| 85 “People come to us because our boats are built to such a high quality.” Bespoke boats in big demand Quality has been the cornerstone of the success of the business. MARINE INDUSTRY Alexcraft Engineering T T Karen Phelps Owner of Alexcraft Engineering Wayne Cooper says the bespoke handmade jet boats he makes are so highly sought after that he and his team have trouble keeping up with demand. “For me the enjoyment comes from making something out of nothing,” says Wayne who has over 20 years experience in crafting boats. Wayne was a panel beater by trade when he started working for a business called Seahouse Boats many years ago. When the owner purchased the Alexcraft moulds and jigs and started crafting jet boats Wayne suddenly turned his hand to jet boat building and hasn’t looked back. Wayne and wife Sally eventually purchased the business and Alexcraft Engineering was born. The Mosgiel based business employs a team of two full time and two part time staff and makes around one jet boat a month for clients. Quality has been the cornerstone of the success of the business, says Wayne, a self-confessed perfectionist with an eye for detail. “People come to us because our boats are built to such a high quality,” he says. “People say they are finished like a car – everything smooth, welds evenly spaced, everything perfect.” Realising that 4.4 metre and 4.8 metre were the most popular models, Alexcraft has focused solely on producing these two models. Each one is bespoke, built by hand and to the customer’s specific requirements including colours, graphics and the all important engine size. “It’s about bragging rights so they can say they have the most horsepower at the pub,” says Wayne with a laugh. Wayne is building each boat alongside his team, ensuring high levels of quality. He says his clients appreciate they can “talk to the person building their boat”. Alex trains apprentices to gain their alloy boat builder qualification. Wife Sally takes care of the administration and sales aspects of the business. Alexcraft also completes maintenance and modifications on all types of boats with access to specialised technicians for different aspects, for example electronics. It has been careful to align itself with the best suppliers in the business including, Southern Jet, SSS Engineering and Engine Performance Specialists. Alexcraft is also aligned with Kodiak Marine NZ and is an approved supplier of Kodiak Marine Engines. Wayne’s ability to problem-solve sees Alexcraft also called on to repair all types of boats, not just jet boats. “We have a very good rapport with insurance companies. I can assess how the damage has happened and reverse it,” explains Wayne. “We have a purpose built press and equipment to straighten boats and repair them to a high quality. “Sometimes people say a boat can’t be repaired but we find a way. We’ve had 10m boats we’ve cut the whole sides out of and replaced so we work on large boats too.” There’s not much that hasn’t passed through the workshop over the years including Mackcraft, KeelowCraft, Rapid Runner, Hamilton and Scott jet boats, Stabicraft, Senator and Osprey to name but a few. For Wayne, once again, it’s about the challenge of each repair. Alexcraft Engineering also builds high-end custom trailers to match the boats and repair trailers as well. The business is a member of Jet Boating New Zealand; an organisation set up by and run by jet boaters for the benefit of its members. TUNING | CUSTOM WIRING | PERFORMANCE ENGINES | DYNO TESTING CONTACT JOSH COOCHEY 027 201 3969 engineperformancespecialists.co.nz PROUDLY SUPPORTING ALEXCRAFT ENGINEERING
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=