Pioneers are born through passion and desire – and this was certainly the case for the Shaw family, at the helm of Legacy Marine.
Over 25 years ago passionate fisherman and boating enthusiast Glenn Shaw had a vision to build aluminium trailer boats superior to anything else on the market, a vision that became a reality.
From humble beginnings in a rural shed, each boat was hand-crafted until, years later, Extreme Boats became New Zealand’s most-awarded aluminium trailer boat manufacturer, with over 100 staff producing more than 300 boats per year from Extreme’s 20-plus model range.
Glenn’s passion extended further than most trailer boats could reach, however, and offshore voyages to fish remote parts of the world ignited a desire to build aluminium motor yachts not only capable of making these voyages – but making them in comfort with unparalleled performance. So began a natural progression to develop a range of high-end aluminium motor yachts which ultimately saw the birth of Legacy Marine.
To better understand the requirements for a new range of motor yachts the Shaw family undertook offshore voyages between Australia and New Zealand and New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. This gave them a hands-on feel for what is required to create motor yachts that not only look great and perform brilliantly, but also function well in the environments they were intended for. The practical elements were learnt through experience while well-known New Zealand-based naval architects Lomotion were contracted to assist with the designs.
Currently Legacy Marine has drawings for four models – the L35, L45, L52, designed by Lomotion, and the L70, designed by David De Villiers. From the beginning Legacy Marine was built on a vision to better – not match – vessels by other builders and this ethos extends across the Legacy range.
The smallest member of the fleet is the striking L35, which is a motor yacht that will appeal to many. An easy-to-manage vessel fitting in a 14m berth, this motor yacht will be a great option for those living on the waterways, folk looking for an on-water bach or buyers seeking a serious fishing boat. With accommodation for six, yet still a very manageable size, the L35 is equally suited to serious fishing or luxury cruising. It should appeal to boaties of every level of boating experience.
The L45 is a Euro-styled sedan cruiser designed with relaxation and cruising in mind. Boasting accommodation for six with a spacious saloon opening onto the cockpit through a large electric window, this motor yacht is an entertainer’s dream. One of its key features is a concealed tender garage, which makes the exploration of offshore islands and bays a breeze – simply slide the tender out and head off to explore, go ashore or gather those groceries while cruising.
When it comes to a motor yacht built for offshore adventure or serious fishing expeditions in comfort and ease, the L52 comes into its own. An enclosed flybridge model with two double beds and two singles, along with a shared bathroom and en suite, stay-away trips can be made in comfort.
The L70 is Legacy Marine’s flagship model intended for those who demand a motor yacht that’s superior in every way. With its twin 1900hp V12 MAN diesels pushing it along and a fuel capacity of 9,000 litres, this is a long-range luxury motor yacht designed to embrace everything the world’s oceans have on offer in comfort and style. Fully air-conditioned with a freshwater maker, ice maker, gyro stabiliser, dive compressor and sleeping capacity for eight, there will be no need to hurry back to shore.
If the success of Extreme Boats is anything to go by, Legacy Marine has an exciting journey ahead of it – a new name in New Zealand boat building destined for big things!
