North Shore’s Allan Tongs Boatbuilders is in growth mode with the company embarking on plans to reconfigure its operation into a production environment.

Alan Tongs and son Nigel have a close association with designer Bill Upfold of Elite Marine Design and have built 10 of his launches. The production initiative is a new 43-foot model (Elite AT43) designed to fit a 13.5m or 14m marina berth.

“We’ve secured the order for the first of these production boats,” says Tongs, “and are now completing the plugs from which to make the moulds.”

While his existing North Shore factory remain the main manufacturing centre, the hand-laid GRP moulded hulls, decks and bulkheads will be produced at a West Auckland facility. Finished mouldings will be transported from there to the main factory for assembly and fitting out.

Finding additional staff, says Tongs, is now the company’s immediate focus.

The new Elite AT43 will sleep six (offering three different accommodation layouts) and the design maximises living and entertaining space. Her contemporary interior incorporates a stylish galley with a solid surface bench top, modern tapware and appliances.

High quality, hard-wearing flooring is complemented by premium carpets and underlay. Her bathroom’s equipped with a porcelain bowl and thoughtfully-positioned LED lighting is used throughout. The entertainment system in the saloon includes a flatscreen TV and sound system.

With a generous cockpit for fishing or scuba set-ups and a relaxed outdoor dining area, the Elite AT43 will appeal to the family-orientated angler as well as to luxury-oriented cruisers.

Tongs and team have also just launched Tasman Jewel, one of Upfold’s 13m custom Elite Sport Sedans, for a Nelson-based owner. She’s powered by a single 600hp Cummins QSC engine and is currently undergoing sea-trials. Her owners intend to explore the North Island’s east coast on their journey home next month.