What floats your boat? Show has it all

The 20m power cat, Lola, from Pachoud Yachts. Photo / Supplied

Award-winning Whakatane-based aluminium boat builder Surtees Boats and Tauranga's Pachoud Yachts are among the companies that will be exhibiting to thousands of Kiwi boating, fishing and water sport enthusiasts at this weekend's Auckland On Water Boat Show.

Surtees Boats marketing manager Adam Dyck said boat shows had been successful for the company, especially in Australia where the firm now sold about 50 per cent of its production.

"We have a fairly strong presence at the Australian shows, which are across all states, and following each of these shows there's just been a surge in orders. And combined with the wealth effect we're seeing in Auckland, demand is just huge at the moment."

Mr Dyck said the company had orders out into April with almost 150 boats on order.

In Auckland, Surtees will show a selection of its latest models in association with Auckland boat dealer Fishing Boats NZ. The five new Surtees fishing boats on show incorporate an increase in fishing space following customer feedback asking for more cockpit and deck area.

Dave Pachoud, of Pachoud Yachts, said the company would launch its latest 20m power catamaran at this year's show. Built in Tauranga and designed by Auckland-based Roger Hill Yacht Design, the 40 tonne catamaran, named Lola, is built with cruising the Pacific Islands in mind.

"She can cruise at a speed of 18-20 knots and with 12,000 litres of fuel capacity, Lola is capable of undertaking long ocean passages," said Mr Pachoud.

Other features of the motor yacht included full beam master cabin and en suite bathroom forward plus three guest cabins and three more bathrooms, and a tender garage housing a 3.5m tender with a hydraulic swim platform.

"The Auckland On Water Boat Show is understandably renowned for the extensive array of large vessels accessible for all show visitors via the purpose-built, temporary marina alongside the Viaduct Events Centre," said Michelle Khan, Auckland On Water Boat Show chief executive.

The show sees Auckland's Viaduct Harbour transformed into a giant showroom for tens of millions of dollars worth of yachts, launches, trailer boats, kayaks, paddleboards, jetskis, marine electronics, safety equipment, engines and specialist marine paints.

With more than 80 large sailing yachts, imported and New Zealand-built motor launches, and inflatable and alloy boats on display this year, show visitors "have an incredible variety of vessels to explore and talk to the builders, designers and owners about".

The 2015 Auckland On Water Boat Show

When: Today until Sunday.

Where: Viaduct Harbour, Auckland