With Donald Trump’s ongoing tariff shenanigans, that’s not a bad metaphor for the world economy! Uncertainty reigns, and Trump’s next moves are impossible to predict.
Let’s hope the New Zealand government keeps a steady hand on the tiller and its eyes fixed firmly on the horizon through these uncertain times.
But there’s no point dwelling on what might or might not be. It’s been a good summer for boating and judging by the level of enquiry at the recent Auckland Boat Show, we are feeling better about spending money on boats and accessories than we were last year. That’s good news for the marine industry.
And there’s plenty of quality product out there to spend it on. In this issue we feature a New Zealand designed and built sailing cat, Stephen Bull’s Matera 40, a modern, fast yacht perfectly suited to cruising sailors.
We also spotlight two homegrown luxury motor launches, both designs from New Zealand’s Elite Marine – one by Marra Marine, their first Elite, and the second, an AT43 from Allan Tongs Boatbuilders, one of the stars of the Auckland Boat Show.
The AT43 is a real New Zealand success story, a collaboration between Bill Upfold of Elite Marine and Allan Tongs Boatbuilders, who between them have created a 43-foot moulded GRP, semi-custom motor launch suitable for serial production. The vessel featured is already boat number 10.
There’s plenty going on with Kiwi-built trailer boats, too, with new models, various updates and the introduction of new technology (see our Haines Hunter story this issue). Amphibious vessels are another strong trend and so are refits/re-powers.
And right now there are some amazing deals on offer, no matter what sort of boat you are after, whether new or second-hand.
Worth checking out, because one thing’s for certain: there’s no better way to spend your time than mucking around in boats.
