Stabicraft: From New Zealand Workshop to Premium Aluminum Boat Leader in the U.S.
For boaters who value safety, durability, and performance, Stabicraft has become a trusted name worldwide. What began as a small workshop in Invercargill, New Zealand, has grown into a global manufacturer of premium aluminum boats. Today, Stabicraft is making strategic moves to expand its footprint across the United States, bringing its rugged vessels closer to American shores.
The Beginning: From Humble Workshop to Marine Pioneer
Founded in 1987 by Paul Adams and Bruce Dickens, Stabicraft started in a modest backstreet workshop. There, the duo crafted the world’s first rigid-hulled aluminum chambered boat — a 3.5-meter dinghy dubbed the “Ally Duck.” This innovative design laid the groundwork for a new approach to aluminum boat construction.
By 1988, Stabicraft had leased a larger facility on Bluff Highway and signed its first dealer. Within a few years, the company began licensing production overseas, exporting boats to Australia and the United States by the early 1990s. This rapid growth set the stage for Stabicraft’s rise as an international marine brand.
Evolution and Growth
Over the following decades, Stabicraft continuously pushed design and manufacturing boundaries. They introduced hull advancements, expanded their fishing and recreational boat lineup, and invested heavily in their Invercargill manufacturing plant to accommodate larger, custom projects.
By the early 2000s, Stabicraft boats were well known internationally—not only among recreational anglers but also in commercial operations and research projects, including fisheries and lodges in Alaska.
Core Philosophy: Adventure With Confidence™
At the heart of Stabicraft’s success is its guiding philosophy: to enable owners to “Adventure with Confidence™.” Each boat is engineered for stability, safety, and reliable performance in challenging offshore or inland conditions. This commitment has earned Stabicraft numerous awards and a loyal global customer base.
Expanding Into the United States
Though Stabicraft has exported to North America since the 1990s, demand from the U.S. and Canada has surged in the last decade. Early dealerships and assembly efforts introduced American boaters to the brand’s rugged aluminum boats.
To better serve the North American market and streamline logistics, Stabicraft opened a 16,800-square-foot manufacturing facility in Port Angeles, Washington. This allowed boats to be designed in New Zealand but assembled locally, improving delivery times and customer support.
The first U.S.-built model, the limited-edition 2250 Ultra CenterCab “Alpha,” launched from this facility, with early buyers joining the exclusive “Limited 100 Club.” While the Port Angeles plant has since closed, Stabicraft maintains a strong presence in the U.S. market.
Growing the Network and Future Outlook
Stabicraft’s growth in North America goes beyond manufacturing. Its expanding dealer network now reaches key regions like Alaska and the Pacific Northwest, providing local expertise, service, and access to the full Stabicraft lineup.
With increasing interest and production capacity both in New Zealand and North America, Stabicraft is well-positioned to become a leading choice for American boaters seeking premium aluminum vessels for fishing, cruising, and adventure.
Conclusion
From a small workshop in New Zealand to a global marine brand, Stabicraft’s journey reflects innovation, perseverance, and a passion for boating. Its expanding U.S. presence, supported by local manufacturing and dealer growth, opens an exciting new chapter—for the company and for boaters across America looking for rugged, reliable aluminum boats built to perform.
