Luxury boat builders in Hamilton buoyant amid coronavirus restrictions

Thursday, 30 July 2020

The Admiral built by Te Rapa luxury boat builders Admiral Boats New Zealand.

Buoyancy is being widely noted within the Waikato’s luxury boat building industry as cashed-up Kiwis look to explore their own backyard.

Hamilton’s Andrew Fink, who specialises in building high-end boat trailers upward of $40,000 at his Te Rapa business, said international Covid-19 travel restrictions means more people are splashing out locally on big ticket items.

“The market is very strong, particularly in the higher end product,“ he told Stuff.

“Obviously overseas travel is not currently on the radar, potentially for some time, and people are opting to explore their own backyard which is too often flown over.

Demand for high-end boat trailers is on the rise within the Waikato as more people buy luxury boats.

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Inside the Admiral owned by Tirau's Boyd and Sheryl Houghton.

“Customers are enjoying spending on an asset they can get enjoyment out of year-on-year and still have retained value in.”

Fink is not alone. Fellow luxury Te Rapa boat builder Steve Clement is also attracting cashed-up boat enthusiasts.

Clement recently opened Admiral Boats New Zealand amid a surge in demand for his 10-metre luxury launches.

“Since the lockdown I have had numerous enquiries around getting boats built and pricing,” he said.

Tīrau's Boyd and Sheryl Houghton with their luxury launch.

“I actually had one enquiry who was looking at an import boat but since lockdown has decided to spend his money locally.”

The marine businesses are now amongst dozens of similar Waikato businesses as demand for boats within the region grows.

Despite being inland, both Fink and Clement agreed that Hamilton was the perfect locality to operate from.

“Its close proximity to both coasts, the Hauraki Gulf and ease of access to Lake Taupō and the Rotorua lakes are significant factors in why the marine industry is so buoyant in this region and flourishing,” Fink said

“Our central business location makes manufacturing distribution and sales within reach of many major cities and towns in the North Island which, too, promotes strong business.”

For Tīrau couple Boyd and Sheryl Houghton, not living by the coast or a lake didn’t stop them purchasing a luxury launch from Clement.

Nor does having to store it in a dry stack almost two hours away at Auckland’s Tamaki Marine Park when it’s not being used.

Boyd said after waiting 15 years, it felt like the right time to purchase a luxury boat.

“We both love the Admiral. It has everything we need on board and it only takes us an hour and 50 minutes to drive to Tamaki,” he said.

“We loved the fact that it’s New Zealand made and these guys have done an exceptional job on it.

“The best thing about owning it is of course you can take it out whenever you want and being able to share it with others is so much fun. We love anchoring up at Oneroa, Waiheke, and taking the dingy in to shore for lunch or dinner or just hanging on the beach.”

He said it was a good way to switch off from a busy lifestyle.

“When you’re on the water it’s such a different life and so relaxing. If you are thinking about purchasing a boat and you can then do it.”

Clement said the benefit of having a boat built meant clients get everything they want.

“The client is able to be involved throughout the whole build, having input into design, fit-out, decor options and also any customisable changes,” he said.