38 | MARINE Smuggler Marine The original Smuggler range has evolved through the years to include the versatile Strata RIB range. Swells no sweat for Amphibious Smugglers T T Kim Newth Getting on and off the beach with ease — even when sea conditions are a little on the choppy side — is all in a day’s work for Smuggler Marine’s range of high performance amphibious boats. Based in Henderson Auckland, Smuggler Marine is an iconic name in the New Zealand boatbuilding market with a respected track record going back more than 20 years. Behind the brand is a powerhouse boating family. Directors David and Pauline Pringle, along with son Logan, share an extensive personal background in boating and a deep understanding of their clients’ boating needs to produce vessels for both domestic and export markets. The original Smuggler range has evolved through the years to include the versatile Strata RIB range, with the Strata 750 hitting the mark as one of the company’s most popular recreational models. In 2012, Smuggler introduced amphibious technology to their Strata RIB range. Using the Anura high-performance drive system, these vessels are acknowledged as one of Australasia’s most reliable amphibious craft. To date, Smuggler has built over 140 such vessels for domestic and export markets. “When it comes to amphibious boats, New Zealand is leading the world,” says Pauline. “For our coast, these sorts of vessels are perfect — and Australia is now fast catching on too. We’re selling them into both recreational and commercial marine markets, including as superyacht tenders.” A new model in the amphibious range — the Strata 800 Super Sport — is proving very popular as an “up and go” vessel combining Anura amphibious tech with a superior engineered amphibious RIB. For commercial businesses that rely on seamless beach and ramp access, the amphibious Smuggler range offers highly reliable, safe and manoeuvrable options. For example, New World Whitianga runs a daily ‘Waka Kai’ service to beach settlements on the Eastern Coromandel Peninsula through the summer using an amphibious Smuggler 11 metre vessel to deliver groceries directly to the beach on the day following placement of online orders. In a testimonial, the vessel’s captain, Tony Masters, was glowing in his assessment of the boat’s capabilities. “We can confidently attest to its exceptional performance, build quality and adaptability across a wide range of marine operations. The Smuggler 1100’s deep-V hull and premium Hypalon tubes provide a stable, dry and confident ride, even in challenging sea states.” He added that the Smuggler team had been professional, responsive and a genuine pleasure to work with from initial consultation to delivery and described the Anura amphibious system as “a true game-changer” for their operations. “We always tailor boats in line with commercial requirements so clients get exactly what they need,” observes Pauline. Cathedral Cove Water Taxi has two Smuggler 800 Amphibious RIBs, which pick up customers straight from the beach for the ride to Cathedral Cove. As well, Hahei Explorer has added a Smuggler 8-metre amphibious vessel “We can confidently attest to its exceptional performance, build quality and adaptability across a wide range of marine operations.” to their existing Smuggler Strata 550 RIBs, enabling them to safely operate when there’s more swell at sea. “We’re also excited to be going into the Australian market with our amphibians and have just sold two through a dealer there and another direct to a northern Queensland operator.” Circle the date: Smuggler will be attending the Hutchwilco NZ Boat Show, 14-17 May at Auckland Showgrounds. 022 311 8625 karl@thecanvasworks.co.nz Proud to support Smuggler Marine Ri ght Adv i ce | Exce l l ent Pr i ces | Fr i end l y Team Fu l l range of fibreg l ass and compos i te product s and too l s P R O U D L Y S U P P O R T I N G S M U G G L E R M A R I N E 0800 100 098 i nfo@nzfibreg l ass . co . nz www. nzfibreg l ass . co . nz
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