The Transport Accident Investigation Commission has issued an urgent safety recommendation emerging from its inquiry into the capsize and sinking of the fishing boat Easy Rider off Stewart Island.
Eight people died and one person survived the tragedy on March 15.
"There appear to have been stability limitations with the Easy Rider which will be shared by other boats of the same design," said the Commission's chief investigator of accidents Captain Tim Burfoot.
"The boats can be operated safely within these limitations, but owners and skippers need to know of them first to do so.
"While these limitations have been known previously, it may be that information has not been passed on over the years with changes of owners, skippers and surveyors for these boats. The commission has asked the director of Maritime New Zealand to ensure that other boats of the same design are located and their owners are advised of this, and he's undertaken to take the necessary action."