A changing tide for a Kiwi boatbuilding icon
Whakatāne-based Extreme Boats has announced a major change in ownership, marking the start of what it calls a “new era” for one of New Zealand’s most successful aluminium boatbuilders.
The change sees a consortium led by James Horman—a familiar name in the marine industry and also Managing Director of Farnley’s Yamaha, and now Managing Director of Extreme Boats—joining the existing management team as shareholders in the newly formed Extreme Boat Holdings.
In a statement shared on social media, the company said:
“WE’RE EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE A NEW ERA FOR EXTREME BOATS WITH A CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP LED BY A FAMILIAR FACE IN THE MARINE INDUSTRY ALONG WITH THE EXISTING MANAGEMENT TEAM WHO ARE ALSO INVESTED IN THE COMPANY AND READY TO DRIVE EXTREME BOATS TO THE NEXT LEVEL.
A MASSIVE THANK-YOU TO GLENN AND DI SHAW FOR THE INCREDIBLE LEGACY THEY CREATED OVER 25 YEARS AGO.”
From farm shed to world stage
Founded by Glenn and Di Shaw in the early 2000s, Extreme Boats grew from humble beginnings on a rural Whakatāne property into a world-class manufacturer with an enviable record for quality and innovation.
Shaw’s combination of engineering skill and fishing passion helped him recognise aluminium’s advantages over fibreglass; lighter towing weights, greater durability, and far more opportunity for customisation. Those early ideas defined the brand’s design philosophy: constantly refining the balance between performance, practicality, and strength.
Today, Extreme Boats employs about 100 staff and produces roughly 200 boats annually from its Whakatāne factory. The in-house team covers every stage of the build process—design, CNC cutting, fabrication, painting, upholstery, and fit-out—ensuring complete control and consistency across each hull.
Staying true to its aluminium roots
Extreme Boats has long been an advocate for aluminium’s potential. The company uses only marine-grade plate (minimum 5 mm on hulls, with 6 and 8 mm upgrades available) and welds components such as rod holders, cleats, and rails to maximise strength and longevity.
The company notes that aluminium is not only robust and easily customised, but also infinitely recyclable, aligning with the environmental values of the boating community. More than 75 percent of all aluminium ever produced remains in use today—an appealing statistic for builders and boaties alike.
A legacy of performance and passion
Under the Shaws’ leadership, Extreme Boats became New Zealand’s most awarded aluminium boatbuilder, renowned for its Game King and Fisher series. The company’s customer stories are woven into Kiwi boating culture, from family fishing trips to serious offshore adventures.
As one long-time owner, Mark Gemmel, recalled:
“IN THOSE DAYS, EXTREME OPERATED OUT OF A SHED ON THEIR DAIRY FARM. YOU HAD TO DODGE MILK TANKERS TO COLLECT YOUR BOAT—BUT THAT BOAT DID EVERYTHING WE DREAMED OF.”
That down-to-earth heritage remains central to the brand’s identity, even as production has scaled up and global demand has grown.
Continuity rather than disruption
With James Horman at the helm and the core management team investing alongside him, the new ownership model signals continuity rather than disruption. Extreme Boats’ Whakatāne base, workforce, and dealer network remain unchanged, but there’s a clear ambition to expand further into international markets while maintaining the company’s hard-earned reputation for Kiwi craftsmanship.
The team promises “more exciting updates to come,” but one thing is clear: the Extreme Boats spirit—practical innovation, solid engineering, and a love of fishing—will keep steering the company forward.
