Enjoying the ride for generations

SeaCraft, the forerunner to Haines Hunter New Zealand, was established by Yeoman ‘Sandy’ Sands in 1946. The company produced clinker built timber boats as well as oars. (In fact Seacraft was the largest manufacturer of oars in NZ for over 20 years). The range of boats produced were powered by Seagull Outboards or with small inboard motors. Investing heavily in apprenticeship training, the blueprint was established – quality designs, quality materials and skilled boatbuilders.

Solid demand for quality timber boats combined with greater accessibility to outboard motors led to the company consolidating its position as NZ’s most prominent production boat builder. As the entire industry expanded rapidly, the Boating Industries Association (BIA) was formed and Sandy was elected as the inaugural President. The current owners are still active in the BIA having held various administrative roles that reflect the company’s passion for the NZ Marine Industry.

During this period the company transitioned from wooden boat manufacturing to fibreglass. A visit to the Los Angeles Boat Show in 1965 highlighted the potential of this revolutionary new medium. Again, with the emphasis on quality, the company built a dedicated temperature and humidity-controlled factory, the benchmark in NZ. In 1967 the company also opened a factory in Fiji to support the developing export market as the domestic market enjoyed unprecedented growth with the range of SeaCraft fibreglass boats benefitted hugely.

Having acquired the Mercury Outboard franchise, and with more horsepower availabile, SeaCraft developed a range of fibreglass boats to suit these “BIG“ engines of up to 130HP! The flagship was the SeaCraft Valencia, a 17 footer powered by 115HP motor and retailing for $5,000. However during the 70’s New Zealand’s marine industry was virtually destroyed overnight by the introduction of a 20% sales tax on powerboats and caravans. From then on, things had to be done different!

Embracing the new world, the company made big changes. Merging with Miller Moyes, a leading marine retailer, bought a new professionalism to marketing plus the acquisition of the Haines Hunter brand. Already well established with the famous V198, SeaCraft took Haines Hunter to another level overseeing the introduction of the 1800S, SF535, SF565L and SF700. Today you can still find thousands of these boats plying New Zealand waterways, a true testament to the build quality of a Haines Hunter.

Haines Hunter is truly established as a market leader. Model development and refinements ensure an ongoing demand. The SF600, released in 1990 has proven to be an outstanding success and 30 years on, along with many innovations and refinements, is still a big seller. The introduction of the SF650 Haines Hunter set a new benchmark for rough water ability and the SF700 continued its march as the company’s most successful large model.

At the forefront of fibreglass boat development, designing and building, Haines Hunter launches some of the world’s best performing trailer boats. Models included the SF650, SS660, SFS700 and SS720 - a stern drive with raised floors and a huge self-draining cockpit. The introduction of fibreglass “hardtops”, in conjunction with custom made toughened glass curved windscreens, created a whole new market. With features previously the domain of much larger boats, the hardtop range offered creature comforts and features that had instant appeal to family boating.

Ongoing developments in design and further investment in innovative boat building materials, technology and our people results in the creation of an impressive range of new models. These include the flagship 725 series, the 'Big' 485, and the stunning Sport Fisher 545 and SS660. These new generation boats feature structural GRP floor systems, a revolutionary breakthrough that makes them even stronger, stiffer and lighter. The Haines Hunter ride continues to evolve and get even better!

The brand enters an exciting phase with the launch of a new brand identity, refreshed logo, sharp new boat graphics, a new website (you’re looking at it) and plenty more to come! In the decade ahead, we’re looking forward to welcoming a whole new generation of converts to the Haines Hunter family. Stay on the look out for new Haines innovation - the trailer boats that perform like nothing else on the market with a ride that simply can’t be matched.