Reports of increasing sales and enquiry for new boats and outboard motors have been welcomed by the industry for the 2009/2010 summer season.
According to Marine Industry Association (NZ Marine), orders have been made for ten $20-60 million boats in the last ten months.
Executive director, Peter Busfield told Sail-World that after a slow-down in 2008/2009 New Zealand has retaken a considerable share of the international superyacht market.
The exchange rate is one factor making New Zealand-built boats a more attractive option for the world’s wealthy elite, he said.
Although New Zealand’s dollar is higher against most currencies than it was a few years ago, the exchange rate has been relatively stable, a factor Busfield said is more important to prospective buyers.
The return to form is crucial says Busfield, as the marine industry is New Zealand’s biggest manufacturing sector.