This summary is found in the July 2025 edition
Exploring New Zealand’s boating scene uncovers rich heritage, innovative vessels, and bold industry achievements. These online stories have captured Boating New2 Zealand readers’ attention this month, highlighting the passion and progress shaping our maritime future — from timeless Kiwi craftsmanship to cutting-edge technology and global success.
Celebrating Kiwi boating heritage: innovators, builders, and timeless craftmanship
Exploring our sister website TRADE-A-BOAT archives reveals more than just boat reviews — it uncovers stories deeply rooted in New Zealand’s boatbuilding legacy.
These four articles highlight how vessels like the Santa Maria, Gipsy and the Oyster 53, with its rich New Zealand history, and innovative work of Gerrand and Firman, connect us to that heritage.
Jack Guard and his Gipsy: Craft, character and coastal history
Each boat and builder reflects generations of skill, resilience, and passion.
Whether newly restored or celebrated for pioneering designs, they illustrate how Kiwi maritime culture continues to thrive, linking past craftsmanship with present-day stories that still inspire and define New Zealand’s boating identity.
Kim McDell: From skiff champion to the man behind Oyster’s Kiwi connection
New boats and engineering innovations: redefining versatility and performance on the water
This month our readers have enjoyed exploring a fresh wave of marine innovation with five standout projects shaping New Zealand’s boating landscape. Innovision Boats introduced the IV616 Venture, a versatile 6.25m craft balancing inshore agility and offshore capability with practical features like a full walkaround and spacious cabin.
Innovision Boats launches the IV616 Venture: A new benchmark in 6m versatility
Rayglass unveiled the Legend 2700, a trailerable all-rounder refined for comfort and customisation.
Rayglass releases brand new Legend 2700 – an evolution of one of Australasia’s best selling boats
Voodoo Yachts launches the XF75, a luxury powercat that blends 50-knot speed with impressive fuel efficiency and advanced hydrofoil design.
Form & Float offers accessible DIY kitset boats for builders of all skill levels, while Valder Yachts pushes the boundaries of high-speed luxury with its foil-assisted catamaran project.
Valder Yachts engineering update: Behind the scenes of a high-speed revolution
Together, these developments showcase cutting-edge design and engineering aimed at enhancing boating versatility, performance, and experience.
Kiwi marine builders make bold moves at Sanctuary Cove
The 2025 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS) showcased the strength and smarts of New Zealand’s marine industry. ‘Kiwis shine at record-breaking SCIBS’ highlights collective success—record-breaking attendance, strong sales, and widespread acclaim for Kiwi innovation in electric and amphibious tech. ‘Looking outward, powering ahead’ zooms in on OC Tenders’ personal story of grit and ingenuity: denied a spot, they leveraged partnerships, sold nearly $500k in boats, and proved how a lean, relationship-driven model can thrive globally.
Kiwis shine at record-breaking Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show
Together, the two stories reveal a unified theme—Kiwis thinking big, acting bold, and showing the world what’s possible when innovation meets persistence.
