A new take on the DIY dream
There’s something deeply satisfying about building a boat with your own hands. For many, it’s a romantic idea—less often a reality. But Form & Float, a small New Zealand company founded by lifelong boatie and builder Simon Justice, is changing that.
Take a look at last month’s article by Lawrence Schäffler: Kitset boats rekindling a culture
Launched in late 2024, Form & Float offers a range of flat-pack kitset boats designed for Kiwis who want to build their own craft—without needing a workshop full of tools, years of experience, or a second mortgage. Simon’s mission is simple: “I want people to experience the joy of building something real, something that gets you out on the water, and lasts.”
We caught up with Simon at the 2025 Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show, where Form a & Float was drawing a steady crowd of curious DIYers, boating families, and passersby surprised to learn that the sleek little catamaran on display wasn’t fibreglass—it was plywood.
The range: from kayak to cat
Form & Float currently offers three models: a lightweight kayak, a traditional dinghy, and a 3.1-metre catamaran (also available in a larger 3.6m version). Each design is offered as a complete kitset, constructed primarily from quality marine plywood, with pre-cut panels and clear instructions.
“The kayak is a skin-on-frame build, which people love for its classic look,” says Simon. “But the catamaran tends to steal the show. It looks like glass but it’s ply and paint. People don’t believe it until they open a hatch and see the structure inside.”
Despite being lightweight and easy to build, the boats are remarkably capable. The 3.1m cat is designed for three people, performs well with a 9hp outboard, and is a surprisingly stable platform for fishing or diving. “One of our customers is running it fully electric, charging from his mothership’s systems,” says Simon. “It’s a versatile little boat. It’s not just a tender—it’s a boat in its own right.”
The dinghy is the most traditional of the three designs. At just 24kg bare, it’s easy to launch solo, and with a small 2.5 to 3hp engine it scoots along nicely. It’s become a popular choice as a low-cost tender or a minimalist fishing skiff for solo missions in sheltered waters.
Building it yourself: not as hard as you think
Each Form & Float kit is designed to be assembled by anyone with basic DIY skills. The catamaran build takes roughly 35–40 hours, and Simon says most people could have it ready for launch within a week if they’re motivated. While the base build is straightforward, customers can personalise the finishing to suit their tastes—many opt for KiwiGrip or EVA-style deck matting, different paint jobs, or custom hardware.
“You can spend extra time on sanding and finishing if you want it pristine,” he explains, “but it’s really about getting the structure sound, and then making it your own.”
Everything arrives flat-packed with full instructions and support. Builders are expected to seal and finish the boat as part of the process, giving them not only a solid understanding of the build but also the confidence to maintain and repair it down the line.
A background in boatbuilding—and a passion for wood
Simon’s love for boats began early. Before founding Form & Float, he’d already built several boats of his own, including a full-sized motor launch featured in Boating New Zealand back in February 2024. His background includes hands-on experience with bridge-deckers and wooden classics, but the idea for a kitset company emerged when he started exploring how to make boating more accessible—and more personal.
“I’ve always loved timber,” says Simon. “And I think there’s something very special about taking raw materials and creating something that floats. That works. That you can use with your family.”
That sense of purpose is built into every Form & Float model. They’re designed not only to look good and perform well, but to create stories—both in the build process and on the water.
More than a boat—it’s a project you’ll remember
Form & Float is carving out a niche among boaties looking for a more tactile connection to their craft. Whether it’s parents building a dinghy with their kids, retirees finally tackling that long-held dream of building a boat, or young adventurers looking for a cost-effective way to get afloat, the appeal is broad.
“I haven’t sold many as tenders, funnily enough,” Simon says with a grin. “Most people are buying them to fish, dive, or just explore. And that’s exactly what I hoped for—boats that do more than just get from A to B.”
At the end of the day, it’s about empowerment. In a world of high-tech composites and increasingly expensive vessels, Form & Float offers a throwback to the roots of boating—accessible, hands-on, and deeply rewarding.
Want to know more?
Visit their website to browse the current range, explore build photos, and start your own DIY boatbuilding journey. Kits are available for nationwide delivery, and Simon is happy to answer build questions directly.
