Alloy boats specialist Fishing Boats NZ has opened a new showroom and ultra-modern workshop facilities at a new site in Hobsonville, one of the fastest-growing suburbs in Auckland. Fishing Boats NZ previously operated out of much smaller premises in Sunnybrae Road, Glenfield.
“After 10 years the business had simply outgrown our Glenfield premises. In fact, we outgrew them at least four years ago,” Fishing Boats NZ co-owner Andrew Carlson told Boating New Zealand. “We wanted somewhere with more space, easier boat access, and the potential to better showcase our products.”
Jointly-owned by Andrew Carlson and Rhys Sutton, Fishing Boats NZ bought a 5000m² site at 2 Inanga Street, Hobsonville in 2019, close to the motorway, rim road and Waterview tunnel. Within easy reach of the fast-growing suburbs of Whangaparaoa Peninsula, Silverdale and Orewa, “we’re still only 10 minutes’ drive from our old premises, so still close enough to our North Shore customers,” says Andrew.
Covid initially delayed development of the North Harbour site, but construction began in September 2022 and the stunning new facility opened its doors on July 24 this year.
With excellent customer parking, seven-metre-wide gates, and a massive paved outdoor yard, the new complex is purpose-built for easy access and stress-free drop-offs. It’s a huge step up in terms of size, customer appeal and ease of access from the old premises. The nearest boat ramp is only one kilometre away.
Incorporating a 1000m² showroom, a 700m² workshop and a 300m² trailer workshop, the complex can accommodate up to 40 boats undercover in its bright, new showroom. The bespoke, clean, modern workshop is home to Fishing Boat NZ’s team of eight skilled marine mechanics, plus an apprentice, as well as the trailer shop, where Fishing Boats NZ builds high quality aluminium boat trailers. There is also a full-time upholsterer – a new addition to the business.
“It’s the first time we have been able to house all the various parts of the business under one roof,” says Carlson. Fishing Boats New Zealand’s new facility has 24 trained staff.
The workshop currently looks after the servicing and repair needs of four Coastguard organisations, the Department of Conservation, the Ministry of Primary Industries, Police, and a raft of high-profile boating and fishing influencers, among others.
Equipped with MiG and Tig welding equipment, and a CNC cutting machine, the workshop can also undertake fabrication and modification work alongside its usual mechanical repairs and servicing.
The company is New Zealand’s largest Surtees Boats dealer, stocking every model in the showroom. It is also the largest Yamaha dealer in New Zealand and recently became a dealer for WaveRunner jet-skis.
Around 18 months ago Sutton and Carlson took on the Senator Boats dealership with the aim of becoming Senator Boats’ largest dealer within three years, a goal they are already well on track to meet, says Sutton.
Fishing Boats NZ
2 Inanga Street, Hobsonville, Auckland
www.fishingboats.co.nz
www.facebook.com/fishingboatsnz/
