The Pātea 830 is more than a trailerable cruiser—it’s a boat built for rugged coastlines and distant horizons.
Born from experience
The Pātea 830 is an 8.3-metre aluminium cruiser designed for New Zealand’s lakes, and sea by Pātea Boats Ltd, a new brand from a South Island family with extensive boating experience. The Wilson family, who also run Heavy Diesel Support Ltd in Dunedin, wanted a boat that could handle West Coast swells, support Fiordland journeys, and offer onboard comfort without compromising strength. They collaborated with Hall Marine Design for the hull and customised the rest themselves.
A life shaped by sea
Sam’s deep connection to the sea began on the Mahia Peninsula in the late seventies, growing up in a fishing family. As a child, he was captivated by the construction of his family’s 36-foot aluminium cray boat. Fishing, diving, and hunting were daily activities, and his mother ran the marine radio.
This environment fostered his love for boating and competitive nature. After high school, Sam trained as a diesel fitter but remained passionate about boats, including modifying a fibreglass outboard to a sterndrive inboard.
The name Pātea, Māori for Doubtful Sound, reflects the family’s connection to a place of peace and restoration, influencing their boat designs.
Design for the deep south
When the family began shaping the Pātea 830, every decision was guided by their lived experience.
“Everything had to earn its place,” says Paula.
The family worked around their heavy diesel business, putting in long nights and weekends on the boat and its custom-built COF-rated trailer. The Pātea 830 is overbuilt by trailer boat standards, with thick hull plates and fully plated deck and interior, designed for rugged use.
manufacture of each Patea boat. // Patea Boats
The Volvo Penta D4-320 inboard diesel provides reliability, torque, and range. The boat sleeps five, has a 500-litre fuel tank for multi-day trips, and includes features like diesel heating, an under-bed toilet, and ample storage.
The bold hull design and refined interior with leather-touch upholstery and practical galley layout emphasise clean, confident function. Final sea trials are planned before the year’s end, and performance expectations are high.
What comes next?
Pātea Boats Ltd was created from a family’s vision to build boats that reflect their lifestyle and travel needs.
“We’ve been eager to produce a boat that brings us many more future adventures, while contributing to the lifestyle and adventures of other families also,” says Kace.
Each family member has a role in the company, aiming to produce strong, capable vessels for serious users. While New Zealand is the initial market, interest is growing beyond the region.
The first Pātea 830 will serve as a demonstrator to showcase what’s possible when built by experienced people.
“This boat is how we’ve always wanted to travel,” says Sam.
The first boat is nearly complete, marking just the beginning for the family and their new brand.
The Pātea 830 specifications
LOA | 8.3M
BEAM | 2.75M
FUEL | 500L
ENGINE | VOLVO-PENTA D4-320HP DIESEL INBOARD
CONSTRUCTION | ALUMINIUM
HULL PLATE | 6MM
TRANSOM PLATE | 8MM
SUPERSTRUCTURE, SOLE & DECKS | 4MM
WEIGHT | 4500KG
For further information contact:
Pātea Boats Ltd
0800 7375 69
www.pateaboats.nz
