Article updated 6 June 2025.
The 2025 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS) wasn’t just another date on the calendar — it was a clear and confident statement to the global marine industry. Held over four sunny days from 22–25 May on Queensland’s Gold Coast, SCIBS delivered its biggest and most impactful show yet. With a record 45,865 visitors and more than 824 boats on display — 422 on the water and 402 on land — it cemented its status as the southern hemisphere’s leading marine event. And this year, the Kiwis were out in force.
“The weather was perfect, the crowds were enthusiastic, and it was a great opportunity to connect with the Australian market,” said Ross Christensen of Fin Chaser, one of many standout New Zealand exhibitors who made the trip across the ditch.
This year’s edition brought fresh energy and a clear commercial momentum. With close to a 10% increase in exhibitor numbers compared to 2024, SCIBS continues to set the benchmark for boat shows in this part of the world. The range and scale on offer were impressive — from massive superyachts and innovative electric propulsion systems to amphibious vessels, luxury sportfishers, and custom tenders.
Among the Kiwi brands on display was ZeroJet, the New Zealand electric jet propulsion company that’s been turning heads with its clean-tech approach to small craft design.
“With more than 45,000 visitors and 824 boats on display both on water and on land, SCIBS has cemented its reputation as the largest and most important boat show in the southern hemisphere,” said Chris Baird of ZeroJet. “In contrast, Auckland’s most recent boat show featured 222 boats overall — a reminder of the scale and exposure Sanctuary Cove offers to exhibitors.”
For Kiwi builders and innovators, the event was about more than just attendance — it was about visibility, influence, and making a mark. Players in the New Zealand marine industry showed up with serious intent, and it paid off. From performance-oriented catamarans and amphibious centre consoles to beautifully finished sedans and high-spec tenders, New Zealand brands brought their A-game.
OC Tenders, Russell Carlyon, noted the strength of the Australian market compared to New Zealand. Buyers were more numerous, wealthier, and more ready to commit. He described them as “active and cashed-up,” which helped drive the sales pace and reinforced the value of investing in the Australian scene.
While entertainment and crowd-pleasing displays added to the overall experience of the Show, the business focus remained strong. SCIBS continues to be a serious platform for networking, sales, and international exposure — particularly for companies looking to expand into the competitive Australian market or make global connections.
The message was loud and clear: New Zealand’s boatbuilders are more than capable of holding their own alongside the best in the world. With a blend of craftsmanship, innovation, and design flair, Kiwi companies not only turned heads — they helped shape the tone of the entire event.
K2 Marine, another New Zealand boat brand, told us that they were also impressed by the scale and calibre of the Australian market. The level of investment and the sheer range of boats on display reflected a vibrant and well-resourced industry — one with real opportunities for New Zealand manufacturers.
Based on their experience, K2 Marine strongly encourages other New Zealand boat builders and marine industry players to consider exhibiting at the next Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show. The brand believes the Australian market holds significant potential and that Kiwi workmanship and innovation are not only competitive but deeply respected on the international stage.
OC Tenders, Russell Carlyon, further encourages other players in the New Zealand marine industry, inducating that despite the size of the opportunity, the cost of exhibiting was remarkably low. OC Tenders exhibition stand (only) spend AUS $12,000 (and their’s was a good size and in a premium location). Compared to the outlay required for similar exposure at other shows, it was a cost-effective investment with very high impact.
Kiwi craftsmanship on show
And indeed, New Zealand boatbuilders made a strong and highly visible impact, showcasing the strength of Kiwi marine design, innovation, and craftsmanship across multiple brands.
Voodoo Yachts make a high-speed statement at Sanctuary Cove
Voodoo Yachts turned heads at the recent show with its standout vessel—the 75-foot performance catamaran XF75. The multihull had already made headlines before it arrived, having blazed across the Tasman Sea from New Zealand to the Gold Coast in just 36 hours. Cruising comfortably at over 35 knots and hitting an astonishing top speed of 50.9 knots, the XF75 showcased not only exceptional performance but also the engineering expertise behind the Voodoo Yachts name.
From the opening day to the final hour, the Voodoo Yachts stand remained a hive of activity. The company reported a highly successful show, drawing in a substantial number of serious clients and industry professionals. Many visitors said they had travelled from across Australia specifically to see the Voodoo boats in person—clear evidence to the brand’s growing reputation and the buzz surrounding the XF75.
Feedback at the event was overwhelmingly positive. Attendees were universally impressed by the boat’s bold styling, its expansive interior volume, the high level of craftsmanship, and its fuel efficiency—all wrapped up in a package capable of remarkable offshore performance. (If you’ve visited a Voodoo Yacht you will understand the compliments.) The XF75 didn’t just draw admiration for its technical merits; the lifestyle it offers was equally compelling. With long-range cruising ability and bluewater pedigree, the vessel was viewed as a true adventure platform.
Of particular note—and something that added a dramatic flourish to the presentation—was the H130 helicopter perched on the roof of the XF75. The visual impact of the helicopter-and-catamaran combination sparked widespread attention, fuelling comparisons to a James Bond setup. The pairing wasn’t just about aesthetics, either—it underscored the serious capabilities and luxurious appeal of the Voodoo Yachts brand.
Commentary from the public and industry figures alike suggested the XF75 was, by a considerable margin, the standout vessel at the show. The phrase “best boat in the show” came up repeatedly, unprompted. It wasn’t just the performance figures or the sleek design that impressed—it was the overall package: a high-performance multihull with long legs, elegant lines, and the capacity to travel in luxury and style.
Fin Chaser makes waves at Sanctuary Cove
Ross Christensen of Fin Chaser Boats, a leading New Zealand manufacturer of premium aluminium amphibious fishing vessels, showcased the brand’s latest innovation at the prestigious SCIBS.
Partnering with Stephen Barclay of Amphibious (Australia), Ross proudly exhibited the Fin Chaser 600 Centre Console, a 6-metre amphibious craft that drew significant attention from boating enthusiasts, families, and serious anglers alike. The sleek centre console vessel was met with strong interest—so much so that it sold by the second day of the event.
“The response from the public was fantastic,” Ross said. “The weather was perfect, the crowds were enthusiastic, and it was a great opportunity to connect with the Australian market.”
The Fin Chaser range, which includes hard tops, centre consoles, and cuddy cabins, proved to be a major drawcard at the show. Visitors were particularly impressed by the versatility and innovation behind the amphibious technology—an ideal solution for Australia’s diverse coastal and inland waterways.
With recent sales expanding across Perth, Tasmania, and now Queensland, Christensen believes Fin Chaser’s amphibious lineup is poised to make a significant impact in the Australian boating scene.
“The interest we’re seeing confirms what we’ve believed for a while now—there’s a growing demand for high-performance, amphibious fishing boats that offer both practicality and adventure,” Ross Christensen added.
Fin Chaser Boats continues to set the benchmark in rugged, go-anywhere design, and their momentum at Sanctuary Cove is a clear indicator of exciting things ahead.
K2 Marine makes a strong impression at Sanctuary Cove
For K2 Marine, exhibiting at the 2025 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show marked not only a personal milestone but also a significant success for the brand. After months of preparation, the team was proud to showcase the Wright 52 Sedan — and the reception from the Australian public exceeded expectations.
Despite being positioned at the end of D Arm, flanked by a 20-metre police vessel and a 25-metre luxury powerboat, the Wright 52 Sedan attracted consistent foot traffic throughout the duration of the show. Visitors regularly praised the design and craftsmanship, with standout comments including: “I absolutely love the openness of this cockpit,” “The finish is incredible,” and “This is exactly the type of boat we need in Australia.”
It was clear that New Zealand-designed and built boats are held in high regard across the Tasman. While there was the expected friendly banter between Australians and Kiwis, the admiration for the Wright 52 and its value proposition was genuine and enthusiastic.
OC Tenders: Big wins from a small boat
Initially, OC Tenders wasn’t able to secure a formal exhibition space — there simply wasn’t room. But rather than accept defeat, he found a workaround — a partnership with another company — not a unique situation for any exhibitor. A few months later the situation changed (the often-found vagaries of exhibiting at boat shows) and Carlyon was able to step in and take over the full 20-metre stand in a premium position.
From that unplanned-but-prime location, Carlyon sold 23 tenders on site — each averaging NZD $22,000. That’s over NZD $450,000 in confirmed sales during the show. And that’s just the beginning. Based on follow-up interest, Russell expects to double that figure in post-show orders, bringing potential total sales to over NZD $900,000 — all directly linked to SCIBS.
The momentum didn’t stop when the show closed. The day after returning to New Zealand, Carlyon sold another tender directly from existing stock. It was a first for the business — made possible by a new strategy to hold stock locally and be ready for immediate sales.
Many customers came in already familiar with the brand, having seen the OC Tender boats featured on popular YouTube sailing and adventure channels like La Vagabonde, and Gone with the Wynns. That organic brand recognition translated into real interest and conversions at the stand.
Collaborating with ZeroJet also paid dividends. ZeroJet’s electric propulsion system was fitted in several of Carlyon’s tenders, drawing in crowds and adding technological credibility to the product offering. It was a win-win for visibility and alignment with sustainable innovation.
Even though the stand was pulled together last minute, the Sanctuary Cove organisers took notice. They praised the quality and presentation of Carlyon’s display, and extended an invitation to return in 2026 — this time with a more formal arrangement.
Rayglass makes waves at SCIBS with strong Australian interest and new dealer appointment
Rayglass Boats has described their first time exhibiting at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS) as an outstanding success, marking a strong step forward in their expansion into the Australian market.
“There was really strong interest in our boats and it was great to hear firsthand how well our new designs resonated with Australian boaties,” says Taryn Taylor, Marketing Manager at Rayglass Boats.
The company received positive feedback on their latest models—the 2700 and 3000—highlighting the growing demand in Australia for high-quality, multi-purpose, premium New Zealand-made fibreglass boats.
In line with this interest, Rayglass has appointed Queensland Marine Centre as its official Australian dealer. This partnership will ensure Australian customers have direct access to Rayglass models and full after-sales support, strengthening the brand’s presence and service offering across the Tasman.
Rayglass Boats praised SCIBS as a world-class event and says they’re already looking forward to returning in 2026.
Smuggler Marine showcases amphibious innovation at Sanctuary Cove
Smuggler Marine, a well-known leading New Zealand amphibious boat manufacturer, made a notable impression at the 2025 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show with the debut of its Strata 800 Centre Console Amphibious. Smuggler’s presence highlighted the strength and innovation of Kiwi marine manufacturing. The 800 CC was presented in partnership with new Australian dealer Steven Barclay of Amphibious AU, marking an important step into the Australian market.
Over the four-day event, the Strata 800 CC attracted strong interest from showgoers who were impressed by the boat’s rugged build quality, smart design, and distinctive style. As an amphibious model, it stood out for its go-anywhere capability and versatility — ideal for Australian conditions where beach launches and remote access are often part of the boating lifestyle.
Smuggler’s success at SCIBS reflects growing trans-Tasman interest in high-quality, innovative New Zealand boats. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, reinforcing the brand’s position as a serious player in the amphibious space and setting the stage for expanded reach into Australia through its new local dealership.
Stryda Marine showcases amphibious capability
Stryda Marine brought its flagship Stryda 900C to the 2025 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, proudly displaying the premium amphibious model at the Amphibious AU stand. Built entirely in New Zealand, the Stryda 900C is a striking example of Kiwi craftsmanship paired with forward-thinking design. Visitors to the stand were able to speak with the Amphibious AU team, Steven and Chris, to learn about the build process, ordering, delivery, and after-sales support for the amphibious range.
Designed for versatility and performance, the Stryda 900C features a deep-V hull and a Carolina flare bow that delivers both on-water capability and comfort. Whether destined for fishing, diving, or relaxed family outings, the vessel’s customisable layout and land-to-water transition system drew strong interest from Australian buyers.
White Pointer makes a splash at SCIBS with a custom 800 build
White Pointer Boats took a spontaneous leap into the 2025 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show after a last-minute cancellation opened up space—an opportunity they seized with enthusiasm. Despite a tucked-away stand location, the experience turned out to be hugely rewarding, “offering exposure to a level of on-water showcasing that felt like New Zealand’s own “On the Water” boat show, but on a much grander scale.”
The atmosphere at SCIBS was electric, with the on-water section particularly impressive. Surrounded by vessels rarely seen on New Zealand shores, White Pointer was inspired by the diversity and energy of the event. The laid-back yet professionally run vibe made the entire experience enjoyable and memorable.
At the show, White Pointer presented a specially built 800 model, inspired by two recent Queensland-spec builds. The boat stood out among the many alloy options on display, thanks to its refined styling and meticulous attention to comfort, finish, and detail. While the stand may have been out of the way, the boat itself drew meaningful attention and plenty of positive feedback.
The team is now seriously considering returning for future shows, depending on circumstances, and sees real value in continuing to engage with the Australian market.
ZeroJet
For ZeroJet, SCIBS delivered not only promising leads and commercial traction, but also reaffirmed the company’s belief in the growing global appetite for sustainable marine solutions. ZeroJet’s Chris Baird highlighted:
“The Sanctuary Cove boat show was one of the best for a number of years – especially noting that it is a tough market, as we all know. Yes, the weather was perfect, which always helps with this show, but there were definitely sales across the board – from boats to equipment – and some quite strong.”
The turnout of Kiwi industry professionals, both exhibiting and visiting, was another key highlight. ZeroJet team members noted they were constantly meeting fellow New Zealanders throughout the four-day event, which speaks to the growing commitment of New Zealand builders and suppliers to expand their presence on the international stage.
“There were so many Kiwis I spoke to personally and it blew me away. Yes, we were there representing a Kiwi company, but I was on a number of our YESSSS clients’ stands as well, and that was still applicable.”
The timing of the show coincided with a slight drop in interest rates, contributing to renewed confidence in both consumer and trade circles. But beyond the economic uplift, it was the sheer scale and reach of SCIBS that highlighted its value for export-minded New Zealand marine companies.
“My opinion is that New Zealand marine businesses that have any exporting ambitions would be crazy to miss this show,” — Chris Baird added.
With a surge of interest in electric propulsion and lightweight craft, ZeroJet’s appearance at SCIBS was a strong statement of intent, as the company looks to grow its footprint in the Australian and broader global markets. Their compact, high-performance electric jet systems – designed for small boats and RIBs – align perfectly with growing sustainability trends and tightening emissions expectations across the marine sector.
SCIBS continues to offer New Zealand builders a chance to measure up against the best in the business and be part of a much larger conversation around innovation, design, and environmental impact. For ZeroJet and other Kiwi exhibitors, the message was clear: this is a show not to miss.
A broader trans-tasman ecosystem
The Kiwi presence wasn’t limited to New Zealand brands. Australian companies with strong New Zealand ties also featured prominently. Riviera pulled out all the stops with 12 yachts on show, two global premieres, and more than 2,000 owners turning up for its Festival of Boating. Maritimo launched refreshed models, including the M50 Flybridge and S50 Sedan. Palm Beach Motor Yachts and Grand Banks both reported “best-ever” numbers — including contracts signed for high-value boats. Clearly, buyers are out in force and ready to invest — especially when quality and heritage are part of the package.
Tech, toys, and trends
It wasn’t all boats either. SCIBS continues to evolve as a platform for showcasing next-gen marine tech, electronics, and luxury water toys. For Kiwi builders, this presents further opportunities to integrate innovation — electric propulsion, smart systems, hybrid drivetrains — into future models. As boating moves into a new era of sustainability, efficiency, and digital experience, the foundations laid by New Zealand’s marine industry position it to compete not just today, but tomorrow.
Final Word: NZ has earned its place
For boatbuilders and marine businesses across New Zealand, SCIBS delivered a simple but powerful message: when you show up with the right product and a clear purpose, the world takes notice.
The 37th Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show will return 21–24 May 2026. If this year is anything to go by, the bar’s been raised again — and Kiwi boat builders will be eager to build on the momentum.
