'We're selling everything we can make': boat buying booms in Hawke's Bay

Firmans Marine Centre and Profile boats owner Brian Firman said they are the busiest they've ever been. Photo / Warren Buckland

There is plenty of movement on the water as Hawke's Bay's boating scene becomes increasingly popular amid New Zealand's travel restrictions.

With the borders not open the region's people are spending their dollars on boats.

Firmans Marine Centre owner Brian Firman, who makes his own brand of Profile boats, said everything they are making at the moment is pre-sold.

"We're selling everything we can make," he said. "We even have a waiting list out until May."

Firman has had the Napier business since 1988 and said 2020 was his busiest year yet and it doesn't look to be slowing in the New Year.

"It's been a trend since the middle of last year - it just went mad after lockdown and hasn't stopped," he said.

Napier Sailing Club manager Dee Ford said the club has also seen an increase of locals stepping onto boats and exploring the Bay's blue waters.

"The demand for our learn to sail programmes for junior, teenagers and adults is up on previous years and our ramp membership for power boats is increasing all the time," she said.

Napier Sailing Club have very little storage space on the water to meet demand in Napier's inner harbour at Ahuriri. Photo / Warren Buckland

"Our first day of sailing on September 19 saw 40 plus sailing boats out on the water, which is definitely up on the last few years."

The club's Summer Regatta in December also had a record number of entries, more than 225, 14 different classes of boats and sailors from all over the country.

Ford said the one thing the club is struggling with is storage space for boats, on and off the water.

"It's a challenge for us as we just don't have enough space to meet the demand," she said.

"Our visitor numbers of incoming yachts has been constant, with a few of them being international visitors who have had to remain here in New Zealand due to the pandemic."

Firman said a lot of his customers have acquired new buying habits and have more to spend because they're not travelling overseas.

"They're looking for things to do in and around New Zealand," he said. "Whether that's a camper van, a car, or a boat they're certainly spending their money on things to enjoy in New Zealand."

Brian Firman said there are a lot of first time boat buyers about wanting to explore New Zealand waters. Photo / Warren Buckland

He said a lot of people coming into his centre in Napier are first time boat buyers or those who have decided to upgrade a little better than usual.

"A lot of people are upgrading their engine size or trading up from an older boat to a newer boat - there's certainly a lot of movement going on," he said.

However, the boat maker did have a warning for new boat purchasers.

"A lot of people just look at the boat and go 'jeez that's nice', but does it suit them for what they're actually doing and who they're boating with?" Firman said.

He added that first time buyers should seek professional advice before jumping the gun and getting a boat that may not suit their purpose.

"Some people are boating with little kiddies others are boating with a bunch of blokes," he said.

"You have to really dig into what people are doing and where they're going to make sure they are looking at the right thing."