52 | Strong reputation says a lot Southern Boat Builders’ list of clients became a who’s who of the international yachting world. MARINE Southern Ocean Boat Builders T T Russell Fredric Southern Ocean Boat Builders’ reputation stands on having built multi-million dollar ocean going yachts for the internationally rich and famous as well as more modest boats for local waters. Greg McNabb originally gained experience starting as an apprentice in 1985 working for Donald Boat Builders building high quality kauri cold moulded yachts and launches. He and his wife Maria started Southern Ocean Boat Builders in 1996 with one employee focusing on general refit and marina work. “In 1998 I got the opportunity to build a new 60 foot Warwick sports fishing boat called Providence. She is still going strong and she has been a great showcase for thew business over the years,” Greg says. This modest beginning was the foundation for expansion as more, and more significant contracts subsequently came, with the focus on building boats with a carbon fibre composite hull and cabin structure. Southern Boat Builders list of clients subsequently became a who’s who of the international yachting world which established its reputation as one of the foremost composite boat and yacht builders in the world. “We have also built many tenders for some of the world’s largest superyachts. These boats are fun to build and are incredibly detailed projects requiring a great deal of high-end skill.” “We won a contract for a repeat customer for a 100 foot version of the Bill Dixon yacht, an $18 million Kiwi boat, so that was a good contract for us to get, and we started a Volvo 70 for the Volvo around the world race at the same time.” “All of the boats we built are still going well and have been very successful.” Most of Southern Ocean Boat Builders work is completed in house and its boat builders are multi-skilled. There is less demand for today for high-end ocean going custom yachts, but the business still builds new boats as well as continuing to provide full mariner, repair and refitting services, both in New Zealand and overseas. “Our strengths are in custom composite construction and we also take on wooden boat builds. We will take anything on, yachts and launches whether it be at the high end or “We won a contract for a repeat customer for a 100 foot version of the Bill Dixon yacht, an $18 million Kiwi boat.” the low end and with the same commitment to quality regardless of the budget.” Southern Ocean Boat Builders has just completed a recreational fishing and leisure boat, a Southern Blue Water 39 for fishing from the upper North Island. “We built an all round day boat that encompasses a sports fisher type hull. , a little like an American lobster boat look and feel/American picnic boat so we have ticked three boxes; I [deleted due to word count limitation] It’s a sedan boat not a fly bridge boat although you could put a fly bridge on it.” This has the advantage of not having to climb stairs often. “It’s a really good boat from the point of view of visibility, it’s got nice, curved windscreens; it’s ticked a lot of boxes for what the client wanted.” Its engines are twin Volvo Penta D6 5.5 litre diesels that produce a total of 680 horsepower for a cruise speed of 21 to 22 knots or a maximum of 29 knots. It features a spacious double forward cabin with anigre and teak timber with a soft deckhead and wall coverings and a large single berth aft, while the head area is also very spacious. The main saloon has a helm station, a large dinette and a galley to starboard. “In this industry you’ve got to be able to adapt. We have managed to stay afloat through some difficult economic cycles and the quality of our work has always been very well regarded.” 13 St John Street, Tauranga versatileproducts.co.nz 07 577 0195 Versatile Products have thousands of products and the know-how to get you almost anything you need in the painting game. They have paints for almost any application, to protect the things you cherish – from your house, to your boat, car and more. • Custom made polyethylene fuel tanks & polypropylene water & waste tanks all made with baffles • Tanks are built to CE ISO 21487 Ph: 07 549 3570 | Frank: 0274 534 658 Email: tanks@herculestanks.co.nz www.herculestanks.co.nz Proud supplier to Southern Ocean Boat Builders New Zealand’s premier marine painters, providing an international standard of finish to the local market. From luxury yachts to work boats, we’ve got you covered! Super Yacht Coatings are proud to support Southern Ocean Boat Builders www.superyachtcoatings.com info@superyachtcoatings.com 0800 SY COAT
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=