Boating New Zealand Boat Reviews
Reviews
Boating New Zealand News
News
Boating New Zealand Sports
Sport
Boating New Zealand Lifestyle
Lifestyle
advertise
Boating New Zealand Boat Reviews
Reviews
Boating New Zealand News
News
Boating New Zealand Sports
Sport
Boating New Zealand Lifestyle
Lifestyle
BOAT-REVIEWS-MOBILE
Boat Reviews
BOAT-NEWS-MOBILE
News
BOAT-SPORTS-MOBILE
Sports
BOAT-LIFESTYLE-MOBILE
Lifestyle
Home2025April 2025The winner of the NZ Retro Boat 2025: Tugboat

The winner of the NZ Retro Boat 2025: Tugboat

Published

The winner of Boating New Zealand magazine’s inaugural NZ Retro Boat Trophy went to Tugboat, a Savage Electra Glass ski-boat designed in Australia but manufactured in Christchurch in the 1970s.

Bookmark post
Bookmarked
Bookmark post
Bookmarked

The award was presented at this year’s Antique & Classic Boat Show, the 25th edition of this popular event held every year at Lake Rotoiti in Nelson Lakes National Park.

Belonging to Duncan Eliot of Havelock North, this example really caught the eye of the judge, Boating NZ’s Tim Porter, who loved the vessel’s original condition and vibrant colours.

Tim pointed out that doing up a retro boat gives people an affordable way to get out on the water: “Fibreglass never dies, the retro colours are popular and people just like being reminded of the 60s and 70s.” 

- Advertisement, article continues below -
Mustang 4200 image
2006 | Mustang 4200
36 Degrees Logo
Discover a wide range of yachts and boats for sale with 36 Degrees Brokers. Expert guidance in NZ and the South Pacific to find your perfect vessel, price $435,000
Enquire Now

The photos on this page, courtesy of  American photographer Steven Lapkin, show why Tugboat was such a deserving winner.

SHARE:

Article
Article

Floating shed causes a stir in Whangamata harbour

Boat Brief
Locals in Whangamata woke to an unusual sight this morning – a corrugated iron shed adrift in the ha...
Article
Article

Alternative sailing rigs: Mastfoil ketch | Inflatable wing sail | Kites

August 2025
The majority of cruising sailboats are monohulls. This represents the conventional ‘wisdom’ of the y...
Article
Article

Understanding and managing power consumption

August 2025
Let’s begin by looking at some principles of electrical systems.

Comments

This conversation is moderated by Boating New Zealand. Subscribe to view comments and join the conversation. Choose your plan →

This conversation is moderated by Boating New Zealand.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

The Classic Yacht Association NZ

The Classic Yacht Association is run by a committee of volunteers that are passionate about the use and preservation of New Zealand’s maritime heritage. The committee strives to maintain the natur...

Treadway

Treadway Ltd is a 100% family owned and operated business based in Whangarei, New Zealand. Established in 1976 Treadway Ltd is an importer, distributor and manufacturer of trailer components, wheels,...

LATEST NEWS

1974 Townson 36 Custom

With a beam of 3.28m, a draft of 1.9m, and a displacement of 6,240kg, Jenanne II is a proven performer under sail, equally capable as a comfortable Gulf cruiser or a serious contender in classic yacht regattas.

1975 Alan Mummery Ketch

The 1975 Alan Mummery Ketch is a classic, craftsman-built 12.2m (40-foot) timber cruising yacht with a robust three-skin kauri hull and centre cockpit layout.