Innehållsförteckning för December 2025 från Boating NZ

December edition, and that means summer is upon us, with all the good things it brings. It never ceases to amaze me how a bit of sunshine can change people’s perspectives for the better. With the promise of long, warm days ahead, everyone tends to look upon the world a bit more favourably, even economists! So too for us at Boating NZ magazine, as is reflected by the wideranging content in this issue, which hopefully offers something of interest for everyone. For senior contributing writer John Macfarlane, issue 472 (this issue) marks 25 years of writing for Boating NZ magazine. John’s regular monthly column, Reflections, tells the stories of people who have shaped New Zealand’s boating landscape. Always among the most read each month, his archived articles from years gone…

Freedom Boat Club, the world’s largest boat club and a Brunswick Corporation brand, has been named to Entrepreneur magazine’s 2025 Top Global Franchises list. This annual ranking highlights the top 200 U.S.-based franchise brands expanding globally. Freedom Boat Club earned its place due to its international growth and commitment to making boating more accessible. With over 400 locations, including 50 international ones across Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, the Club leads the shared-access boating industry. Founded in 1989 in Sarasota, Florida, Freedom Boat Club pioneered the boat club model, offering members unlimited access to a fleet of boats. Since joining the Brunswick family in 2019, the brand has accelerated its international expansion, introducing new locations in markets including the U.K., France, Spain, Australia, and New Zealand. “Freedom Boat Club’s recognition…

European Marine NZ, Australasian distributors of Finland’s renowned Sargo Boats, has landed the first Sargo 45 Explorer—flagship of the Sargo range—in New Zealand. Built for serious offshore performance and year-round comfort, Sargo boats are celebrated for their robust construction, refined design, and exceptional seakeeping. The impressive new 45 Explorer exemplifies these qualities and sets a new benchmark for luxury adventure boating. Sea trials for the Sargo 45 Explorer will be available from early December. Phone0800627068. www.europeanmarine.nz…

The Aquariva Special inherits the legacy of the legendary Aquarama, becoming the most storied model in the range with over 300 units produced in 20 years. As a symbol of Riva’s contemporary spirit, it writes a new chapter in history, an honour previously bestowed only on the Aquarama. With a length of 10.07m and a beam of 2.80m, it balances the heritage of the original model with contemporary design. Designed by Mauro Micheli and Sergio Beretta of Officina Italiana Design, in collaboration with Piero Ferrari and the Ferretti Group Engineering Department, the Aquariva Special features a redesigned windscreen, ergonomic stern swim platform, and modernised aesthetic touches. The cockpit is an elegant lounge with a U-shaped sofa, a practical service cabinet, and an option for a Seakeeper NG6 to eliminate roll.…

Club Marina Cove Hong Kong International Boat Show 2025 will be held in Sai Kung from December 4 to 7, 2025. The four-day event, which has the support of the Hong Kong Boating Industry Association, will have on display a wide range of products from leading international boating brands. An added attraction of this year’s show is a special zone of marine equipment exhibitors and service providers. Riding on the success of the previous shows, makers and dealers are expected to turn out in full force with displays of new designs and models. The widely popular show, now in its 26th Edition, has for the past three decades provided a unique platform for dealers and buyers to interact and share the latest designs and developments in boating. www.hongkonginternationalboatshow-cmc.com…

Described as an adventure boat in its home market and also hailed as a commuter vessel, the Finnish-designed, Finnish-Polish-built XO Crossover DFNDR 9 stands out as a compelling blend of rugged practicality and modern design. It won Adventure Boat of the Year, Motor Boats Awards, Dusseldorf Boot 2023. With its military-grade 5083 aluminium hull, carbon-look wrap, and fibreglass topsides and decks, this vessel is completely at home in New Zealand’s often challenging boating environment. LOOKS GOOD, WORKS WELL The XO range features the increasingly familiar plumb bow, deep vee hull, and long waterline length, becoming more common in motorboats from Europe, as well as from other builders around the globe, including New Zealand. XO’s boats share some stylistic DNA and partial ownership with Axopar, a well-known Scandinavian builder of sporty…

On the plus side, my affliction means I’ve used – and still own – hundreds of different lures, and while nearly all of them work, some definitely work better than others. Interestingly, factors such as the time of day, water quality, depth and clarity, tidal current strength, and the type of baitfish present in the area can influence which lure colours, weights, shapes, and actions snapper prefer. Which is why tackle shops have so many options on display. So, to save you some of the money and time I’ve spent over the years, I’ll share my six favourite snapper jigs, in no specific order, based on my experience… 1. SHIMANO LUCANUS SLOW-JIG This is one of the true OGs of the slow-jigging world. When initially introduced with its somewhat alien…

EXCITING NEWS for the Excess 13! This prestigious catamaran has been nominated for the European Yacht of the Year 2026 in the Multihull category, often referred to as the “Oscars of the sailing world.” This nomination is a significant milestone for the Excess brand, celebrating performance, craftsmanship, and innovation. The Excess 13 embodies a “less is more” philosophy, offering a lighter, stronger catamaran that delivers pure sailing sensations and effortless freedom at sea. It features twin helm stations, sleek performance lines, and an eco-friendly layout with multifunctional spaces. Winners will be announced at the Düsseldorf Boat Show 2026. This recognition confirms the Excess 13 as one of the most exciting cruising multihulls on the water today. Explore the Excess range with 36° Brokers, New Zealand’s exclusive dealer for Excess Catamarans.…

ILIAD CATAMARANS ALL NEW ILIAD 60 replaces the popular ILIAD 62. This next-generation design enhances offshore cruising with improved performance, efficiency and refinement, while maintaining exceptional range and comfort. The ILIAD 60 offers remarkable fuel economy and a range exceeding 3,500 nautical miles. The main deck layout can be customised to suit each owner’s lifestyle, featuring a well-equipped galley and expansive saloon. Below deck, elegantly appointed cabins sport private ensuites, while the master suite has a king-sized island bed. For extended passages, the ILIAD 60 provides options for a laundry, workshop, private office, and separate crew quarters. The flybridge, available open or enclosed, accommodates 10 guests in comfort and features an independent galley. Walkways are wide and there’s seamless indoor-outdoor flow. Tender-handling solutions include a hydraulic transom-lift platform or a…

VESSEV HAS INTRODUCED the VS–Drive, a revolutionary podded propulsion system for electric marine performance. This submersible motor, featuring advanced active cooling and custom direct-drive brushless motors, powers the VS–9, a nine-metre battery-electric hydrofoiling catamaran. The VS–Drive, which will also be used in other upcoming models, offers smooth, silent and emissions-free journeys. Vessev co-founder and CTO Max Olson highlighted the motor’s closed-loop cooling system, which maintains temperatures below 50°C, ensuring high-torque output and exceptional performance in tropical climates. By directly connecting the motor to the propeller and eliminating gearboxes, the VS–Drive reduces energy loss and enhances efficiency. It operates quietly with a continuous output of 65 kW (90 horsepower) at 25 knots. Built for durability, the VS–Drive includes long-life bearings and real-time health monitoring sensors. Its modular design allows for easy…

Minn Kota has been around for a long time, and Haines Hunter has fitted a couple of its boats with them over the years, but what the company has done now is turn an electric trolling motor-equipped Haines Hunter into an ex-factory, production option within the range. Haines Hunter has fabricated a fibreglass moulding that gets glued to the front of the boat, so it’s incredibly strong. What Haines tried to do was make it blend into the boat as much as possible so that it wouldn’t stand out. A stainless bracket then goes between the moulding and the trolling motor, which gives Haines Hunter the ability to deal with any future changes to Minn Kota electric motors or fit motors from other brands. “We have other suppliers,” says Haines…

With an army of boats out on the water this summer, it’s a great time to learn how to spot and report marine pests. The first step is knowing what to look for. While more than 200 non-indigenous marine species are present in New Zealand, only around ten are thought to pose a real threat – which means getting familiar with them is a realistic proposition. Learn to identify these by checking the marine pest ID guide at marinepests.nz – and if you see something suspicious outside a known location, take a photo, note the GPS coordinates, and report it at report.mpi.govt.nz or call 0800 80 99 66. Even if you’re unsure, it’s worth reporting. “We’d rather get a thousand false alarms than miss the one that’s right,” says Romany…

Emirates Team New Zealand is honoured to be named the 2025 World Sailing Team of the Year, recognising their success on the water and commitment to teamwork, innovation, and community. This award follows their historic third consecutive America’s Cup victory in 2024, solidifying their position as one of the most successful teams in the event’s history. COO Kevin Shoebridge emphasised the collective effort of the entire organisation, from sailors to support staff, in achieving this recognition. The award celebrates the team’s core values of collaboration, respect, and excellence. Emirates Team New Zealand also acknowledged the other nominees, particularly Dani A Pich from Yes We Sail, for their contributions to the sport. Looking ahead, the team remains dedicated to pushing boundaries and representing New Zealand with pride on the world stage.…

Rayglass Boats has successfully completed the first in house lamination of its 380 Wide Body Protector model at its new manufacturing facility in Takanini, Auckland. This achievement marks a significant advancement in Rayglass’s production capabilities and underscores the company’s commitment to innovation, quality, and growth. Previously, wide-bodied vessels in the Rayglass range were laminated externally. The new state-of-the-art facility allows full control of the manufacturing process, enhancing efficiency, scalability, and quality assurance. Dean Harris, President of Rayglass Boats, stated that bringing the lamination of larger boats in-house is a game-changer, enabling the company to ramp up production and meet increasing global demand. The successful completion of the first 380 Wide Body Protector in house highlights Rayglass’s investment in local craftsmanship and its forward-focused manufacturing strategy. http://www.rayglass.co.nz/…

In a historic moment for sailing, the America’s Cup, the oldest international trophy in sports, has entered a new era of mutual governance. Emirates Team New Zealand and Britain’s Athena Racing have formed the America’s Cup Partnership (ACP) to manage the competition, share economics, and engage fans globally. This is the first time in the event’s 174-year history that competing teams have united under a shared governance and commercial structure. The ACP will be driven by a new governance board, with each team having a seat, and will focus on commercial growth, long-term investment, and innovation. The Partnership has been operational since November 1st, 2025. www.americascup.com…

Our nautical curiosity about Castlepoint was piqued far away, in the Marlborough Sounds; where, as part of a circumnavigation of Te Ika a Maui the North Island, and half of Te Wai Pounamu the South Island, we met some wonderful characters. One loquacious and cheerfully eccentric skipper, hearing that we were heading up the Wairarapa coast next, suggested an emergency haven at Castlepoint; to be precise, through The Gap (where people surf) and into The Basin (very shallow), and behind the suspiciously low parts of The Reef (where waves crash over First Gap and Lovers’ Bow). Err… From his description, we found that all a bit hard to believe. When the time came, we sailed right on past. But Lesley was intrigued enough for us to make the landward trip…

Ngataki might be one of New Zealand’s most famous wooden boats. She’s small, capable and – some say – of questionable aesthetic. And now she has become a poster child for the Auckland Wooden Boat Festival, which is being held for a second time this 13 to 15 March as part of Moana Auckland, New Zealand’s Ocean Festival. Built by a young Johnny Wray in his garden in depressionera Auckland, the boat became the subject of the book The South Sea Vagabonds where Johnny, with a gentle and self-effacing sense of humour, chronicles the story of building Ngataki (which means abode of the elite) with materials – including kauri logs, sails and rigging – that he finds and hauls home from locations throughout the Hauraki Gulf and his voyages across…

FAMILY BOATS’ Pauanui location was established as the company’s second store in a strategic move to broaden its customer reach. The long-established Family Boats company is driven by a passion for boating and aims to help families create lasting memories on the water. Family Boats’ strong relationship with major brands, including Yamaha Marine NZ, has been recognised by the appointment of its Pauanui branch as Yamaha Marine Sales and Service dealer for the southern Coromandel. www.familyboats.co.nz…

NEW ZEALAND COMPANIES featured prominently in Volvo Penta’s Oceania dealers’ award night held in Sydney, Australia, recently. The event was attended by the President of Volvo Penta Sweden, Anna Muller, along with Volvo Penta Oceania staff and special guests. Only four awards were handed out, but members of Volpower’s New Zealand team walked away with two of them – a very proud moment for all involved, says Volpower CEO Wayne Patten. Matakana Marine, pictured below, won the top marine dealer in the whole Oceania region, which is a massive achievement, and for the first time this year, a Kiwi received an award for the top apprentice, marine or industrial, across the whole New Zealand and Australia dealer network. It was won by Izak Wilson (pictured above) from Heavy Diesel Support,…

CTEK 5AMP BATTERY CHARGER BUNDLE $ 239.00 RRP Whether your boat is on the water, in storage, or waiting for the next trip, the CTEK 5AMP Battery Charger Bundle keeps your battery fully charged and ready to go. This convenient all-in-one kit includes the CTEK 5 Amp Charger and Maintainer, Indicator Eyelet M8, Connect Clamp, and Bumper 60 It’s a smart, practical gift for Christmas that delivers safe charging and longer battery life. www.lusty-blundell.co.nz STURDY AND RELIABLE TENOB TUFF $ 399.99 RRP Tenob Marine’s Heavy Duty Water Ski Pole is used for twin skiers, sea biscuits and beginner level wake boards. This 1.2 metre, 2mm thick, 51mm diameter pole is made of polished stainless steel that will last for years. Multiple mounting options are available. www.marine-deals.co.nz www.boatgear.co.nz www.burnsco.co.nz O’BRIEN 8-PERSON…

Originally from South Africa, Peter’s exclusive focus for the past 35 years has been maritime law. He has practised for the past 20 years in New Zealand and has a strong background in the commercial aspects of shipping, with particular strengths in vessel owning structures, ship registrations, vessel sale and purchase contracts, and vessel build agreements. He advises on all aspects of the operation and chartering of commercial vessels. Peter has been involved in challenges to offshore mining and in the defence of maritime, health and safety, and fisheries prosecutions. Peter is is a committed Christian, a keen multi-sporter, and enjoys surf skiing, mountain biking, and off-road running. He is married to Karen and they have four grown children. www.maritimelaw.co.nz I have received the occasional call over the years from…

This summer, that spirit of coastal living takes on a whole new meaning as Hopper Developments unveils a first-of-its-kind opportunity at Whitianga Waterways. Introducing Mariners Quarters — a visionary new marine precinct set to redefine how Kiwis live, invest, and play by the sea. Located within Whitianga Waterways, this landmark project launches New Zealand’s very first freehold marina ownership model, offering something truly unique for the coastal lifestyle market. Unlike traditional leased marina berths, Mariners Quarters combines the freedom of life on the water with the security of land ownership, with each private berth paired with a freehold waterfront lot — ranging from 172m² to 197m² — creating an opportunity to own not just a berth for your vessel, but a slice of the waterfront itself. Owners can even build…

The New Zealand Antique and Classic Boat Show was first held in 1999, and since then, has grown from a modest gathering of 35 mainly home-built vessels to an event that draws up to 150 entrants from across New Zealand and even further afield. Billed as a weekend of ‘Glorious Hydromatic Relaxation’, visitors can admire vintage boats on land in the morning, while setting out their chairs to grab a space on the foreshore ready for the afternoon action on the water, starting with the sail-past of boats that sail, motor and are rowed past the crowd. The Boat Show was founded by Pete Rainey and Glenn Common, who also produce the nationwide Smokefreerockquest music competition. Rainey, inspired by American classic boat events and his own childhood memories of boats…

Stephens Waring Design introduces IMMERST, a new concept in sustainable living that blends architecture, nature, and environmental respect. These innovative homes, designed for various settings like coastal areas, cliffs, and forests, offer unique living experiences in harmony with their surroundings. Drawing on over 30 years of sustainable yacht design, IMMERST homes are built with materials like crosslaminated timber and marine-grade stainless steel, and feature integrated systems for light, heat, water, and drainage. The modular design allows for scalability and customisation, ensuring each home is both contemporary and environmentally friendly. Initial projects are already underway in the United States. stephenswaring.com/immerst…

The 2025-2026 New Zealand Jet Sprint Championship kicks off in early December, featuring six race meetings at four purpose-built tracks across New Zealand. Each boat races around a rugby field-sized track, hitting 130km/h in less than two seconds and negotiating at least 20 corners in under a minute. Racers compete in four established classes and the new junior ‘Nextgen’ class for drivers aged 8 to 16. Key competitors include Sam Newdick and Shama Putaranui in the Southern Jet Superboats, and Ollie Silverton and Amanda Kittow in the Group A class. The Mountain View track near Stratford debuts this season, hosting rounds 4 and 6. The championship also includes meetings at Featherston, Wanaka, and Whanganui, with live streaming available on The Broadcast Co website. 2025-2026 NEW ZEALAND JET SPRINT CHAMPIONSHIP SCHEDULE:…

The Auckland Boat Show, celebrating its 25th anniversary next summer, is the premier event showcasing New Zealand’s marine innovation, heritage, and skill. From 5-8 March 2026, Jellicoe Harbour and the Viaduct Events Centre will host 150 exhibitors and 200 boats. Attendees can explore new boats, the latest marine technology, and a diverse range of vessels, including luxury motor yachts and sailing vessels. The show features sea trials, high-end charters, and over 500 brands, highlighting marine careers, sustainability, and fishing. The event’s focus on marine excellence and innovation has made it incredibly popular since its inception in 1999. The Auckland Boat Show will be held from 5-8 March 2026 at the Viaduct Events Centre, featuring over 1.3km of boats on the water. The event focuses on industry growth, sustainability, and includes…

The Pātea 830 is more than a trailerable cruiser – it’s a boat built for rugged coastlines and distant horizons. BORN FROM EXPERIENCE The Pātea 830 is an 8.3-metre aluminium cruiser designed for New Zealand’s rivers, lakes, and sea by Pātea Boats Ltd, a new brand from a South Island family with extensive boating experience. The Wilson family, who also run Heavy Diesel Support Ltd in Dunedin, wanted a boat that could handle West Coast swells, support Fiordland journeys, and offer onboard comfort without compromising strength. They collaborated with Hall Marine Design for the hull and customised the rest themselves. A LIFE SHAPED BY THE SEA Sam’s deep connection to the sea began on the Mahia Peninsula in the late seventies, growing up in a fishing family. As a child,…

EXTREME BOATS is excited to announce a new era for the company with a change of ownership led by a familiar face in the marine industry, along with members of the current management team who have invested in the new company and are ready to drive Extreme Boats to the next level. Heading the new team is James Horman, owner of Farnleys Yamaha, an Extreme Boats and Yamaha outboards dealership based on Auckland’s North Shore. Horman is now owner and Managing Director of Extreme Boats, joined in the business by three of Extreme Boats’ senior managers, who between them have 41 years of experience in the company. They, in turn, are backed by the skilled teams at Extreme Boats, which bring everything together on site, including designers, fabricators, fit-out technicians,…

AFTER THE HUGE SUCCESS of Fin Chaser’s 6m and 7m models, the company is taking it up a notch. The new 8m Fin Chaser is a fishing and boating powerhouse, measuring roughly 9.7m overall and packed with cutting-edge tech. Featuring the all-new Mercury V10 425hp outboard with 48V charging, solar panels on the roof, transom cages on the duckboard, autopilot, Seakeeper Ride fully automatic trim tabs, and so much more, this innovative boat is built for performance and adventure. Billed as a game-changer for the fishing and boating world, the 8m Fin Chaser Amphibious will be available for sale from March 2026. www.finchaser.co.nz…

The evolution of modern catamaran design has been remarkable, as computer-aided design and manufacturing allow designers to realise more of a vessel in the same length. Builder Lagoon is known for this, its famous VPLP design house building boats from ‘the inside out’with liveability and usability at their core. In recent years, carbon emissions have also become a factor, so efficient sailplans to move the vessels in lighter winds and minimise engine usage has become a trend. French builder Lagoon currently offers several smaller vessels – the 38, the 42 and now the 43, with the mid-range 46 a fairly big upgrade because of its full-sized flybridge. The smaller catamarans all have semi-flybridges, with an elevated single helm alongside a low-profile lounge space below the mainsail boom. There’s more emphasis…

Boaties who want a serious towing rig with a dose of luxury will want to check out the 2025 RAM 1500 Rebel Hurricane. The big news is under the bonnet. The legendary Hemi V8 has been retired, replaced by a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline-six. It’s a bold move – and a smart one. The new engine produces 313kW and 635Nm, comfortably surpassing the old V8 for both power and torque. A high-output Limited version pushes that to a hefty 403kW and 707Nm. The 2025 technology promises to be lighter, stronger, and more economical on petrol. SMOOTH, STRONG, AND SURPRISINGLY REFINED Each of the Hurricane’s two small turbos feeds three cylinders, delivering torque across a broader rev range. The result is effortless pulling power and near-seamless acceleration. We took the Rebel on…

OceanPro boats are manufactured by Pauanui Marine & Engineering, owned by Mike Bush, who designs and builds the boats with a small team. Mike’s background is in mechanical engineering, but some years ago, he embarked on a new path, with the ambition to design and build boats. Mike did the rounds at a boat show trade day when there were still such things, talking to boat builders and designers and putting himself forward as someone who wanted to learn. Steve Schmidt, now world-renowned for his Naiad RIBs, decided to take him on, training him as a designer. Bush eventually spent five years working for the company in the USA, plus a stint in the UK. Schmidt has now retired, Naiad is part of the Australia-based but US-focussed Whiskey Project group,…

THE GOLDEN AGE OF SAIL The Golden Age of Sail (17th to the mid-19th centuries) was an era that saw the full realisation of sailing ship technology unleashed around the globe. Building upon the foundations laid during the earlier Age of Discovery, this period was characterised by the masterful refinement and standardisation of sail design. Nations like Britain, France, Spain, and the Netherlands built vast fleets for trade, colonisation, and naval warfare, with ships becoming faster, more predictable, and more efficient. THE FULL-RIGGED SHIP The primary innovation of this era was the full-rigged ship, which featured a sail plan with three or more masts, all of which were square-rigged. However, instead of a single, massive sail on each mast, engineers divided the canvas into multiple, smaller sails stacked one above…