Busy boat-buyers think small for extra zip

By KATHERINE HOBY consumer affairs reporter

The New Zealand boating dream today is less large launch, more zippy mid-size powerboat.

Other pressures on the weekend time of many New Zealanders have brought a trend in the last five years towards smaller, lighter boats.

The promotions and marketing manager for the New Zealand Boat Show, Mike Rose, said large launches were still popular, but many people now preferred to have a faster "fizz-boat" and a bach.

"The launch market used to thrive around the good old Kiwi weekend," he said.

"People bundled the family into the car on Friday and headed away for a full two days. That time is gone for most."

Smaller, faster boats which can get to a destination quickly and allow more "down time" are popular.

Five thousand 3m to 8m trailer powerboats are sold in New Zealand every year.

For the 8m to 25m versions, the sales figure is 150.

Boating Industry Association president Bob Tait said one in 12 New Zealanders owned a boat of some sort.

And more people were choosing to stay at home for holidays, boosting boat sales.

"People are staying at home and spending the money they would have put towards an overseas holiday into a boat - a mobile holiday, if you like."

People wanting to own boats no longer had to be wealthy.

"It used to be a bit of a rich man's playground, but now it's become affordable for middle and lower-class families."

Mr Tait said the number of apprentices training in boat-related industries had more than doubled in the past two years to 500.

Boat Show facts

Average size of trailer power boat sold: 5.5m to 6m.

Average horsepower: 85.

Number of apprentices in boat-related industries in 2001: 200.

Number of apprentices in 2003: 500.

Last year's show sales: $25 million.

The Boat Show is on at the Auckland Showgrounds today from 10am until 8pm and tomorrow, Sunday and Monday from 10am to 6pm.

Further reading: nzherald.co.nz/marine