Boat Reviews & Insights Menu
Discover the latest trends, expert reviews, and performance insights on boats, helping you make informed decisions on the water.
ENTRY-LEVEL BOATS. An entry-level boat opens the door to adventure, offering an accessible way to explore the water, enjoy fishing, and create lasting memories. It’s the perfect start for discovering the joys of boating, combining simplicity with the thrill of the open sea.
Elliott 1150 Tourer
Denim is a classic Kiwi tale. Start with a solitary man and a dream, pile on the challenges, stir in...
Construction:
Composite
CONSTRUCTION:
E-glass/epoxy/foam core (deck) and plywood (hull)
Dibley 7.5m Sportsboat
Despite the lack of gennaker it’s still a fun and fantastic ride down the harbour, and reminds me ho...
Construction:
Vacuum-infused
CONSTRUCTION:
Carbon fibre hull & decks
Beneteau Oceanis 34.1
As you would expect from an experienced design team, the boat is well-balanced and, while the sail a...
Horsepower (HP):
21 (std), 30
Length Over All (M):
10.77
YEAR:
2024
Displacement (M):
5,470
Length Over All (M):
9.50
CONSTRUCTION:
GRP
Sea-Doo Switch
Sea-Doo’s all-new Switch marries the performance of a personal watercraft with the versatility of a ...
Length Over All (M):
6.4
Construction:
Other
Length Over All (M):
3.9
CONSTRUCTION:
Synthetic Polytec hull, tri-hull design
FISHING BOATS. A fishing boat is your gateway to adventure on the water. Built for speed, power, and precision, it takes you to the heart of the action, where the thrill of the catch meets the freedom of the open sea. It’s not just fishing—it’s living the ultimate pursuit.
OceanPro 533 Cuddy Cabin
OceanPro is not really a name that springs to mind when thinking about New Zealand-built aluminium t...
Horsepower (HP):
70-100
Length Over All (M):
5.5
YEAR:
2025
Construction:
Pontoon-style aluminium monohull
Length Over All (M):
5.33
CONSTRUCTION:
Aluminium
XO Crossover DFNDR 9 Expedition
The DFNDR’s adventure-ready spirit is reflected in its layout.
Horsepower (HP):
450
Length Over All (M):
8.8
YEAR:
2025
Displacement (M):
2710kg, plus engines
Construction:
Amuminium hull, GRP decks, superstructure
CONSTRUCTION:
Aluminium/GRP
Stabicraft 2050 Frontier Profish
Where this model really excels is fishability.
Horsepower (HP):
150-200
Length Over All (M):
6.3
YEAR:
2025
Displacement (M):
875kg (dry, no motor)
Construction:
Arrow pontoons, wide-body hull
CONSTRUCTION:
Aluminium
Axopar 29 XC Cross Cabin
The ultimate multi-purpose craft for boaters who demand more from their vessel.
Horsepower (HP):
350
YEAR:
2025
Displacement (M):
3220 (including engine)
Length Over All (M):
9.31
CONSTRUCTION:
GRP
Fi-Glass Viscount
Modern engines are bigger and more efficient. They need bigger platforms to host them. Furthermore, ...
Horsepower (HP):
200-250
Length Over All (M):
6.8
YEAR:
2025
Construction:
Solid GRP, no wood in structure
CONSTRUCTION:
GRP
Morris Metal Products S.J Seahawk
S.J. Seahawk is a development of the 7.6m Eliminator, which Phil and his team built 26 years ago.
Horsepower (HP):
700
YEAR:
2024
Construction:
Aluminium hull, fibreglass decks, carbon fibre superstructure
Length Over All (M):
9.7
CONSTRUCTION:
Aluminium
PERFORMANCE BOATS. Engineered for speed and thrill, these high-performance boats cater to adrenaline seekers, offering exhilarating racing, or skiing, and wakeboarding experiences.
Sargo 33
This is a cleverly designed boat with great space for a 33-footer.
Horsepower (HP):
680
Length Over All (M):
10.99
YEAR:
2025
Displacement (M):
7400
CONSTRUCTION:
GRO
Morris Metal Products S.J Seahawk
S.J. Seahawk is a development of the 7.6m Eliminator, which Phil and his team built 26 years ago.
Horsepower (HP):
700
YEAR:
2024
Construction:
Aluminium hull, fibreglass decks, carbon fibre superstructure
Length Over All (M):
9.7
CONSTRUCTION:
Aluminium
JP Crafts Code 9.8
This is a beautifully finished boat with an attention to detail that we don’t often see.
Horsepower (HP):
600
Length Over All (M):
9.8
YEAR:
2025
Displacement (M):
3100
Construction:
GRP composite hull, Hypalon tubes, aluminium hardtop
CONSTRUCTION:
Composite
SAILING YACHTS. A sailing yacht offers the purest connection to the sea. Its sleek design and dynamic sailing experience promise adventure, freedom, and the thrill of mastering the wind. Owning one is not just about sailing—it's about embracing the spirit of exploration.
Dufour 44: Très Bon
Helming the Dufour 44 during a club race was both exhilarating and surprising, reports our Australia...
Length Over All (M):
13.91
Elliott 1150 Tourer
Denim is a classic Kiwi tale. Start with a solitary man and a dream, pile on the challenges, stir in...
Construction:
Composite
CONSTRUCTION:
E-glass/epoxy/foam core (deck) and plywood (hull)
Matera 40 cruising catamaran
This build philosophy—and its practical result—is best shown in the wide, uninterrupted arch of the ...
Horsepower (HP):
40
Length Over All (M):
13.5
YEAR:
2025
Displacement (M):
4800 loaded
Construction:
Carbon fibre, PVC core, West System resins
Length Over All (M):
12.2
CONSTRUCTION:
Composite
Dibley 7.5m Sportsboat
Despite the lack of gennaker it’s still a fun and fantastic ride down the harbour, and reminds me ho...
Construction:
Vacuum-infused
CONSTRUCTION:
Carbon fibre hull & decks
Beneteau Oceanis 34.1
As you would expect from an experienced design team, the boat is well-balanced and, while the sail a...
Horsepower (HP):
21 (std), 30
Length Over All (M):
10.77
YEAR:
2024
Displacement (M):
5,470
Length Over All (M):
9.50
CONSTRUCTION:
GRP
COASTAL ADVENTURE. Perfect for the longer adventure on the water; the ultimate all-in-one leisure boat! Perfect for vacations, these versatile boats mean you can fish from a spacious deck, snorkel in clear waters, sunbath, or relax in shaded seating areas.
XO Crossover DFNDR 9 Expedition
The DFNDR’s adventure-ready spirit is reflected in its layout.
Horsepower (HP):
450
Length Over All (M):
8.8
YEAR:
2025
Displacement (M):
2710kg, plus engines
Construction:
Amuminium hull, GRP decks, superstructure
CONSTRUCTION:
Aluminium/GRP
Prestige M48
Showing your hand too early in poker, or indeed in any emerging market, is a gamble, so the Beneteau...
Length Over All (M):
14.79
Displacement (M):
17.5
Catalyst 45 Render
Lloyd Stevenson Boatbuilders’ latest iteration of the popular Catalyst high-performance powercat is ...
Horsepower (HP):
1200
Length Over All (M):
14.3
YEAR:
2025
Displacement (M):
7,300 (light)
Construction:
Carbon/E-glass and epoxy laminates, foam cores
CONSTRUCTION:
Composite
Elliott 1150 Tourer
Denim is a classic Kiwi tale. Start with a solitary man and a dream, pile on the challenges, stir in...
Construction:
Composite
CONSTRUCTION:
E-glass/epoxy/foam core (deck) and plywood (hull)
Dibley 7.5m Sportsboat
Despite the lack of gennaker it’s still a fun and fantastic ride down the harbour, and reminds me ho...
Construction:
Vacuum-infused
CONSTRUCTION:
Carbon fibre hull & decks
Axopar 29 XC Cross Cabin
The ultimate multi-purpose craft for boaters who demand more from their vessel.
Horsepower (HP):
350
YEAR:
2025
Displacement (M):
3220 (including engine)
Length Over All (M):
9.31
CONSTRUCTION:
GRP
EMERGING TREND / AMPHIBIOUS BOATS. Amphibious boats blend land and water adventure seamlessly. With the ability to transition between terrains, they offer unmatched versatility and freedom, taking exploration to a whole new level.
Innovision IV7000 Amphibious
In engineering the IV7000 to amphibious duty, Innovision has hardly compromised its utility for fish...
Horsepower (HP):
300
Length Over All (M):
8.5
YEAR:
2024
Construction:
6mm bottom, 4mm sides and decks
Length Over All (M):
7.6
CONSTRUCTION:
Aluminium
Sealegs 12RC
‘Behemoth’ is a word which springs to mind or, perhaps more nautically, ‘leviathan’.
Length Over All (M):
12.3
Construction:
Aluminium
CONSTRUCTION:
Alloy RIB, amphibious
Haines Hunter Overlander OP725
The Anura system is not only pleasingly quiet in operation (no noisy internal combustion engine in t...
Horsepower (HP):
300
Length Over All (M):
7.5
Displacement (M):
2400
Construction:
Fibreglass (GRP)
Length Over All (M):
7.25
CONSTRUCTION:
E-glass with carbon fibre reinforcement
Sealegs 12m RIB Cabin
On land it’s a big machine to pilot – tall, wide, and long, with a very wide turning circle, though ...
Length Over All (M):
11.3
Displacement (M):
7000
Construction:
Aluminium
CONSTRUCTION:
Aluminium hull, Hypalon tubes
Assault Pursuit 8m Amphibious
New Zealanders have led the world in developing amphibious RIBs, and the latest offering from Assaul...
Length Over All (M):
8.6
Displacement (M):
1900
Construction:
Fibreglass (GRP)
Length Over All (M):
8.0
CONSTRUCTION:
GRP composite with Carbon Hypalon tubes
Innovision 616 Explorer
Painted in a striking metallic Brisbane Blue from Superyacht Coatings, this distinctive looking trai...
Length Over All (M):
6.18
Displacement (M):
1950
Construction:
Aluminium
EMERGING TREND / FOILING BOATS. The AC75 boats are currently showcasing the sexiness of foiling technology. Foiling boats offer a smoother, faster ride by lifting out of the water, reducing drag and increasing speed. Their design enhances fuel efficiency, improves handling, and delivers a more thrilling boating experience.
Catalyst 45 Render
Lloyd Stevenson Boatbuilders’ latest iteration of the popular Catalyst high-performance powercat is ...
Horsepower (HP):
1200
Length Over All (M):
14.3
YEAR:
2025
Displacement (M):
7,300 (light)
Construction:
Carbon/E-glass and epoxy laminates, foam cores
CONSTRUCTION:
Composite
Candela C-8 Hardtop
The Candela C-8 is clearly a much more mature and technologically advanced model than its predecesso...
Horsepower (HP):
45/50kW
Length Over All (M):
8.5
YEAR:
2025
Displacement (M):
1850
Construction:
Vacumm-infused carbon fibre
CONSTRUCTION:
Carbon fibre
RMX 444
Optimisation can be for either economy or speed and it’s the same for the foil itself, with designs ...
Horsepower (HP):
1200
Length Over All (M):
13.6
YEAR:
2025
Displacement (M):
11.5
Construction:
Fibreglass, foam, carbon fibre
CONSTRUCTION:
Composite
Lazercat 950
The helm station is well-equipped and simple to operate, thanks to the simplified switching that’s b...
Length Over All (M):
9.5
Displacement (M):
3800
Construction:
Aluminium
CONSTRUCTION:
Assymmetric catamaran with hydrofoil
Profab 1200
The quad-cam 7.6L V12 600hp Verado is stunning!
Length Over All (M):
13.0
Displacement (M):
11700
Construction:
Aluminium
EMERGING TREND / ELECTRIC & HYBRID BOATS. Electric and hybrid boats offer quieter, cleaner, and more efficient boating with reduced emissions and lower operating costs. They combine traditional power with cutting-edge technology for a sustainable and enjoyable on-water experience.
Candela C-8 Hardtop
The Candela C-8 is clearly a much more mature and technologically advanced model than its predecesso...
Horsepower (HP):
45/50kW
Length Over All (M):
8.5
YEAR:
2025
Displacement (M):
1850
Construction:
Vacumm-infused carbon fibre
CONSTRUCTION:
Carbon fibre
HH 50
After a day of sailing the HH50, I can clearly see the attraction, assuming your budget is large eno...
Length Over All (M):
15.79
Displacement (M):
16000
Construction:
Composite
Length Over All (M):
14.89
CONSTRUCTION:
E-Glass or carbon fibre versions
L980 semi-displacement powercat Emocean
Semi-displacement power cats work well when the hulls are narrow and the bridge decks high.
Length Over All (M):
9.80
Construction:
Composite
Length Over All (M):
8.80
CONSTRUCTION:
E-glass epoxy laminate, foam core
E-40 Powercat
The E-40 PowerCat is the latest in a long line of engineering and boating innovations by John McGett...
Length Over All (M):
12
Displacement (M):
3600
Construction:
Composite
CONSTRUCTION:
Core composite foam with carbon fibre inserts
Sasga Menorquín 54
The boat feels like a large boat underway, its 24 tonnes just gliding along, powered by twin Volvo D...
Length Over All (M):
17.15
Displacement (M):
24260
Construction:
Fibreglass (GRP)
Length Over All (M):
14.98
Maritimo S600
Such is the refinement, handling and practical feel of the excellent Maritimo S600, it reminds me of...
Length Over All (M):
18.62
Displacement (M):
32600
Construction:
Fibreglass (GRP)
Length Over All (M):
18.43
Marex 330 Scandinavia
Norwegian boat builder Marex is on to winner with its Lithuanian-built 330 Scandinavia, as evidenced...
Length Over All (M):
10.49
Displacement (M):
5500
Construction:
Fibreglass (GRP)
Length Over All (M):
9.99
Sealegs Electric E4
Sealegs has been making amphibious craft for 17 years, driving a continuous process of development a...
Length Over All (M):
7.3
Displacement (M):
1390
Construction:
Aluminium
CONSTRUCTION:
Alloy RIB, Hypalon tubes
INNOVATION IN HULL DESIGN / WAVE PIERCING HULLS. Wave-piercing hulls are a cutting-edge innovation in hull technology that cut through waves more efficiently. This design reduces drag, enhances stability, and delivers a smoother, more comfortable ride in challenging sea conditions.
Astus 16.5m Tri-maran
Easy to tow, simple to rig, quick to launch – topped by a generous splash of adrenalin-inducing perf...
Length Over All (M):
4.94
Construction:
Fibreglass (GRP)
CONSTRUCTION:
Polyester resin
Senator RH770
Napier aluminium boatbuilder Senator Boats is happy to customise any model in its extensive range to...
Length Over All (M):
7.93
Construction:
Aluminium
CONSTRUCTION:
Aluminium
INNOVATION IN HULL DESIGN / ASSYMETRIC HULLS. Asymmetric hulls represent a breakthrough in hull technology, offering improved performance by reducing drag and enhancing maneuverability. Their unique design allows for better handling and stability, particularly in rough waters.
Lazercat 950
The helm station is well-equipped and simple to operate, thanks to the simplified switching that’s b...
Length Over All (M):
9.5
Displacement (M):
3800
Construction:
Aluminium
CONSTRUCTION:
Assymmetric catamaran with hydrofoil
Dehler 30OD
Boats are designed to maximise their chances within the strictures of certain design rules conventio...
Length Over All (M):
10.3
Displacement (M):
2800
Construction:
Fibreglass (GRP)
Length Over All (M):
8.97
CONSTRUCTION:
Sandwich PVC hull
Stryda 600s
Auckland boatbuilder Stryda Marine has just released a centre-console variation of its popular 6m 60...
Length Over All (M):
6
Displacement (M):
2000
Construction:
Aluminium
CONSTRUCTION:
Alloy hulled catamaran with foil, Orion 4WD system for motoring on land
Beneteau Swift 35 Trawler
When it came to choosing Brendan and Vicki’s first launch, it was Vicki who did the heavy lifting. ...
Length Over All (M):
11.29
Displacement (M):
8252
Construction:
Fibreglass (GRP)
Length Over All (M):
10.81
CONSTRUCTION:
Fibreglass (GRP)
INNOVATION IN HULL DESIGN / DEEP-V HULLS. A deep-V hull features a steeply angled bottom, slicing through waves for smoother rides in rough water and improved offshore performance.
Rayglass Legend 2700
Rayglass Boats’ new Legend 2700 is the spiritual (and, eventually, literal) successor to the Legend ...
Horsepower (HP):
270-450
Length Over All (M):
8.8
YEAR:
2025
Construction:
Moulded GRP with integrated liner and foam buoyancy
CONSTRUCTION:
GRP
Axopar 29 XC Cross Cabin
The ultimate multi-purpose craft for boaters who demand more from their vessel.
Horsepower (HP):
350
YEAR:
2025
Displacement (M):
3220 (including engine)
Length Over All (M):
9.31
CONSTRUCTION:
GRP
Sargo 33
This is a cleverly designed boat with great space for a 33-footer.
Horsepower (HP):
680
Length Over All (M):
10.99
YEAR:
2025
Displacement (M):
7400
CONSTRUCTION:
GRO
JP Crafts Code 9.8
This is a beautifully finished boat with an attention to detail that we don’t often see.
Horsepower (HP):
600
Length Over All (M):
9.8
YEAR:
2025
Displacement (M):
3100
Construction:
GRP composite hull, Hypalon tubes, aluminium hardtop
CONSTRUCTION:
Composite
Kiwi-Kraft 780WA
Pontoon alloy boats are seriously good sea handling vessels. I should know, having fished out of man...
Horsepower (HP):
400
Length Over All (M):
7.8
YEAR:
2024
Construction:
6mm hull, 4mm sides, 3mm superstructure
CONSTRUCTION:
Aluminium
Radian R27 Nordarc
Overall, this is an impressive boat. The styling is bold and unique and will certainly turn heads. T...
Horsepower (HP):
200hp max
Length Over All (M):
6.67
YEAR:
2024
Displacement (M):
1800
Construction:
5mm bottom, 4mm sides, 3mm superstructure
CONSTRUCTION:
Aluminium
INNOVATION IN HULL DESIGN / PLANING HULLS. Planing hulls are a significant advancement in hull technology, designed to lift and glide over the water’s surface. This reduces drag and enhances speed, providing a faster, more efficient, and smoother boating experience.
OceanPro 533 Cuddy Cabin
OceanPro is not really a name that springs to mind when thinking about New Zealand-built aluminium t...
Horsepower (HP):
70-100
Length Over All (M):
5.5
YEAR:
2025
Construction:
Pontoon-style aluminium monohull
Length Over All (M):
5.33
CONSTRUCTION:
Aluminium
Stabicraft 2050 Frontier Profish
Where this model really excels is fishability.
Horsepower (HP):
150-200
Length Over All (M):
6.3
YEAR:
2025
Displacement (M):
875kg (dry, no motor)
Construction:
Arrow pontoons, wide-body hull
CONSTRUCTION:
Aluminium
Dibley 7.5m Sportsboat
Despite the lack of gennaker it’s still a fun and fantastic ride down the harbour, and reminds me ho...
Construction:
Vacuum-infused
CONSTRUCTION:
Carbon fibre hull & decks
Fi-Glass Viscount
Modern engines are bigger and more efficient. They need bigger platforms to host them. Furthermore, ...
Horsepower (HP):
200-250
Length Over All (M):
6.8
YEAR:
2025
Construction:
Solid GRP, no wood in structure
CONSTRUCTION:
GRP
Morris Metal Products S.J Seahawk
S.J. Seahawk is a development of the 7.6m Eliminator, which Phil and his team built 26 years ago.
Horsepower (HP):
700
YEAR:
2024
Construction:
Aluminium hull, fibreglass decks, carbon fibre superstructure
Length Over All (M):
9.7
CONSTRUCTION:
Aluminium
Kiwi-Kraft 780WA
Pontoon alloy boats are seriously good sea handling vessels. I should know, having fished out of man...
Horsepower (HP):
400
Length Over All (M):
7.8
YEAR:
2024
Construction:
6mm hull, 4mm sides, 3mm superstructure
CONSTRUCTION:
Aluminium
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