Discover the latest trends, expert reviews, and performance insights on boats, helping you make informed decisions on the water.
SO, YOU"RE IN THE MARKET FOR BUYING A BOAT?
Buying a boat is your gateway to freedom and adventure. It's more than a purchase—it's a lifestyle.
ENTRY-LEVEL BOATS. An entry-level boat opens the door to adventure, offering an accessible way to explore the water, enjoy fishing, and create lasting memories. It’s the perfect start for discovering the joys of boating, combining simplicity with the thrill of the open sea.
Sea-Doo Switch
Sea-Doo’s all-new Switch marries the performance of a personal watercraft with the versatility of a ...
Length Over All (M):
6.4
Construction:
Other
Fatcat 4000 Fisherman
Lightning Marine’s Fatcat 4000 sticks with the ‘simple is best’ small boat ethos.
Displacement (M):
240
Length Over All (M):
3.8
Construction:
Other
Riviera 395 SUV
Sports utility cruisers can be likened to the hot hatchbacks of the boat world. They have to work ha...
Displacement (M):
11300
Length Over All (M):
13.27
Construction:
Fibreglass (GRP)
Dan Leech L825 Power Cat
A family-friendly power cat cruiser, the Leech 825 was the design of choice for international ocean ...
Length Over All (M):
8.25
Construction:
Composite
FISHING BOATS. A fishing boat is your gateway to adventure on the water. Built for speed, power, and precision, it takes you to the heart of the action, where the thrill of the catch meets the freedom of the open sea. It’s not just fishing—it’s living the ultimate pursuit.
Tristram 691 Offshore
When Kingsley and Lance Fink pulled up at Westhaven boat ramp with the Tristram 691 Offshore in tow, it was easy to appreciate the appeal of this new model with its all-white gelcoat, new Tristram gra...
Length Over All (M):
6.90
Construction:
GRP
Tristram 691 Offshore
When Kingsley and Lance Fink pulled up at Westhaven boat ramp with the Tristram 691 Offshore in tow, it was easy to appreciate the appeal of this new model with its all-white gelcoat, new Tristram gra...
Length Over All (M):
6.90
Construction:
GRP
Tristram 691 Offshore
When Kingsley and Lance Fink pulled up at Westhaven boat ramp with the Tristram 691 Offshore in tow,...
Horsepower (HP):
200 to 250hp
Length Over All (M):
6.90
Construction:
GRP
Haines Hunter SP635
The hardtop SP635 shares the same underpinnings as the popular SF 635 which was a completely new mod...
Horsepower (HP):
200
Length Over All (M):
6.76
Construction:
Fibreglass (GRP)
Rayglass 3000
There are two different powerplant configurations currently available: either twin outboards or sing...
Horsepower (HP):
600
Length Over All (M):
8
Construction:
Fibreglass (GRP)
Buccaneer Six Fifteen
Based on the well-known Buccaneer 605 hull, the Buccaneer Six Fifteen has increased the 605’s waterl...
Horsepower (HP):
200
Length Over All (M):
6.78
Construction:
Fibreglass (GRP)
Surtees 750 Game Fisher
The Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show prize boat package would be every Kiwi angler’s dream to own.
Horsepower (HP):
300
Displacement (M):
1590
Length Over All (M):
7.5
Construction:
Aluminium
Haines Hunter Overlander OP725
The Anura system is not only pleasingly quiet in operation (no noisy internal combustion engine in t...
Horsepower (HP):
300
Displacement (M):
2400
Length Over All (M):
7.5
Construction:
Fibreglass (GRP)
PERFORMANCE BOATS. Engineered for speed and thrill, these high-performance boats cater to adrenaline seekers, offering exhilarating racing, skiing, and wakeboarding experiences.
Tristram 691 Offshore
When Kingsley and Lance Fink pulled up at Westhaven boat ramp with the Tristram 691 Offshore in tow,...
Horsepower (HP):
200 to 250hp
Length Over All (M):
6.90
Construction:
GRP
Seawind 1170
Combining the space of twin hulls with the capabilities of a proven design froma vastly experienced ...
Displacement (M):
9,200kg
Length Over All (M):
11.9m
Vindex 350 S
When the itch for another boat project required scratching a little over two years ago, de Fluiter d...
Displacement (M):
5500
Length Over All (M):
10.8
Construction:
Composite
Cora 48 Catamaran
Performance is modest, as expected for its power-to-weight ratio, but nearly 17 knots of speed was a...
Displacement (M):
24000
Length Over All (M):
14.75
Construction:
Fibreglass (GRP)
Buccaneer Five Seven Five
The spacious cockpit is uncluttered but has plenty of seating. The cockpit sole is covered in SeaDek...
Horsepower (HP):
150
Length Over All (M):
5.75
Construction:
Fibreglass (GRP)
Beneteau First 44
Fifteen knots eased back to about 10 knots and the boat felt light on the helm, responding nicely to...
Displacement (M):
10500
Length Over All (M):
14.15
Construction:
Fibreglass (GRP)
Sealegs 12RC
‘Behemoth’ is a word which springs to mind or, perhaps more nautically, ‘leviathan’.
Length Over All (M):
12.3
Construction:
Aluminium
Haines Hunter SP635
The hardtop SP635 shares the same underpinnings as the popular SF 635 which was a completely new mod...
Horsepower (HP):
200
Length Over All (M):
6.76
Construction:
Fibreglass (GRP)
Elite 15.8m Sport Sedan
The pride and joy of a multi-generational family, Bliss resides on a pier that’s home to a couple of...
Displacement (M):
16200
Length Over All (M):
15.8
Construction:
Composite
Sessa Yacht Line C47
Sessa vessels have a CE CLASS B rating – certified offshore to 200 miles, for winds up to force 8, and waves up to up to four metres high. Very capabl...
Legacy Marine L45
The L45 is intended to fulfil the role of a luxury motoryacht capable of operating in typical New Zealand coastal conditions.
Iliad 53 S
Compared to the range’s flybridge models, the 53 S has much less windage and greater stability, so it looks much sleeker,
Quarken 27 Cabin
This size is notably popular in New Zealand, being small enough to be trailered, yet spacious enough for a comfortable overnight stay.
Sea Ray Sundancer 265
The Sea Ray Sundancer 265 is an impressive example of all that is good about American production boat building: stylish, extremely well built and ever...
SAILING YACHTS. A sailing yacht offers the purest connection to the sea. Its sleek design and dynamic sailing experience promise adventure, freedom, and the thrill of mastering the wind. Owning one is not just about sailing—it's about embracing the spirit of exploration.
Seawind 1170
Combining the space of twin hulls with the capabilities of a proven design froma vastly experienced ...
Displacement (M):
9,200kg
Length Over All (M):
11.9m
Cora 48 Catamaran
Performance is modest, as expected for its power-to-weight ratio, but nearly 17 knots of speed was a...
Displacement (M):
24000
Length Over All (M):
14.75
Construction:
Fibreglass (GRP)
Beneteau First 44
Fifteen knots eased back to about 10 knots and the boat felt light on the helm, responding nicely to...
Displacement (M):
10500
Length Over All (M):
14.15
Construction:
Fibreglass (GRP)
Dibley 12m canting-keeler
The cockpit is open and spacious, raceboat-style, with a cool curved edge to the deck at the open tr...
Length Over All (M):
12
Construction:
Composite
Rayglass 3000
There are two different powerplant configurations currently available: either twin outboards or sing...
Horsepower (HP):
600
Length Over All (M):
8
Construction:
Fibreglass (GRP)
Seawind 1370
Solar panels on the vast roof help keep the batteries charged.
Displacement (M):
11000
Length Over All (M):
13.7
Construction:
Fibreglass (GRP)
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AMPHIBIOUS BOATS. Amphibious boats blend land and water adventure seamlessly. With the ability to transition between terrains, they offer unmatched versatility and freedom, taking exploration to a whole new level.
Sealegs 12RC
‘Behemoth’ is a word which springs to mind or, perhaps more nautically, ‘leviathan’.
Length Over All (M):
12.3
Construction:
Aluminium
Haines Hunter Overlander OP725
The Anura system is not only pleasingly quiet in operation (no noisy internal combustion engine in t...
Horsepower (HP):
300
Displacement (M):
2400
Length Over All (M):
7.5
Construction:
Fibreglass (GRP)
Sealegs 12m RIB Cabin
On land it’s a big machine to pilot – tall, wide, and long, with a very wide turning circle, though ...
Displacement (M):
7000
Length Over All (M):
11.3
Construction:
Aluminium
Assault Pursuit 8m Amphibious
New Zealanders have led the world in developing amphibious RIBs, and the latest offering from Assaul...
Displacement (M):
1900
Length Over All (M):
8.6
Construction:
Fibreglass (GRP)
Dreadnort D7500
It takes considerable courage to design and then build a trailer boat as radically different as the ...
Horsepower (HP):
350
Displacement (M):
3520
Length Over All (M):
7.9
Construction:
Aluminium
Stryda 900C Amphibious
2019 was an auspicious year in New Zealand, although thinking back to those heady pre-Covid days som...
Length Over All (M):
9.0
Construction:
Aluminium
Lazercat 950
The helm station is well-equipped and simple to operate, thanks to the simplified switching that’s been implemented.
L980 semi-displacement powercat Emocean
Semi-displacement power cats work well when the hulls are narrow and the bridge decks high.
Candela C7
One of the keys to the C7’s impressive performance is its light weight. All up, it weighs just 1.4 tonnes, but the hull is just 90kg!
Fleury 6.7 Keeler
“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication” – Leonardo Da Vinci. A simple boat can mean basic; more rarely it can mean a boat where functionality has ...
EMERGING TRENDS IN BOAT DESIGN
FOILING BOATS. The AC75 boats are currently showcasing the sexiness of foiling technology. Foiling boats offer a smoother, faster ride by lifting out of the water, reducing drag and increasing speed. Their design enhances fuel efficiency, improves handling, and delivers a more thrilling boating experience.
Lazercat 950
The helm station is well-equipped and simple to operate, thanks to the simplified switching that’s b...
Displacement (M):
3800
Length Over All (M):
9.5
Construction:
Aluminium
Profab 1200
The quad-cam 7.6L V12 600hp Verado is stunning!
Displacement (M):
11700
Length Over All (M):
13.0
Construction:
Aluminium
L980 semi-displacement powercat Emocean
Semi-displacement power cats work well when the hulls are narrow and the bridge decks high.
Length Over All (M):
9.80
Construction:
Composite
Candela C7
One of the keys to the C7’s impressive performance is its light weight. All up, it weighs just 1.4 t...
Displacement (M):
1300
Length Over All (M):
7.7
Construction:
Carbon Fibre
Fleury 6.7 Keeler
“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication” – Leonardo Da Vinci. A simple boat can mean basic; more ...
Displacement (M):
850
Length Over All (M):
6.7
Construction:
Wood
Jeanneau Sunfast 3300
Jeanneau’s Sunfast 3300 joins its well-established siblings, the 3200 and later 3600, which have made names for themselves in European offshore even...
Dehler 30od
Boats are designed to maximise their chances within the strictures of certain design rules conventions, or of owners’ conflicting desires.
Jeanneau Merry Fisher 795 Marlin
Clark Gayford, host of the Fish of the Day TV programme, has pretty exacting requirements. The pressures of producing the show, along with the fishing...
Elliott 1350
The Elliott 1350 Tourer will be a familiar design to many, with boats such as Fiction, Flyer and designer Greg Elliott’s own Fortuna launched over th...
Kinetic 62
Performance catamarans like this carbon 62-footer simply eat up those tradewind miles, while their shallow draught is ideal for gunk-holing.
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Join Thousands of
New Zealand Boating Enthusiasts!
Exclusive deals, boat reviews, sports coverage, stories, and our best tips for NZ boaters.
Free and straight to your inbox.
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Join Thousands of
New Zealand Boating Enthusiasts!
Exclusive deals, boat reviews, sports coverage, stories, and our best tips for NZ boaters ⏤ free and straight to your inbox.
ELECTRIC & HYBRID BOATS. Electric and hybrid boats offer quieter, cleaner, and more efficient boating with reduced emissions and lower operating costs. They combine traditional power with cutting-edge technology for a sustainable and enjoyable on-water experience.
HH 50
After a day of sailing the HH50, I can clearly see the attraction, assuming your budget is large eno...
Displacement (M):
16000
Length Over All (M):
15.79
Construction:
Composite
L980 semi-displacement powercat Emocean
Semi-displacement power cats work well when the hulls are narrow and the bridge decks high.
Length Over All (M):
9.80
Construction:
Composite
E-40 Powercat
The E-40 PowerCat is the latest in a long line of engineering and boating innovations by John McGett...
Displacement (M):
3600
Length Over All (M):
12
Construction:
Composite
Sasga Menorquín 54
The boat feels like a large boat underway, its 24 tonnes just gliding along, powered by twin Volvo D...
Displacement (M):
24260
Length Over All (M):
17.15
Construction:
Fibreglass (GRP)
Maritimo S600
Such is the refinement, handling and practical feel of the excellent Maritimo S600, it reminds me of...
Displacement (M):
32600
Length Over All (M):
18.62
Construction:
Fibreglass (GRP)
Marex 330 Scandinavia
Norwegian boat builder Marex is on to winner with its Lithuanian-built 330 Scandinavia, as evidenced...
Displacement (M):
5500
Length Over All (M):
10.49
Construction:
Fibreglass (GRP)
Iliad 50
Purpose-built motor catamarans like this explorer-style Iliad 50 give owners a versatile vessel for those bluewater voyages, reports Kevin Green.
Innovision 656 Explorer
Like the rest of the range, the 656’s distinctive styling – largely the result of function dictating form – is impossible to ignore.
Assegai 51
The assegai is the short stabbing spear once used in battle by the people of Southern Africa, most famously by Zulu and Ndebele (Matabele) warriors. I...
Innovision 707 Explorer
Innovision’s range of bespoke aluminium boats is most certainly ‘different from the rest’ as the company proudly states on its website.
Herley 3400 Electric Power Catamaran
The hottest topic in boating today is electric propulsion, and right now the Herley 3400 is perhaps the most luxurious yet practical electric boat in ...
Extreme 915
Because every boatie’s notion of perfection is different, having options when buying a new boat is useful. Whakatane’s Extreme Boats excels in such f...
SUSTAINABILITY / ENVIRONMENTALLY-FRIENDLY. Sustainable boats offer eco-friendly alternatives with reduced environmental impact, lower emissions, and improved fuel efficiency. They support cleaner waters and help preserve marine ecosystems, all while providing a responsible and enjoyable boating experience.
Haines Hunter Overlander OP725
The Anura system is not only pleasingly quiet in operation (no noisy internal combustion engine in t...
Horsepower (HP):
300
Displacement (M):
2400
Length Over All (M):
7.5
Construction:
Fibreglass (GRP)
E-40 Powercat
The E-40 PowerCat is the latest in a long line of engineering and boating innovations by John McGett...
Displacement (M):
3600
Length Over All (M):
12
Construction:
Composite
Silent Yacht 55
The solar-powered Silent 55 catamaran is successfully pioneering renewable power in a quality and s...
Displacement (M):
11000
Length Over All (M):
13.4
Construction:
Composite
SMART BOATS / CONNECTED. Smart boats integrate advanced technology for enhanced navigation, safety, and convenience. With features like automated systems, real-time data, and connectivity, they offer a more efficient, responsive, and enjoyable boating experience.
HH 50
After a day of sailing the HH50, I can clearly see the attraction, assuming your budget is large eno...
Displacement (M):
16000
Length Over All (M):
15.79
Construction:
Composite
Kinetic 62
Performance catamarans like this carbon 62-footer simply eat up those tradewind miles, while their ...
Displacement (M):
10350
Length Over All (M):
18.9
Construction:
Composite
INNOVATIONS IN HULL TECHNOLOGIES
WAVE PIERCING HULLS. Wave-piercing hulls are a cutting-edge innovation in hull technology that cut through waves more efficiently. This design reduces drag, enhances stability, and delivers a smoother, more comfortable ride in challenging sea conditions.
Astus 16.5m Tri-maran
Easy to tow, simple to rig, quick to launch – topped by a generous splash of adrenalin-inducing perf...
Length Over All (M):
4.94
Construction:
Fibreglass (GRP)
Senator RH770
Napier aluminium boatbuilder Senator Boats is happy to customise any model in its extensive range to...
Length Over All (M):
7.93
Construction:
Aluminium
ASYMMETRIC HULLS. Asymmetric hulls represent a breakthrough in hull technology, offering improved performance by reducing drag and enhancing maneuverability. Their unique design allows for better handling and stability, particularly in rough waters.
Lazercat 950
The helm station is well-equipped and simple to operate, thanks to the simplified switching that’s b...
Displacement (M):
3800
Length Over All (M):
9.5
Construction:
Aluminium
Hanse 460
Code has three cabins, the master cabin forward and twin double quarter berths.
Displacement (M):
12600
Length Over All (M):
14.60
Construction:
Fibreglass (GRP)
Dehler 30od
Boats are designed to maximise their chances within the strictures of certain design rules conventio...
Displacement (M):
2800
Length Over All (M):
10.3
Construction:
Fibreglass (GRP)
Stryda 600s
Auckland boatbuilder Stryda Marine has just released a centre-console variation of its popular 6m 60...
Displacement (M):
2000
Length Over All (M):
6
Construction:
Aluminium
Stryda 600C Amphibious
New Zealand’s marine industry often delivers great innovation. Some ideas are radical, others an ev...
Displacement (M):
2000
Length Over All (M):
6
Construction:
Aluminium
Beneteau Swift Trawler 47
The latest addition to Beneteau’s growing Swift Trawler line-up – the Swift 47 – might just be the ...
Displacement (M):
19617
Length Over All (M):
14.74
Construction:
Fibreglass (GRP)
Leech 8m CR
Trailer-sailers tend to fall into one of two camps – cruiser or racer. But occasionally you come across one that manages to skilfully blur the boundar...
Greenline 39 Hybrid
In hybrid cars, an internal-combustion engine is complemented by an electric motor. The same concept creates more energy-efficient, environment-friend...
Roger Hill 18.5m sailing cat
Her owner describes this 18.5m cat as a ‘fun’ boat. That she undoubtedly is, but she also represents the pinnacle of New Zealand’s marine engineering ...
DEEP-V HULLS. Deep V hulls are a key innovation in hull technology, designed to cut through waves with minimal resistance. Their sharp, angled shape improves stability and comfort, providing a smoother and more controlled ride even in turbulent waters.
Tristram 691 Offshore
When Kingsley and Lance Fink pulled up at Westhaven boat ramp with the Tristram 691 Offshore in tow,...
Horsepower (HP):
200 to 250hp
Length Over All (M):
6.90
Construction:
GRP
Haines Hunter Overlander OP725
The Anura system is not only pleasingly quiet in operation (no noisy internal combustion engine in t...
Horsepower (HP):
300
Displacement (M):
2400
Length Over All (M):
7.5
Construction:
Fibreglass (GRP)
Ryck 280
At first glance the boat appears to be a large centre console, although hidden beneath the console a...
Displacement (M):
2700
Length Over All (M):
9.52
Construction:
Fibreglass (GRP)
Aluka 823 Walkaround
At rest, the boat was extremely comfortable, and certainly fits the family-friendly bill.
Horsepower (HP):
350
Length Over All (M):
8.23
Construction:
Aluminium
Assault Pursuit 8m Amphibious
New Zealanders have led the world in developing amphibious RIBs, and the latest offering from Assaul...
Displacement (M):
1900
Length Over All (M):
8.6
Construction:
Fibreglass (GRP)
Machina 551
The Machina 551 sets its foundations on the well-proven principles of strong alloy construction.
Horsepower (HP):
150
Length Over All (M):
5.5
Construction:
Aluminium
Paragon 25 Cabin
It is somewhat unusual to review a boat of such relatively modest dimensions with inboard diesel power rather than outboards, but the Swedish-built Pa...
Maritimo M55
Maritimo’s fame comes from its highly refined flybridge cruisers which has put it on the global map – the new M55 is the very essence of what this pre...
Highfield Patrol 600
Tracing its lineage back to the Australian line of Swift boats, Highfield is now a joint French-Chinese-owned company with a dedicated factory in Chin...
Machina 701
The 701 is the latest addition to the growing Machina range and marks a distinct departure from the usual pontoon hull.
King Water Jet 4m
Want a generous dollop of adrenalin-spiking fun? Hop aboard this waterjet-powered RIB and hold on tight.
Haines Hunter SF635
Any new boat from Haines Hunter is big news, but a totally new design makes the SF/SP635 an especially significant arrival.