Why Our European Boats Continue to Set the Standard in New Zealand

Introduction

With nearly three decades of experience in the brokerage industry, our company proudly stands as New Zealand’s oldest brokerage under original ownership. Since our inception, we have been pioneers in bringing new European-built boats to the local market—a decision that has consistently set us apart from our competitors.

A Legacy of Firsts

From day one, we were the first brokerage in New Zealand to import new European boats. This bold move was met with scepticism; competitors questioned whether these boats were designed to meet New Zealand or Australian standards. However, this criticism could not be further from the truth. In fact, European boats are engineered to withstand some of the most challenging marine conditions anywhere in the world. Having personally witnessed the often treacherous waters of the Mediterranean, I can attest to the robustness and seaworthiness of these vessels.

Real-World Performance: What Owners Say

Our commitment to quality is reflected in our clients’ satisfaction. One of the first European boats I sold was an Azimut, and just last week, the original owner shared his experience with me. After selling his Azimut, he purchased an Australian-built boat but soon realised it did not perform as well on the water as the Italian boat had. This genuine feedback underscores the superior design and handling of European boats compared to other boats on the market.

Understanding How Boats Are Used

Over the years, I have noticed a recurring trend: many buyers purchase boats with the intention of enjoying them with family and friends, often saying, “the children will always come.” However, in practice, there are usually only two people on board. This insight has influenced the selection of boats we bring to New Zealand, focusing on comfort and usability for couples and small groups without compromising on space or luxury.