| 69 T T Russell Fredric Pleasure craft for discerning boaties Rae Line’s most popular models are the 180 BR and 185 OB with outboard and stern drive motors, respectively. MARINE INDUSTRY Rae Line Boats Choosing the right pleasure craft is a big decision, but for many people the underlying reason is fundamentally the same, Rae Line Boats director Rhys Williamson says. New Zealand offers many beautiful lakes, waterways and coastal areas, and owning a boat is a great means of disconnecting from the daily routine and having a fun-filled day out, he says. “It’s one of the rare things when you can get the whole family together and you have a fantastic time and make some great memories.” Rae Line’s range is based on sports bow riders, but also includes options of cabin cruisers. With the option of a high degree of customisation, Rae Line boats are aimed at people wanting an edge in the kind of design, quality and finish that clearly sets them apart. Rhys has been a co-director for 11 years, and runs the business with his father Ian, whose experience is invaluable. Rae Line employs a multi-skilled team working across four departments: fibreglass laminating, upholstery, assembly and servicing and mechanical. Its range starts with the 3.2SD, a highly stable double-hulled dingy, and runs up to the 210 BR, which is fully designed and built in-house. Stern drive-powered, the sleek 210 BR represents the best in premium sports bowriders, offering a class-leading beam, internal width and a soft riding, stable hull with a 21-degree deadrise, with power options up to the 6.2 litre Mercruiser 300hp V8 with Bravo One Drive. Rae Line’s most popular models are the 180 BR and 185 OB with outboard and stern drive motors, respectively. “There’s not many [New Zealand] companies that build in that [sports bowrider] segment of the market, and I think what we do is very well executed, and also is offered at a good price point. You know you’re looking good when you’re out in the water in a Rae Line.” Its latest model, the 206 OB cabin cruiser, was launched last year, combining comfort, functionality and style in a uniquely capable hybrid craft that has been favourably received by industry reviewers. Rae Line also offers a versatile, entry-level family runabout, the 186 CX cabin boat, which won the Trailer Boat magazine Family Boat of the Year award in 2011. Power comes from either an outboard or stern drive, with the option of a generous rear platform on the latter, making it ideal for fishing or water sports. The high level of finish and detailing that goes into Rae Line boats is demonstrably comparable to the top sports boats in the world, but at a much better price point, Rhys says. “The external finish of the boat, we can offer more options, including metal flake gel coat, than virtually any other manufacturer. Colour is a big thing – our clients have the ability to tailor to what they want.” Another standout feature of Rae Line boats is their customisable seating configuration and upholstery, which, like the flooring, offers choices of different fabrics, vinyls, colours and designs. Additionally, a wide range of optional extras are available for sunshades, bimini tops and covers. “We make beautiful covers that fit right down the trailer and keep the boat really well protected,” says Rhys. In addition to building boats, Rae Line also offers repairs and upgrades for gel coat, fibreglass, upholstery and canvas to the same high standard that has become synonymous with its name and reputation. “The external finish of the boat, we can offer more options, including metal flake gel coat, than virtually any other manufacturer. Colour is a big thing – our clients have the ability to tailor to what they want.” When it needs to look good, and stay looking good, Rhys specifies Proudly supplied by Aurora Composites +64 9 273 3540 | admin@auroraglass.co.nz | www.auroraglass.co.nz 3/16 Zelanian Drive, East Tamaki, Auckland | PO Box 204055, Highbrook Auckland 2161
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