m Cabin RIB, which dominated their expansive exhibition area. Had it not been

for the striking, iridescent blue hull, one may not have taken much note at all, at first glance looking quite similar to the existing 8.5m Alloy Cabin craft. However, realising that this was perhaps something evolutionary from Sealegs, I took the opportunity to chat with Nicholas Glanfield, their Global Sales and Partner Manager, about this new Blue Boat. I quickly appreciated that the changes and significant enhancements to the new Sealegs 8.6m Alloy MAX craft made it worthy of a Pacific Power Boat sea trial - to be arranged as soon as Sealegs completed development for the local market.

Two months later, although still needing some tweaks, the 8.6m Alloy MAX was far enough along in its development to take her out for an initial boat test. So, on an absolutely brilliant, sunny July winter’s day, with only a slight easterly breeze, we met at Takapuna Beach on Auckland’s North Shore, to get up close and personal with this craft.

However, before the sea trial date, I took the opportunity to pop over to the Sealegs International head office for a preliminary look at the craft and get a briefing from Nicholas. My first question was: “Why an 8.6m when you’ve already got a very successful (88 sold to date) 8.5m Alloy Cabin craft”? Nicholas’s answer was brief and simple…. “Customer feedback”.

Turns out that although customers love the 8.5m model (and it will remain in the Sealegs range), many wanted more internal volume and better access (port and starboard) to the stern of the craft.

In addition, it is well known that boats in this intermediate size range are, in

equal portions, popular fishing, diving and general family craft; so yes, useable internal volume was a key consideration.

As you would expect in a boat costing up to $485,000, the 8.6m Alloy MAX is packed with up-to-the-minute technology and boasts several innovative, as well as traditional features.

The 8.6m Alloy MAX was introduced into Sealegs’s existing and extensive range of alloy amphibious craft to meet the demand for more space. So, not only does the new model combine the comfort of a sleek, enclosed alloy cabin sporting the latest in Sealegs Amphibious technology, it also features a huge 42% increase in aft cockpit space!

It is hard to believe that by simply increasing the length by 100mm and the width (beam) by 210mm that this much extra room has been achieved. But it has. By cleverly redesigning the cockpit area and carrying the sole of the craft all the way on to the transom, Sealegs have ensured that previously difficult-to-utilise space is now available via the extended cockpit. Given the success of the predecessor 8.5m craft, designing a hull form that compliments the application of the craft was paramount. The 8.5m Alloy Cabin was renowned for its performance in rough seas, punching well above its weight class. The Sealegs 8.6m Alloy MAX needed to carry on this design legacy and the redesign has resulted in a dryer, more fuel-efficient hull with greater stability.

Originally Sealegs intended developing and introducing a 9.0m model. However, having undertaken a weight study on this variant (and having shared the results with their customers), feedback was that a craft of that size was beginning to push the bounds of an easy to trail (yes there are Sealegs clients who have a requirement to trailer their craft) rig and the craft was

The upgraded 40 hp EFI petrol inboard engine now provides even better traction exiting the water, even on difficult terrain.

On-land manoeuvrability is made easier thanks to the 60% improvement in the craft’s turning circle, courtesy of the recently released Sealegs front wheel ‘Super Steering’ system

The ‘'Fishing Station” has been redesigned to provide more cockpit space and also houses two voluminous lockers.

Relief from the blazing sun is achieved by extending the easily deployable ‘Wake Shade’ sun canopy.

simply getting too large and heavy – approaching 3500kg. So back to the drawing board and the discovery that the original 8.5m hull, modified, updated and reconfigured, would still achieve what their customers were wanting.

But increased space wasn’t the only thing existing and potential customers indicated they wanted in a craft of this size. Sealegs listened and took the opportunity to incorporate a significant amount of overall customer feedback into the new 8.6m Alloy MAX. So now, when you stop to look around the more spacious cockpit you will immediately notice features such as dual access through the transom, both to port and starboard, as well as the extremely comfortable helm and aft facing Queen Seats complete with options for an under seat 49L

fridge or additional storage via large, easy to pull out drawers. The significantly deeper, full-length internally lined cockpit shelves are capable of safely storing long rods and all your other fishing and ‘day boating’ needs.

Looking aft one immediately notices that the attractively stylised ‘Fishing Station” has been redesigned to provide more cockpit space and also houses the upgraded 40 hp EFI petrol inboard engine, now providing even better traction on difficult terrain. This dual-purpose Bait Station/ Engine Cowling includes a drawer, cutting board and Live Bait tank as well as a five-fishing rod capable ‘Rocket Launcher’, two cup holders and a fish measuring ruler is engraved into the white, highdensity polyethylene (HDPE) hard-wearing cutting board. Speaking of fishing, when doing so on a hot summer day, instant relief from the blazing sun is achieved by extending the easily deployable ‘Wake Shade’ sun canopy.

Storage space abounds in this boat. Everywhere you look, not only in the cockpit, but in the cabin helm station area, as well as in the forepeak under the double ‘V’ berth in the bow area. In the cockpit, huge open lockers, beneath the redesigned port and starboard gunwales, provide storage for everything from spare fishing rods to six packs of beer. Under the cockpit floor, nicely finished with non-slip cushioned, black ‘U-Dek’ decking, can be found two voluminous lockers (one starboard and one port), designed to declutter the deck but also useable as ‘kill bins’ for those quick fishing trips and at 1400mm long, large enough to store scuba tanks and dive bags. On the port stern quarter there is a cleverly designed 3-step, flip-up boarding ladder allowing divers simple access to the cockpit post dive or, when the boat is on land up on its wheels, the owner and crew can easily climb aboard before driving out to sea.

PERFORMANCE

Sealegs, both RIB and Alloy hull version craft, have now been around long enough that one automatically expects that all their models will perform well.

The 8.6 Alloy MAX is no exception and with the hull having been redesigned and further enhanced, performance was all but guaranteed.

I liken these vessels to Lamborghini vehicles. What?!

For those who don’t know, Lamborghini began as a tractor manufacturer (Lamborghini tractors are still manufactured in Italy), even though the brand is now mainly known for its luxury and supercar performance vehicles. But what’s the connection? Well, just watch the new 8.6 Alloy MAX lumbering across a foreshore on its large extra knobbly tyres, as it heads for the water. I for one cannot help but think of a tractor. Even the well-muffled 40 hp EFI petrol engine located in the stern of the vessel gives off a distinctive somewhat tractor-like exhaust note as the craft steadfastly crawls towards the waves at a maximum speed of 10 kph. Don’t like the engine noise? The obvious solution to this would be an electric, on-land, drive set-up and according to Nicholas, an electric version will soon be available.

However, once the 8.6m Alloy MAX hits deeper water, the three wheels fully retracted and the throttle hammered forward, we’re talking performance! The 350 hp Yamaha Four-stroke outboard mounted on our test boat had the vessel up on the plane and, in very short order, as I pushed the throttle lever to the max, we topped out at 46 knots, the big Yamaha surging to 6000 rpm. Needless to say, fuel usage at this speed wasn’t great, but throttling back to a

comfortable cruising speed of 27 knots and 3500 rpm; consumption was in an acceptable 46 litres/hour range.

It is one thing to achieve impressive straight-line performance, but harking back to my Lamborghini analogy, what about sharp turns, banging through waves and all the other manoeuvrability you expect?

Well, like the Lamborghini Urus Super Sport Utility Vehicle, the 8.6m Alloy MAX can be said to have offroad capability as well as on water performance. Yeah, ok you are not going to drive a Urus into the water, but I think you get my drift (pun intended).

As mentioned previously, Auckland’s winter weather on our test day was superb, making for a most enjoyable day out on the water. It also allowed me to put the 8.6m Alloy MAX through its paces without hammering the #%&@ out of myself or the crew; not only when accelerating hard but throwing the craft into tight “S” turns and pounding it through selfgenerated wake waves which, when combined with the slight ocean chop, provided realistically average Hauraki Gulf conditions.

This is not a light boat and with three of us, and a bit of kit on board, we were in the 3,000 + kg range on test day. So, what happens when travelling at around 40 knots you want to wrench the thick, easy-to-

The 8.6 Alloy MAX gets quickly up on the plane driven by the Yamaha 350hp Four Stroke Outboard.

On the port stern quarter there is a cleverly designed 3-step, flip-up boarding ladder.

Ron about to rapidly turn the wheel to starboard to test for manoeuvrability under full power.

Concealed behind the forepeak bulkhead hatch cover is a Savwinch rope/chain drum reel anchor winch, mounted in the chain locker cavity.

The cleverly designed, knee-activated sea water hand wash.

Extremely comfortable helm and aft-facing Queen Seats complete with options for an under-seat 49L fridge or additional storage via large, easy-to-pullout drawers.

grip power steering wheel hard to port or starboard? With a nod from Nicholas, he and our third mate/ photographer, braced themselves and with a bit of trepidation on my part, I rapidly turned the wheel to starboard, gripping it as though someone was going to try and steal it from me, waiting for all hell to break loose. Pregnant pause! Although being hugely exhilarating and the boat being well-heeled through the turn, all that happened is that the extra width stern (no doubt aided by the 350-kilo weight of the stern wheels and hydraulic mechanisms) just dug in with nary a hint of prop cavitation. Nor a feeling that the stern was going to break loose and have us flailing over the ocean surface as we just kept on slicing through the water. Yippee-ki-yay (‘Die Hard’ fans will understand), let’s try that again! But try as I might, and even at one stage purposely attempting to hit a wave broadsides during another sharp manoeuvre, other than being hugely uncomfortable and somewhat scary, the boat shuddering with the impact, everything was just fine. Now let’s be clear here. I am not advocating this type of tomfoolery out on the water; my only justification being this was a boat test.

Emphasis on test!

Not only does this craft perform and manoeuvre well, but it is also very dry and comfortable. Which brings us to the interior. First and foremost, this is a cabin boat and the whole cabin is capable of being fully enclosed and lockable. The cabin top is slightly lower and has a sleeker appearance than the 8.5m, helped by the aesthetically pleasing fully curved windscreen, kept clear in rainy or rough weather by two wipers.

Up forward is a spacious two-person V-berth overnight sleeping area upholstered in Mariner black material. A cleverly concealed, accessible via the removable starboard berth squab, electric Jabsco toilet sits to starboard. There is no holding tank, so users will have to obey the Coastal Maritime legislation when using the ‘head’.

Concealed behind the forepeak bulkhead hatch cover is a Savwinch rope/chain drum reel anchor winch,

mounted in the chain locker cavity, which has an ample length of 15 metres of 8 mm chain and 75 metres of 8 mm nylon rope connected to an 8 kg Savwinch S/S anchor. A trapezoidal Vetus hatch provides ample light in the forepeak and ventilation when required; conditions permitting. Even though natural light is provided by the Perspex hatch and additional artificial light by way of switchable white/ red interior cabin lights, I found this space to be somewhat dark and foreboding and those who are a bit claustrophobic, may find this area a bit offputting. However, Nicholas informed me that customisable upholstery, ranging from standard Mariner black through to a wide range of customerselectable colours, in Silvertex premium diamond stitch upholstery, are available with lighter colours significantly brightening the space.

Exiting the forepeak, re-entering the cabin area and glancing to starboard, one cannot fail to notice the ergonomic dashboard and helm station control console. At first sight, it may appear overwhelming, but once everything is identified and after a bit of instruction, the helmsperson soon realises that you don't need an Airbus A380 pilot’s licence to operate the 8.6m Alloy MAX. Dominated by the 400 mm (16 inch) Simrad Model NSS 16 EVO3S MFD, all other surrounding controls and instruments are laid out in an intuitive and ergonomically functional manner.

SUMMARY:

Sealegs has responded to customer feedback, producing a craft similar to their popular 8.5m Alloy Cabin, but which is definitely a significant step up in terms of space and refinement, differentiating it enough to appeal to a select market segment. Owners will enjoy a 42% significantly enlarged cockpit/ rear deck space area compared to the 8.5m Alloy Cabin, opening up the 8.6 Alloy MAX platform to incorporate even more customer-specific requirements including cray pot hauler davits and electric reel plugin points. On-land manoeuvrability is made easier thanks to the 60% improvement in the craft’s turning

1. Simrad NSS16 EVO3 Chartplotter

2. Yamaha Command Link 5 (CL5) Outboard Information Gauge

3. Sealegs On-Land Selector (F/N/R) with Diff Lock

4. Sealegs Bow & Stern Wheels Up/Down Buttons

5. All Wheel Drive (Switchable to 2-wheel Drive) and Digital Speed Up/Speed Down Throttle

6. Inboard Engine Start/Stop

7. Simrad VHF Radio

8. ZipWake Automatic Trim Tab

9. Ancillary Control Buttons. E.g. Bilge Pump, Windlass, Cockpit/Roof Lights, Horn, Windscreen Wiper, Etc

10. Sealegs Emergency Steering Override

11. Warning Lights

12. Fusion Stereo

13. Live Bait Tank Lights & Fill and LED Lights Roof and Gunwales

14. Yamaha Autopilot - Level 4 Buttons and Autopilot Joystick Control

15. Forward/Reverse Outboard Throttle

circle, courtesy of the recently released Sealegs front wheel ‘Super Steering’ system.

The new ergonomic dashboard design seamlessly accommodates the Yamaha Helm Master. Onboard switching and control are cleverly achieved through the use of BLINK digital control systems that faultlessly integrate the craft’s onboard marine and amphibious systems allowing you to effortlessly switch between ‘All Wheels Up’ and ‘All Wheels Down’ with a single push-button operation. These systems deliver an intuitive, easy-to-operate user interface, most importantly providing reliability and safety.

In addition, you will enjoy immersing yourself in the ambience of the optional lockable and fully enclosed cabin, courtesy of new mood lighting, featuring LED roof strips and side pillar lighting, while enjoying the music of your choice via the Fusion, 4-speaker sound

COMPARATIVE CHART: 8.5 ALLOY CABIN AND 8.6 ALLOY MAX

system. Navigating at night is easier with improved visibility due to an integrated 2200 lumen ‘Light Bar’ affixed to the cabin top forward of a slimline solar panel, providing extra battery top-up.

Flexibility and comfort are assured with Queen Seats equipped with pull out drawers (complete with a 90l chilly bin), or simply settle for additional storage under the seat. The aft stylised ‘Fishing Station’ includes a drawer, table, rod holders and an optional live bait tank. The list of standard accessory items, such as cup holders, additional rod holders, freshwater cockpit shower, knee-activated sea water hand wash, additional cabin top rocket launcher, as well as a plethora of other handy features makes this craft worth every penny of its up to $400,000 plus price tag. Just as that Lamborghini Urus is worth its $400,000 price tag. Get my drift?

The helmsperson doesn't need an Airbus A380 pilot’s licence to operate the 8.6m Alloy MAX.

PERFORMANCE DATA

start to dive as

SPRING WORKUP FISHING

The arrival of springtime signals the start of warmer weather and red-hot workup fishing that follows in the Hauraki Gulf!

BY MATHEW HEWETSON

After winter and many anglers who hibernated away, with their boats and fishing tackle sitting around unused are now starting to awaken and stir. They are eager to get back out on the water and make use of daylight savings with longer days to enjoy while fishing.

Springtime sees the much-anticipated annual pilchard run, which typically starts in Bream Bay off Ruakaka, Waipu, and Mangawhai and then moves down the coast and into the Hauraki Gulf. The huge schools of baitfish attract predators such as kahawai, kingfish, snapper, birds, dolphins and even whales.

Finding a workup with gannets raining down and dolphins with the odd whale in amongst the chaos is an amazing spectacle of nature that all fishos need to experience at least once in their lives. The fishing can be some of the most action packed you will also encounter, but there are a few key things to remember.

DOLPHINS

For the gannets to start diving from above they need the help of the dolphins. The large pods of fast-moving common dolphins that live in the Hauraki Gulf to drive the pilchards up to the surface and hold the baitfish there, is when the gannets can drop down from above to attack the pillies.

The noise, scent and wounded or dead baitfish then attracts the larger fish such as snapper or kingfish to the feast. Dolphins and gannets are the key for successful workup fishing, you need both to have a party.

Often in early spring, big schools of kahawai also help drive the baitfish to the surface but as they aren’t as smart as dolphins, these workups can be over in seconds as the kahawai move too fast and all over the place.

Dolphins make the best workups by keeping the bait tighter, working together and the longer the workup, the better the fishing. If you find moving dolphins keep track of them shadowing behind with the help of binos and no doubt the gannets will also be tagging along, waiting for them to find the pilchards.

If you are heading out wide in the boat towards Little Barrier or the top of the Coromandel and locate a workup in full swing, never drive the boat into the middle of the action at speed. Slow down, keeping clear of the workup and watch to see which direction it is moving. It is best to fish ahead of the moving workup and to drop your lures down, but on many occasions the better snapper fishing can be well behind the workup as the slower snapper feed on the scraps on the bottom. Watch your sounder carefully to look for the fish hard on the bottom, but often snapper will even swim up from 40m to fish near the surface and attack the baitfish if it is a big workup.

LURES & TACTICS

Workup fishing is made for lure fishing, it means no time-wasting rebaiting as you land a fish and then you can send your lure straight back down. You need to ensure you have a quality jigging rod combo(s) either spin or overhead, and a good selection of jig styles and weights.

Ocean Angler Fish Fingers have proven lethal as they are heavier (60-140gm range) and feature a torpedo shape that slide down easily to reach the bottom faster. Lift and let them flutter back down, their erratic action helps attract strikes. Snapper and kingfish love these jigs.

Slow pitch jigs are another good option to employ as they are also used by sending deep and then worked by lifting and dropping, with their action and bright colours similar to wounded baitfish like pilchards which get attention from predators.

Left: Fish Fingers are lethal jigs designed to drop through the water column quickly in deeper water.

Use a drogue to slow your drift when lure fishing out in deeper water.

Ensure you have a quality lure rod such as this

We have also had good success using Ocean Angler Head Bangers, which have a heavy jig head (80 or 100gm) and a softbait tail that big fish love. It is another good option to use in deeper water (30m+) when chasing workups and its wide paddle tail with fast sink rate will attract interest. Smear the tail with Secret Sauce (pilchard flavour of course) and this helps your cause.

Sliders or slow jigs are also effective, but I like to use them once a workup has finished or you find sitting birds that are all full of baitfish from an earlier workup that you arrived late to. Drifting through the area, watching the sounder, and dropping down these jigs with their tassles or skirts dragged near, or on the bottom will pick up good fish.

When chasing and fishing amongst workups in the gulf, you will typically be in water over 30m, and you need to deploy a drogue to help slow the drift. This means you can work your jigs more vertically and they aren’t well out the back of the boat and up off the bottom.

“Dolphins make the best workups by keeping the bait tighter, working together and the longer the workup, the better the fishing.”

Fishing lures requires anglers to ensure better contact with the lure, so you can work the jig well and notice strikes to keep the weight on hooked fish and ensure the small assist hooks stay connected to the fish.

Make sure you take a pair of long nosed pliers on the boat, as these are invaluable when removing the tiny assist hooks from struggling fish. I have seen many people get hooked in their fingers badly when trying to remove jig hooks from stroppy fish without pliers,

one such incident even required a trip to the hospital. The small assist hooks also love the old school cord mesh nets and are a real pain to deal with when the fishing is firing and you waste time trying to remove the hooks buried in the netting, to save time take a rubber mesh net.

On the Fishing in Godzone website, we have several helpful “how to videos” and there is a good one to view on workup fishing, check it out: FISHINGINGODZONE.CO.NZ/HOW-TO-VIDEOS/

COMPLETELY DIFFERENT…

The Flood Rescue Craft with global capability designed and built by an innovative Kiwi Boatbuilder.

BY RON CZERNIAK, MARINE JOURNALIST

While wandering around the Auckland Hutchwilco Boat Show earlier this year, as I passed the Dreadnort display, I glanced about to see if Blair Lewis (designer and owner of Dreadnort Boats) was around; wanting to ask him what was new since the boat test review we had done on his D4000 in late 2022 and on the V4000 in 2023. However, seeing him engaged with a customer, I strolled by, scanning the various craft on display. It wasn’t until I was about ten metres past the stand that I went, “Whoa, what was that?” Quickly circling back, I witnessed the most unusual craft I’ve seen in a long time – the Guardian Trailer Flood Rescue Prototype.

But it isn’t a trailer; well yes, it is, but it is also a boat (well more like a landing craft) with retractable wheels, which sort

of makes it an amphibian vessel. But it has an outboard, but not with a propeller, but rather a jet pod and it tows from the stern with a tow bar that remains an integral part of the boat once launched. It also has a watertight drop-down ramp at the bow. Baffled? So was I! Noticing that Blair was now free I corralled him, asking “What is this thing?” And “Why is there such a thing on your stand and why is it called a Flood Rescue Prototype as well as being named a Guardian Trailer?” There were many more questions to come.

The more I spoke with Blair, the more intrigued and interested I became. Cutting a long story short, Blair told me that having watched the flooding in Australia over the past decade getting worse, it was only a matter of time until it knocked on our doorstep here in New Zealand as well. Prescient he turned out to be, as all of us here in New Zealand will recall the devastating floods across the country back

in February 2023. So, a concept was born out of necessity following the frustrating response to those 2023 New Zealand floods, when Blair, watching the regular news feeds, witnessed firefighters and other first responders unable to rescue stranded people who had been cut off by the flood waters, even though often less than a few hundred metres away. The tools that rescue crews had were simply insufficient. In Blair’s mind, a rescue craft, similar, but quite different to a surf lifesaving RIB, was needed with the design requirements calling for a robust, safe, stable, simple to operate, affordable, road-legal amphibious vessel designed specifically for first responders for flood rescue. And that really says it all. Consequently, the Flood Rescue Prototype was born. It's a bit of an ‘Ugly Duckling” but there is much more than meets the eye and everything about this vessel has been done for a reason.

Guardian Trailers (a collaboration between the naval architecture firm Transformarine and the shipwright firm Altech Marine, based in Auckland) set out to design and build a craft that could be used anywhere, anytime by anyone. Combining the boat and trailer into one leaves the tow vehicle unconstrained for other operations. More importantly, it does not have to be the same vehicle that retrieves it, leaving the Flood Rescue craft free to travel long distances on its own if necessary and then, when ready to be retrieved away from its original launch site, simply have any suitable vehicle with a tow bar, able to trailer it away. Thus, the biggest benefit of having the trailer built-in for emergency applications is to allow the launch vehicle to be unencumbered by a trailer.

Another key consideration was that it had to be easy to use and this vessel is designed around the KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) principle - one of my favourite axioms when it comes to any sort of craft being used on oceans, lakes or rivers and especially relevant if it is going to be used in treacherous flood zones. Overly complicated vessels can become dangerous. With simplicity being the key, we’ll explore this aspect a bit more later.

As alluded to above, if this duplicitous craft is to be quickly towed to an emergency site, the trailer part must be road-legal and able to be drawn by any vehicle capable of hauling an unbraked unit under 750kg. The Flood Rescue Craft is exactly that! Its wheel ‘lock down’ system, hidden under the skin, has been incorporated to take road loads off the electric actuators for added road safety. Considering the various water environments, in which it was to be used, the electrically articulated trailer wheel system has been fabricated from aluminium and stainless steel to reduce maintenance. And, like a Formula 1 car, the suspension is inboard; not to improve aerodynamics, but to keep the suspension out of hostile elements. When it came to the hull design, only a catamaran could provide the best possible stability for safety at rest as well as for high-speed

performance, especially in shallow, debris-ridden waters. The resultant catamaran hull form, with an underwing central portion that rides partially in the water when planing in order to feed clean water to the jet, thus not only improving stability, but helping with tracking. This craft can be hurled through extremely tight turns under maximum speed without the aft end losing grip, preventing the craft from skittering all over the water’s surface.

As for the propulsion unit, only one option made sense: a jet pod outboard motor. After a lot of investigation, Blair settled on a 60hp (reduced to 40hp with the jet pod replacing the traditional propdriven lower outboard leg) Mercury Four Stroke. When rescuing someone from the water, the last thing you need is a fast-spinning propeller slicing into your would-be rescuee! The jet unit also importantly aids in shallow water running and is less likely to damage itself when navigating flotsam-laden flood waters. Should the jet unit be damaged, it is quick, easy and cost-effective to repair or replace.

In summary, Blair endeavoured to get the best balance of size, weight and propulsion, figuring the ideal weight had to be less than 650kg and definitely less than 750kg to meet unbraked towing requirements.

Rescue is what this craft is all about, so a lot of consideration was focused on making the bow an easily accessible part of the design, whether motoring up to shore, lowering the bow door for easy access to aid distressed and/or injured people to being wide enough for a wheelchair, as well as being equipped with steps for deeper water access enabling a rescuee to climb into the boat with minimum difficulty, even if fatigued.

Solid aluminium construction was of immense importance, as this vessel was designed to be used in extreme environments. Imagine, if you will, a flooded, fast-flowing river or expansive flood plain strewn with debris, logs floating containers or even dead and bloated livestock – this craft had to withstand whatever a flood was going to

throw at it and, if damaged had to be easily and quickly repairable. Five separate watertight compartments (soon to be increased to nine) have been built into the design, as segregation is key to the vessel staying afloat should one or more compartments be compromised. Enough background, this craft cried out to be tested in as ‘real-world’ conditions as possible. The potential of the Flood Rescue Vessel cannot be overlooked. Mentioning this to Doug, the publisher of this magazine, he immediately asked me, “How soon can we do a boat test, and you write an article?” After a bit of discussion, it was agreed that we needed to trial this craft in simulated flood conditions to really get a sense of what it is capable of doing. Hmm, Auckland in July? We shouldn’t have to wait long. Too true - Sunday, July 14th and the forecast for the following day was for strong winds and lots of rain. We therefore arranged to meet at the Weiti River Wharf (previously reconnoitred as a suitable test site) on Monday morning to do the test. Well, that got washed away (pun intended) as Monday turned out to be so horrible, that any thoughts of getting good photos and drone footage were abandoned and we elected to wait a day, figuring the leftovers from the storm would still provide a creditable flood-like environment. Thus, it turned out to be with a foggy morning, little wind and the Weiti River dirty brown and flooded. Perfect!

This was to be a boat test like no other I had previously done, as we wanted to simulate (as close to reality as possible) a ‘flood rescue’ scenario. But in addition to finding out whether or not this craft met the criteria Blair originally had in mind when he set out to design and build it, we also wanted to photographically and video document the test so that Blair could graphically illustrate to emergency response organisations how this craft could positively impact flood rescue emergencies.

“The hull design, coupled with the outboard motor jet propulsion unit, enables this vessel to get up on the plane fast and navigate debris-strewn flood waters with relative impunity.”

The ten key criteria for this boat review were established beforehand as follows:

1. How straightforward is it to get the craft to the emergency site? This vessel can be hooked up to almost any vehicle with a tow bar that is capable of pulling a maximum of 750kg. Hook up the Guardian Trailer and head for the rescue site.

2. How quickly and easily can it be launched and retrieved? Launching the vessel is just as easy as launching any small trailer boat, and once in the water, the tow vehicle doesn’t have to hang around, as the craft can be retrieved without difficulty from a different location with an alternative ‘tow capable’ vehicle and it is capable of being launched and retrieved by one person.

3. How manoeuvrable is it in deep and shallow water? The hull design, coupled with the outboard motor jet propulsion unit, enables this unique vessel to get up on the plane fast whether in deep or shallow water and can navigate debris-strewn flood waters with relative impunity.

4. How effective and feasible are shallow shoreline flood rescues? Extremely straightforward! With its shallow draft and water jet propulsion, it behaves just like a classic landing craft (albeit a fast one). Ease up to the shoreline, drop the forward mechanically activated, pully system stepped ramp and the rescue victim can simply clamber aboard, even if quite likely, exhausted and/or injured.

5. How effortlessly can people, floundering in deeper water, be rescued? Easier than from any other craft I’ve ever come across. Get to the victim’s location fast, idle up to him/her, drop the

forward-stepped ramp and help him/her scramble aboard. Pull up the ramp and quickly head for safety.

6. How stable and safe is it? This vessel personifies stability! With its catamaran hull design, abundant buoyancy chambers and a relatively wide beam-to-length ratio, this thing sits on the water at rest as though it was glued to the surface.

7. How capable is it? I can think of no other vessel (including a RIB) that could be more adept at achieving what it was designed to do. The name on the hull says it all: Flood Rescue.

8. How robust and maintenance-free is it? The hull is built with 4 mm aluminium and will incorporate nine separate watertight flotation compartments. All of the interior and topsides are lined with soft but resilient U-dek deck tread throughout. Vessel instrumentation and controls (as well as road-legal sealed LED trailer lights – hooked up by a standard trailer waterproof plug) are kept simple and the whole craft can be washed out and cleaned rapidly with little effort. The wheel system is constructed from aluminium and 316 S/S further reducing maintenance. No jack is required to change a flat tyre.

9. How can it be used for other applications? Besides its primary functions of flood rescue and SAR, the nature of this vessel lends itself to other utilitarian as well as recreational uses. The best example of the former, being its capability to be modified for loading quad or trail bikes for water transport to remote (or flooded) areas of farmland or other possibilities, such as livestock rescue, conservation and general maintenance work. In addition, what a great fishing, dive or family adventure boat, to name but a few recreational uses.

10. Finally, does it meet the “KISS” criteria? Absolutely! Considering what this craft was designed to do, only if I were being extremely critical, could I find anything that might not comply with the “KISS” principle. Having said that, take another look at the images and you will note that the lettering on the craft says: Flood Rescue Prototype. Emphasis here on ‘Prototype’. In discussions with Blair during and after our day out, he was abuzz with ideas for improvements and I am

“Besides

its primary functions of flood rescue and SAR, the nature of this vessel lends itself to other utilitarian as well as recreational uses.”

SUMMARY:

As will be seen from the images throughout this article, it was an adventurous day out, during which I feel, we succeeded in our flood rescue simulations. Whether I or Blair was at the helm, the craft performed as advertised every step of the way. From launch to on-water manoeuvres at low and high speeds, both in shallow and deeper water and while executing simulated rescues, to final retrieval at the boat ramp, this craft lived up to its promise.

A few days after the test I phoned Blair to discuss a few things about the craft and also asked if he had been looking abroad for other possible markets. “Definitely”, came back his reply and “Look Ron, you may want to check out the link I’ll send you” (refer following): www.marinebusinessnews.com.au/2024/07/marine-rescuensw-tests-flood-rescue-and-support-capability/

Well, as it turns out, our Aussie cousins have been playing around with their own ideas for Flood Rescue craft, but having seen what Blair has come up with, it appears that they may have realised that the Guardian Trailer, although similar, could be a better option than what they have been developing. Unfortunately, back here in Godzone, Blair has been struggling to get the attention and interest of SAR, Coastguard and New Zealand Government Emergency Response organisations. I have been involved in the marine industry most of my life and rarely have I encountered a craft that has the potential to be a real game changer and a significant tool to help save lives when it comes to flood rescue. I only hope that this article may help get this valuable apparatus to front line first responders for use in their rescue operations. Once again, Kiwi innovation at the forefront!

“From launch to on-water manoeuvres, both in shallow and deeper water and while executing simulated rescues, this craft lived up to its promise.”

SPECIFICATIONS

Length 4.20m

Beam (hull) 1.90m

Overall width 2.46m

Draft @ DWL 0.30m

Displacement @ DWL 1170kg

Weight (Dry) 650kg

Hull and Deck thickness Both 4mm

PAX (Water) 7 (@ 75kg/person)

Fuel capacity Tote Tanks (Single standard 22.7l)

Trailing Length 5.73m

Trailing Load Capacity 100kg

Reserve Buoyancy 2607 litres in 5 compartments

(NB: 1 litre of fresh water = 1kg)

Maximum Speed 23 knots with 40hp Jet Outboard

OPTIONAL Extras: Road Cover, Tent Top Shelter, Electronics (Live Sonar & FLIR, etc.), Light arch for flood lights, Fish Rod Holders, Bait Board, Live Bait Tank

GUARDIANTRAILERS.CO.NZ

Contact: Transformarine Ltd. transformarine@gmail.com +64 21 613 990

Blair Lewis B.Eng AM.Rina – Naval Architect | Transformarine@gmail.com

Stuart Dawe – Shipwright | Altechmarine02@gmail.com

@DREADNORTBOATS | VISIT THE WEBSITE TO SEE THE FULL RANGE

@DREADNORTBOATS | VISIT THE

A-Z GUIDE ON TRAILERS

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

A boat trailer is just what it says, a trailer for carrying a boat. That sounds pretty simplistic, but boat trailers are very different to recreational-type garden trailers. Firstly they are going to be dipped into water, for us down under predominantly salt water and that’s just the start of it!

When the first boat trailers were built, they were timber, but soon that changed to metal and common in the earliest years of trailer boats were trailers made from steam pipe. We soon moved on to steel box section that was cut and welded to shape. Today trailers are mostly manufactured from special cut, folded and bent steel sections. Boat trailers are now galvanised to prevent rust, both inside and out. In more recent times, aluminium trailers have increased in popularity.

But it’s not just the frame that has been purpose-built for marine applications; it’s also all the running gear that is trailer boat specific, such as lights, brakes, rollers, pads and winches. Most things on a boat trailer are designed for a purpose, to make towing, retrieving and launching your boat that much easier and safer.

Boat trailers come in a variety of sizes from as little as 3m for small dinghies and PWCs to upwards of 10m for the largest trailer boats. Single, tandem or triple axle, it all depends on what size your boat is.

TOWBARS AND COUPLINGS

When you hook your trailer up to your tow vehicle, there are a few things to consider. Firstly how heavy is the rig you are towing and is your vehicle rated to tow it? An average 6m-trailer boat is going to weigh around 2200 kgs all up, boat/motor/trailer, package so this means that a 4cyl family car isn’t going to cut it. You need something bigger such as an SUV or a good-sized six or eightcylinder car.

Moving on up if you are towing a 7m plus boat on the back then you might consider something like a big crew cab ute, most have a towing capacity of 3500 kgs, which is plenty.

Next, you need to check the way the tow bar is attached to the vehicle. Solid mounting points on the subframe are critical and in the case of larger Utes, they are bolted to the chassis. Drilling holes in the boot floor pan is a disaster waiting to happen.

Then there is the tow ball. NZ has a strange system of two standard ball sizes, 1 7/8 and 50mm, plus there are even larger options available. When you hitch the rig up to your tow vehicle, make sure the locking tongue on the coupling engages properly.

Chains are important and you need to make sure you have a quality chain that is bolted (not welded) to the trailer chassis. Certified shackles are also a good insurance.

WINCH POSTS AND WINCHES

The winch post on your trailer is one of the most important components when you consider it not only stops the boat flying forward, the winch mounting point and its position have a lot to do with the way the trailer is balanced. Most mounting posts are attached with heavy-duty U bolts so you can slide it fore and aft to get the balance of the trailer right. This way manufacturers can make one trailer that will fit a variety of designs and sizes, without compromising the integrity of the trailer.

On top of the post is the winch, which is either manual or electric. In the case of the manual winch, various ratios are available so you can winch on big heavy boats, without having to spend a week at the gym. However, if you are planning on something that weighs over 2500 kgs it is recommended to have an electric winch that will do all the pulling for you. These also come in a variety of sizes with various pulling power and can be operated from a separate battery or off a connection to the tow vehicle.

While wire was once the only option, winches are now offered with synthetic rope and web straps, so no more metal strands in the hands when you grab the winch wire. Talking of safety chains, again it is important to have solid chains with rated shackles as this is going to be one of the main anchor points for the boat on the trailer.

TO BRAKE OR NOT TO BRAKE

Boat trailers come with or without brakes. There are two brake systems available, manual override or electric. Trailer brakes are not required up to 750kg and are only recommended from 7502000 kg. From 2000–2500 kg you must have override brakes, the most simple system is the manual override brake that is most common on Kiwi trailers. This works on inertia, so when the vehicle is braked the trailer brakes are activated through a hydraulic system. Simple, effective and reasonably foolproof.

This trailer is too small for safety and protection. It is important to have the right trailer for your boat unlike this example.

However, when you start to tow rigs over 2000kgs, you need to move up to a more serious braking system such as electric over hydraulic, where the system is fully controlled by the braking action of the vehicle.

The most common problem with boat trailers is failed trailer brakes. Because boat trailers are regularly immersed in highly corrosive saltwater, the trailer brakes will corrode and then fail very quickly without regular and constant maintenance. The best preventative maintenance is washing with fresh water every time you use the boat.

Irrespective of the type of brake operating system, you need to examine the brake discs and callipers for corrosion. Also, check that the discs are not warped. A warped disc can be a problem because the braking pressure will be irregular, resulting in heat build-up on the highway, and possible tyre and wheel bearing failure.

launching and retrieving your boat. Due to our unique design the boat can be driven directly onto the trailer which minimises winching. We are the number one supplier to the multi award winning McLay Boats.

• We can customise design to suit your needs.

• A wide range of trailer parts and accessories is available

TYRES & SUSPENSION

Okay so the brakes are going to stop you but what about the tyres you have wrapped around them? Too often people put on inferior tyres that will not stand up to the stresses of a boat trailer. Overloaded tyres also commonly cause tyre failure. You may find the trailer itself can handle 1,500kg, but the trailer tyres are only rated for just 1,000kg.

Due to the hard work that a trailer tyre gets, it is recommended to use at least 8-ply light commercial truck tyres and unlike your car, they should be pumped up to high pressures around 44-65 psi. In fact, in some cases double the tyre pressure of your car. However, the rear tyres on your tow vehicle should be pumped up much higher than normal when towing, especially if you have high sidewalls.

Thanks to modern technology, the suspensions, axles and brakes of new trailers can be galvanised for protection against corrosion. Suspensions are common in two basic forms, the regular leaf spring set up or rubber torsion axles, which are made with thick rubber cords concealed in the axle's tubing. Both do the same job and both are basically trouble-free. With the spring system, you need a full axle across the trailer frame, which can have a bearing on how low you can position your boat. The rubber torsion axle system is based on a drop arm system that is individually mounted on either side and is favoured by those who like to get their deep vee boats as low as practical on the trailer. If you are into shallow water beach launching having a low trailer is a bonus.

BUNKS OR ROLLERS?

So what’s best? Bunks or rollers. Bunks are very common on imported US-built trailer boats where steep concrete ramps are common and the boats are designed to be more floated on and off the trailer. In New Zealand however, we don’t have the luxury of loads of steep ramps and in many cases with high tide fluctuations, the ramps stop before the deeper water. This means if you have a bunk trailer the difficulty in getting your boat on and off the trailer is worse, especially if you are beach launching like many of us do.

Some people swear by bunk trailers as they feel they disperse the pressure points on the hull more evenly, especially when it comes to aluminium boats and don’t leave any dents on the bottom. We believe if you get dents in the hull because of the rollers, you may need to look for a stronger and better-built boat and trailer. The secret is plenty of rollers to carry the load.

Multi roller trailers are the best for Kiwi conditions that’s for sure, with our launching options. A good multi-roller trailer requires very little effort to launch a boat and if you are too quick and release the safety chain too early, you may well find your boat sitting on the beach or in the shallows.

LIGHTS & TIE DOWNS

Boat trailers are like any trailer they need to be registered and have a current warrant. Part of that warrant is an effective fully operational lighting system. The regulations state that you have to have normal stop, signal and rear trailer lights, and if your trailer package weighs over 2000kgs sidelights are also mandatory.

As the lights are usually mounted at the lowest part of the trailer, they are going to get wet when you back into the water. Hence underwater or fully submersible lights, which are now commonplace. There are several good brands in NZ and Australia that make some of the best in the business and if fitted correctly give very little problem.

Another system is to have a light board that is mounted on the rear of the deck and held in place with bungee cords. The lighting cable runs over the deck through to the back of the tow vehicle. This works well and is perfect for a small trailer or if you want to have a multi-use board for the garden trailer as well. While we are focusing on the back of the trailer, we should mention the tie-downs. These are very important and if you are driving anywhere, you should have them attached. They are one of three security fittings for the boat, the other being the winch wire with the safety chain and will also stop the boat from bouncing up and down, or even off while being towed.

We build to order

PURCHASING A TRAILER

Some tips when choosing a manufacturer:

• Quality Assurance: Look for manufacturers with a reputation for high-quality materials and craftsmanship.

• Customisation Options: Consider your specific boat and trailer needs; choose a manufacturer that offers some customisation.

• Customer Reviews: Check customer reviews and testimonials to gauge satisfaction with product quality and after-sales service.

• Warranty and Support: Ensure the manufacturer provides a warranty and has a reliable support system for maintenance and repairs.

Several manufacturers in New Zealand and Australia represent some of the top choices for boat trailers, each offering different strengths in terms of customisation, durability, and customer service. When choosing a trailer, consider your boat's specifications and your intended use to find the best fit for your needs, and most of all stay safe when towing your rig!

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