A legacy of speed
For Brendon Cornes, boating began with his grandfather. “Fred Cornes was my grandfather. He raced boats back in the day and used to take us to the races,” he recalls. From Foxton to Karapiro, the family would travel, soaking in the atmosphere of New Zealand’s classic powerboat scene.
Though his father never raced, Brendon eventually carried the torch. By 2004 he had bought his first boat, learned his way around outboards with mates, and soon was hooked. Today he campaigns a Formula One tunnel boat, with notable success at Whanganui’s storied King of the River. “I’ve won it three times, including the last two years. The trophy dates back to 1926—it’s the second oldest in the country, so to have my name on it is pretty special.”
From race hulls to retro glass
While racing remains central, Brendon’s love of old fibreglass runs just as deep. His retro pride and joy is a 15-foot Lark fitted with a 135hp Mariner, used not for competition but for fishing, wakeboarding, and relaxed cruising on lakes like Arapuni, Tarawera, and Blue Lake.
“It’s not as immaculate as some others, but it’s all about getting out there,” he says. That philosophy—boats don’t have to be perfect to be enjoyed—resonates strongly in a country where new models can cost $70,000 or more. Many classics still change hands for a fraction of that, often under $20,000, and with repairs possible using Kiwi ingenuity.
“You could buy one for five grand, put another ten into it, and it’ll last for years,” he says. “They built them tough back in the day. Some of those boats are 50 years old and still going.”
Building a retro community
In February 2024 Brendon launched the Retro Boats Facebook group, inspired by the success of retro car and caravan communities. Growth was explosive. “We hit 4,000 members in the first year. Over Christmas and New Year another 2,000 joined,” he says.
The group quickly evolved into more than just online posts. Retro boat days at Tarawera, Taupo, and Blue Lake became highlights, drawing hulls from the 1970s and 80s back onto the water. Members share stories, ask technical questions, and offer hands-on help. “If someone has a problem, people will drive over to get their boat running. It’s a tight, helpful community.”
The camaraderie feels familiar to anyone who has wandered through a classic car meet. “There’s a big crossover between people who do retro cars and retro boats,” Brendon says. Muscle cars once towed muscle boats—Monaros pulling Sidewinders or Panthers with V8 inboards. “To see that combination these days is still awesome.”
Muscle boats, parts, and swap meets
Ask Brendon what counts as the most sought-after retro boat in New Zealand and he hesitates. “It depends what you want—Panthers, Sea Nymph 14’6, and Haines Hunters. They were all solid boats, and each suited to different activities.”
One challenge for retro owners is sourcing parts. “Sometimes people hoard them,” he laughs. “You’ll know someone has a carburettor sitting in a shed, but they won’t sell it. Meanwhile, someone else really needs it.”
To solve that, Brendon is launching swap meets, starting in Rotorua. Owners can bring spare parts and even entire boats for sale, with trials possible on the water. “Too often you buy a boat that runs fine on the hose but not under load. This way buyers can see it working properly.”
It’s an idea borrowed from the caravan scene, adapted for boats, and Brendon reckons it could become a fixture.
Support from sponsors
The gatherings have caught the attention of local businesses, with sponsorship now part of the model. “At first I went to people, but now some come to me,” Brendon explains. A Taupō marine service shop offered free servicing and landed customers before the event even began. Rotorua jet-boat operators donated family passes, and a boatbuilder provided a professional buff-and-polish prize.
“It works both ways—sponsors get exposure, and boat owners get real value,” he says. The modest entry fee for gatherings ensures people turn up, covers prizes, and keeps the momentum rolling.
More than looks
For Brendon, retro boating isn’t about polishing a museum piece. It’s about use, enjoyment, and accessibility. He recalls seeing a scruffy boat at Karapiro pulling a biscuit. “People on shore were laughing at it, but those guys were out there having the time of their lives. That’s what it’s about.”
Whether fishing, wakeboarding, or just cruising with family, the aim is to keep old boats alive and active. And the variety is wide: from small jetboats scooting up rivers to family fibreglass classics still towing skiers, they all belong in the same conversation.
Looking ahead
Brendon has no shortage of ideas. More gatherings are on the horizon, perhaps four or five per year, and he hopes to see a retro class included in established ski races like Bridge to Bridge. Fishing competitions are another possibility.
But at heart, it remains about people as much as boats. “Whether your boat’s immaculate or a bit rough, it doesn’t matter,” he says. “It’s about getting them out there, meeting others, and having fun. Retro boats bring back memories and connect us with each other. That’s what keeps me going.”
