74 | Family firm thriving on and off the water Smuggler’s Strata Amphibious models are growing in popularity with Kiwi boaties. MARINE Smuggler Marine T T Kelly Deeks New entrants into the boat building trade can expect training in a multitude of disciplines, a variety of career paths to choose from, and high demand from other construction-based industries for multi-skilled, practical, technical, and problem-solving marine apprenticeship graduates. Smuggler Marine is a family business in West Auckland run by passionate boaties David and Pauline Pringle. Building top quality fibreglass trailer boats, RIBs, and amphibious craft, Smuggler Marine fills orders around New Zealand and the world. David and Pauline have employed their latest apprentice courtesy of Marine and Specialised Technologies (MAST) Academy’s School to Work programme. Said apprentice has spent the past 12 months working one day each week at Smuggler Marine, getting a feel for the business and the industry, while the Smuggler team got a feel for him too. A boat building apprenticeship will take about four years to complete the Level 4 qualification. “There is a lot of learning that goes on,” Pauline says. “Even after completing the apprenticeship, a boat builder probably needs to work in the trade for 0 years before they know the job completely. There are many skills to hone and many problems to solve.” Marine apprentices really do start at the bottom, doing what needs doing in the workshop while learning their tools and materials before moving on to laminating, cutting, and rolling fibreglass, then building structural components, then fitting up consoles and stainless work, engines, and electrical components. “Even after completing the apprenticeship, a boat builder probably needs to work in the trade for 10 years before they know the job completely.” “It’s a comprehensive apprenticeship and multi-skilled. We also do a lot of repairs and that requires a really high level of problem-solving. The building trade loves our graduates because they’re so multi-skilled and solutions-focused.” Smuggler Marine has four different markets: amphibious craft, trailer boats, rigid inflatable boats (RIBs), and super yacht tenders. Apprentices learn how to construct all of these craft, as well as periodic repair and maintenance on Smuggler boats. During this recession, the effects of which the boat building industry is one of the first to feel, and while demand has dropped on all of the lower value craft for Smuggler, the amphibious craft and super yacht tenders are still seeing solid enquiry and sales. Smuggler’s Strata Amphibious models are growing in popularity with Kiwi boaties with demand soaring during Covid travel restrictions. One of Smuggler’s most popular models, the Smuggler Strata 800 Mid Cabin combines the proven 27 degree Smuggler hull with Anura amphibious technology for a superior engineered amphibious RIB. “Getting on and off the beach is no longer a drama, no trailer, no tractor, just up and go,” Pauline says. The wheels retract behind specially designed D-tubes and are completely hidden from sight, while the Mid Cabin gives crew a comfortable completely dry ride, and with the added bonus of a separate forward lounge area. Smuggler Marine has also built a reputation over nearly 20 years for building high quality superyacht tenders. As the final aesthetic flourish for the ultimate in maritime fashion, Smuggler’s superyacht tenders are more than just a means of transport and include different features for carrying passengers, crew, or supplies. The whole extensive range of Smuggler models is known for their great ride, efficient hulls, and quality build, with every boat beautifully finished and customised, then tested to ensure the best possible outcome. 0800 100 098 www.nzfg.co.nz Proudly supporting Smuggler Marine. • Fibreglass Cloth • Polyester • Vinyl Ester NZ’s Leading Fibreglass Supplier NZFG have the biggest range of fibreglass products. From Polyester Resin to Woven Rovings, from Silicone for moulding to Vacumn Bagging Film. • Catalysts • Epoxy • Carbon Fibre Dixon Manufacturing are proud suppliers to Smuggler Marine of our NZ Made S/S In latable Boat Ladders, one of a large range of ladders to suit most vessels, see the range on our website. www.dixon.co.nz | dixon@pl.net | 09 422 3595
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=