The right boat and engine pairing can make all the difference, whether for commercial operations, recreational adventures, or specialised marine applications. Smuggler Boats, renowned for their innovative design and build quality, recently delivered two custom vessels, each powered by Yamaha outboards, to two very different operators. While their needs were distinct, one common factor remained—the winning performance of Smuggler and reliability, unmatched reliability of Yamaha.
The Smuggler difference
Smuggler Boats has carved out a reputation for excellence in New Zealand’s marine industry, designing and building vessels that combine superior hull design with advanced materials and modern technology. Their boats are known for their smooth ride, efficiency, and durability—qualities that are further enhanced by Yamaha’s reliable and powerful outboards.
These latest projects highlight how Smuggler’s expertise in customisation, paired with Yamaha’s world-class engineering, delivers tailored solutions for a range of maritime applications.
Vessel 1: Waka Kai – A lifeline for remote communities
The first custom Smuggler vessel, the Waka Kai, is more than just a boat—it’s a logistical solution and a lifeline for the communities it serves. Built on the Smuggler Strata 1100 Amphibious platform, this vessel blends high-performance marine capability with an advanced amphibious system, allowing it to transition seamlessly from water to land. Designed to ferry groceries and essential supplies to isolated coastal communities, Waka Kai ensures reliable service regardless of weather or tide.
Read our article on Waka Kai here at https://boatingnz.co.nz/2025/03/waka-kai-delivers/.
Equipped with a Yamaha 450hp V8 outboard, Waka Kai delivers dependable power and efficiency. The 5.6L V8 engine provides impressive torque, steady power delivery, and precise throttle control through Yamaha’s Digital Electronic Control (DEC) system. It also features corrosion-resistant materials and an integrated exhaust system to withstand harsh saltwater environments. The addition of Yamaha’s Helm Master EX system enhances manoeuvrability, making docking and beach landings effortless.
Key features of Waka Kai include:
- Amphibious capability with Anura’s S45 all-wheel drive system, allowing seamless transitions between land and sea.
- 1,000kg payload capacity, enabling bulk grocery deliveries to remote locations.
- Enhanced stability and smooth ride, even in challenging sea conditions.
- Fuel-efficient and low-maintenance Yamaha outboard, ensuring cost-effective operations.
Kerry, the owner of the New World store that operates Waka Kai, highlights the vessel’s impact:
“The Smuggler Strata 1100 has been transformative for us. It’s not just about delivering groceries, it is about staying connected. Many customers live where access can be difficult, especially in bad weather or peak tourist season. This vessel allows us to provide a reliable, efficient service, ensuring everyone gets what they need when they need it.”
Waka Kai operates year-round, navigating both crowded harbours and open waters, ensuring that communities remain supplied regardless of conditions. By eliminating the need for docks and infrastructure, this amphibious Smuggler provides a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution to a longstanding challenge.
Vessel 2: Hahei Explorer – Redefining coastal tourism
In contrast, the second Smuggler vessel, the Hahei Explorer, was custom-built to transform the coastal tourism experience. Designed to operate in the pristine waters of the Coromandel Peninsula, this vessel provides an exhilarating yet accessible way for visitors to explore the region’s famous landmarks, including Cathedral Cove and the surrounding marine reserve.
Read our article on the Hahei Explorer here at https://boatingnz.co.nz/2025/02/beach-tours-reimagined-how-nz-tour-operators-are-transforming-with-anura-amphibious-systems/
Like Waka Kai, Hahei Explorer is built on a Smuggler amphibious platform, equipped with Anura’s amphibious technology. This allows for seamless transitions between land and water, ensuring that passengers can board and disembark directly from the beach—no more wading through the shallows or waiting for the tide to be just right.
To power its marine operations, Hahei Explorer runs a Yamaha outboard, delivering a perfect blend of performance, efficiency, and reliability. Yamaha’s precision engineering ensures smooth operation, while fuel efficiency helps reduce environmental impact—an essential consideration for an operator working in a protected marine environment.
Key features of Hahei Explorer include:
- Amphibious capability, allowing direct beach landings and departures.
- Fast and efficient tour operations, maximising the number of daily trips.
- Safe and accessible boarding, eliminating the need for docks or ramps.
- Eco-conscious design, minimising disruption to natural coastal landscapes.
Tour operators have noted a significant improvement in efficiency and customer satisfaction since adopting the amphibious Smuggler. The ability to launch and land without waiting on tides has increased the number of tours per day, while the ease of boarding has made trips more accessible to passengers of all ages and abilities.
With stunning coastal scenery as the backdrop, Hahei Explorer provides a seamless, memorable experience for visitors, proving that Smuggler Boats and Yamaha outboards are just as well suited for tourism as they are for commercial and recreational applications.
Smuggler Boats and Yamaha Marine at the Auckland Boat Show
Smuggler Boats continues to lead the way in high-performance RIB and amphibious craft innovation. Visitors to the Auckland Boat Show will have the chance to see the latest Smuggler models up close at Stand 20. With over 40 years of experience crafting world-class vessels, Smuggler is showcasing a diverse lineup of boats that cater to adventurers, commercial operators, and luxury seekers alike.
Among the standout models on display will be:
- The Strata 800 SuperSport Amphibious, a high-performance RIB designed for adventure, with a 27-degree deep-V hull and Anura’s advanced amphibious system.
- The Strata 800 Mid Cabin, offering a perfect blend of performance and comfort, with seamless land-to-sea transitions and a spacious forward lounge.
- The Strata 750 Centre Console, engineered for offshore performance, featuring an open layout ideal for fishing, diving, or social excursions.
- The Strata 700 Amphibious, a versatile amphibious RIB that balances high-speed capability with land-based practicality.
Yamaha Marine will also be at the Auckland Boat Show, located at Marina, M59. As one of the world’s leading outboard brands, Yamaha will be showcasing their latest advancements in marine propulsion technology. Visitors can explore their full range of high-performance outboards, including the 450hp XTO Offshore V8 and the Helm Master EX system, which delivers superior control and manoeuvrability for vessels of all sizes.
Each vessel embodies Smuggler’s commitment to strength, durability, and seamless design. Whether for work or play, Smuggler’s range demonstrates why their boats, paired with Yamaha outboards, continue to set the standard in the marine industry.
A partnership built for success
Smuggler Boats and Yamaha have once again proven that the right combination of boat and outboard can serve a diverse range of needs. Whether for commercial operations requiring endurance and reliability or for luxury performance with premium comfort, these two custom builds highlight why Smuggler and Yamaha remain a preferred pairing.
For those looking for a vessel that delivers both performance and customisation, this partnership offers a solution that’s hard to beat. Whether pushing the limits of offshore work or enjoying a weekend cruise in style, Smuggler Boats with Yamaha outboards provide an unbeatable boating experience.
