42 | MARINE Laurie Collins Westhaven Showcasing the latest in water-craft Sue Russell The range of activities Laurie Collins Westhaven undertakes makes no two days the same. “You couldn’t find a better place to sell your boat in terms of exposure to the market. It’s a wonderful situation we are in and I would encourage anyone who wants to browse our current stock, or discuss what they are interested in buying to come down and visit us.” Laurie Collins Westhaven Ltd is in the perfect position to do business, situated right next to a busy thoroughfare at Auckland’s St Mary’s Bay. As such, thousands of people out walking are exposed daily to the array of pleasure boats, yachts and associated services the company has to offer. The business is the New Zealand agent for Integrity Motor Yachts, Whitehaven Motor Yachts and X Yachts and along with showcasing the latest designs in water-craft, Laurie Collins Westhaven Ltd also offers a boat grooming and detailing service and a boat brokerage service. For Wayne Baston, who has owned the business some 14 years, it’s the range of activities the company undertakes that makes no two days the same. “I have always been interested in boats. One of my relations is a boat builder. This business is one of the few that has been in the same place for 30 years.” Located on the ground floor under Sails Restaurant, Laurie Collins Westhaven Ltd, has a showroom and forecourt, displaying boats for sale. “Customers use us to sell their boats on behalf of and these are all displayed on the board for visitors to see,” says Wayne. He says he used to buy his own boats from the company before taking over ownership. Once he did, Wayne increased the size of the shop’s frontage to display more boats and says, all in all, the business has progressed really well. And with COVID, there’s been a greater interest by New Zealanders to look toward owning a boat, hence the selling on behalf of has become a busy space. “People don’t always know what a boat is worth, so they come to us for an opinion and to assess what, if anything, could be upgraded to increase its sale value.” Wayne has observed a trend toward buying power boats over yachts and puts this down partly to an aging population, choosing to own a craft that is easy to handle and maintain. The business specialises in high quality boat detailing and engages with a number of industry experts to check over, service and commission a boat for use. “Because we’ve been in business so long, all these contacts have been built up over time. • Fuel Systems • Engine Rebuilds • Stern Drive Maintenance • Transmission Repairs • Outboard Sales & Service • Electrical System Repairs • Anchor Winch Servicing • Engine Inspections • Pre-purchase inspections • Oil Samples & Seatests • Refrigeration Services • Inflatable Tender Services • Drystack Servicing • Refrigeration Installation Operating in Westhaven for 32 years, est. 1990 Ph. 09 377 7676 | Fax. 09 377 8181 | Mob. 0274 931 526 | marinetech@xtra.co.nz They are a key element to demand for our services.” X-Yachts, built in Denmark are proving popular. Wayne says, the 38+ foot vessels have real style and have previously been named European Yacht of the Year. When people buy a boat, Wayne can provide all the services to take the craft through the necessary survey process, involving a thorough mechanical check, ensuring the boats seaworthiness but also to enable owners to get insurance. Surveys also involve a sea-trial and the company undertakes a number of these for the Royal NZ Yacht Squadron members. With customers selling and seeking to buy boats from throughout New Zealand Wayne says they are always looking for new boats to have for sale on site, or to broker. “You couldn’t find a better place to sell your boat in terms of exposure to the market,” says Wayne. “It’s a wonderful situation we are in and I would encourage anyone who wants to browse our current stock, or discuss what they are interested in buying to come down and visit us.” Laurie Collins Westhaven Ltd is open 6 days a week at 103-115 Westhaven Drive.
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