Couple in cruise control at helm of Genesis Marine

By ROBIN BAILEY

Genesis Marine is one of New Zealand's oldest established builders of production launches, and is also one of the most adept at defining trends and adapting to them.

That ability has allowed the company to maintain its position in the marketplace even though our strong dollar has made imports competitive.

Genesis is directed by husband-and-wife team Chris and Lynne Pollock. The company was founded by Basil Pollock, father of Chris, in 1974. Initial production was focused on 9.75m (32ft) flying bridge launches produced from a stock hull mould and finished with custom timber tops. More than 30 were sold.

Chris joined the company in 1979 after completing an apprenticeship with Brin Wilson Boatbuilders and following that with an extensive OE. Working with Wilson, a leading craftsman of the period, he was able to sail on many notable commissions, including One Ton Cup and Admiral's Cup racing yachts.

A new company, Genesis Marine, was formed in 1984 with Pollock as managing director. The next year he orchestrated construction of their first all-fibreglass production cruiser, the soft-top Genesis 3100.

The boat was an instant hit with those looking for a fast, economical cruiser and indelibly branded the Genesis name to the performance cruiser concept. Thirty-six of the boats were sold before it was superseded by the 320 in 1990.

The 320 was also an open-top sports cruiser, but in deference to the New Zealand weather the 320 Targa hard-top version was introduced in 1992. It was also immediately popular and more than 100 were built.

An outboard-powered 320 Soft Top holds the Around New Zealand speed record, set in 1994. And a 320 Targa, powered by twin stern drives, established a diesel speed record of 43.9 knots in 1995.

Demand for a bigger model with extended living space and range, coupled with the 320's proven sea-keeping and performance, saw the release of the Genesis Targa Saloon in 1998. The 400 Flybridge, the company's first production model aimed at the more mature cruising market, followed soon after. Both boats are still in the Genesis range.

The 335 Targa, a development of the 320 with a new deck, superstructure and interior layout designed to compete with the best of the imports, was released in 1999 and quickly became a buyer's benchmark.

Then came the 400 Targa, which blends luxurious upstairs living with a social and sporting oriented cockpit. To tap into the perceived potential in the Australian market the model was introduced at the 2002 Sanctuary Cove Boat Show. It was an immediate success and has since won an Award of Excellence from the Australian Marine Industries Federation.

Sanctuary Cove was also the launch platform for the 360 Targa, which replaced the highly successful 335 in 2002. So far 15 boats from across the range have been sold in Australia.

Chris Pollock says 56 mid-sized 335/360 launches have been built for the New Zealand market and strong demand for the 360 continues.

"The new 400 series is also selling as fast as we can produce them and with four sales worth $1.7 million from the recent IMTEC On-the-Water Boat Show we have six shaft-drive or stern-drive variations either in production or waiting to start."

Also under construction at the company's Henderson factory is the latest and biggest addition to the range, a 450 Targa. Based on the 400 series but with an additional 1m in the cockpit, it will be launched in June.

Pollock is also thinking back to the company's smaller sports cruiser days with an affordable entry-level Genesis 325. The boat will have the same styling, finish and performance as all the models in the current range, but labour and material costs will be reduced.

The first 325 will be launched in November priced at $290,000, which is $60,000 less than a basic specification 360. Pollock believes this is another move that will continue to keep the company ahead of the game in Australasia.