CONSOLE YOURSELF
Centre consoles, side consoles and compact walkarounds from 4 to 6 metres
If fishing space, ease of movement, and a practical, uncluttered layout sit near the top of your boating wish list, it may be time to ‘console yourself’. Centre consoles, side consoles and compact walkarounds have long been favourites with serious anglers, but their appeal now extends well beyond the dedicated fisho. In the 4 to 6m trailerboat market, these open-plan designs can also make excellent dive boats, harbour runabouts, family day boats and general-purpose coastal craft.
Their common strength is efficient use of space. Instead of devoting a large part of the hull to a conventional cabin, they leave more of the boat available for people, equipment and fishing. The result is a versatile working platform for everything from soft-baiting in the shallows to diving, lure casting or chasing fish farther offshore when conditions allow.
The centre console is the purest expression of the idea. The helm station is positioned near the centreline, leaving a passage on either side and allowing anglers to move from bow to stern without climbing over seats or squeezing along narrow side decks. That freedom is particularly valuable when following a hooked fish around the boat, casting from different positions, handling a net or making room for several divers and their gear. On a well-designed centre console, almost the entire perimeter becomes usable fishing space.
A side console shifts the helm to one side, usually opening a wider uninterrupted walkway on the other. In smaller boats, particularly around 4–5m, this can be an excellent compromise. The console occupies less floor area, the skipper still gains a windscreen and a defined driving position, and passengers or fishing partners have an open route through the boat. It may not offer quite the same balanced, all-round access as a centre console, but it can make a modest hull feel remarkably spacious.
The compact walkaround takes the concept a step closer to a cabin boat. It retains forward access along both sides while adding a raised foredeck, cuddy, or enclosed space ahead of the helm. In the 5–6m bracket, that shelter may be modest, but it can provide dry storage, a place for children to get out of the weather, or, depending on the design, room for a portable toilet. For buyers who like the fishability of an open boat but are reluctant to surrender every trace of shelter, the walkaround can offer a useful middle ground.
No one layout is automatically better than another. A lure angler working sheltered bays may favour a centre console with large casting decks. A diver may value clear floor space, high internal freeboard and a good boarding ladder. A family may prefer extra seating, a bimini or T-top, good storage and the partial shelter of a walkaround. In a small boat, every feature takes up valuable space, so focus on equipment you will genuinely use.
Weather protection is the most obvious trade-off. A console windscreen protects the skipper to a degree, while a bimini or T-top can provide shade, mounting points and support for clears. However, extra structure can obstruct casting, add windage and increase weight. Buyers need to decide whether openness or protection matters most in their normal boating conditions.
Size matters too, and the difference between a 4m and a 6m boat is substantial. At the smaller end, low towing weight, home storage, easy beach launching and economical horsepower make ownership accessible, but payload, freeboard, storage and rough-water ability are obviously more limited. As length and beam increase, you get room for a larger console, better seating, more fuel, bigger electronics, and additional safety equipment. The boat will usually feel more settled in a chop, but it will also require a more capable tow vehicle, a larger engine and a bigger budget. Length alone does not determine seaworthiness: hull shape, deadrise, beam, weight distribution, construction, freeboard and driver judgment all count.
Construction adds another layer to the decision. Aluminium dominates much of the local small-boat market and lends itself particularly well to console layouts. It is relatively light, tough and highly adaptable, allowing builders to offer different console positions, seating arrangements and storage solutions without creating an entirely new mould. An alloy boat may require less horsepower than a heavier equivalent, but it is not maintenance-free. Painted surfaces, electrical isolation, fittings and areas where salt and moisture can collect all deserve regular attention.
GRP, or fibreglass, brings its own advantages. Moulded construction allows flowing shapes, practical internal liners and a refined finish, while the additional mass can contribute to a softer, quieter feel on the water. Fibreglass still needs washing, polishing and sensible care. For some buyers, its finish and ride will outweigh the extra towing weight; for others, aluminium’s rugged practicality will win.
Rotomolded polyethylene has also established a firm place in the smaller end of the market. Its colour runs through the material, so knocks and scratches tend to be less conspicuous, and its resilience suits boats that may see beaches, ramps, pontoons and hard everyday use. Polyethylene hulls can be heavier than comparable alloy boats and offer fewer opportunities for later structural alteration. Still, their durability and low-fuss nature appeal to first-time owners, fishers, and commercial users alike.
Whatever the material, attention should focus on the complete boat rather than the badge or hull alone. Check that there is safe passage around the console, useful handholds, secure seating and enough internal freeboard. Consider where rods, batteries, fuel, anchors, chilly bins, tackle and safety gear will live. Make sure the helm accommodates the electronics you want without obstructing visibility, and consider drainage, boarding access and weight distribution. Then consider the package: engine, trailer, towing requirements, warranty, dealer support and the realistic on-water price.
The following listings bring together centre consoles, side consoles and compact walkarounds from 4 to 6m in aluminium, GRP and polyethylene. They demonstrate just how much variety exists within a seemingly simple category. Some are stripped-back fishing tools; others add polish, protection and family-friendly comfort. All, however, are built around the same basic promise: a very usable boat with fewer barriers and the freedom to work your way around the deck. We now take a look at some of the leading manufacturers and what models they offer.
ALUMINIUM
FREWZA BOATS
Invercargill-based Frewza Boats has developed a strong following for its rugged aluminium boats, with a range designed around practical use, easy handling and plenty of fishing space. The company’s smaller console models are particularly well suited to anglers wanting a simple, capable boat that is easy to tow, launch and customise.
The F14 Sport Console measures 4.4m overall and uses a side-console layout to maximise open deck space. Built from marine-grade aluminium, it carries four adults and is recommended with 40hp, making it a compact option for fishing, diving and general recreational use.
Stepping up, the F15 Sport Console measures 4.85m with a 1.9m beam. Its side-console configuration leaves room to move around the boat, while 4mm hull construction and recommended power of 40–60hp give it extra capability for coastal use.
At 5.15m, the F16 Centre Console offers the most space of the three, with 360-degree access, a 2.0m beam and seating for up to five adults. Recommended power is 60–80hp, while standard features include a removable bait table, padded Icey Tek bin seats and generous storage.
MCLAY BOATS
Otago-based McLay Boats has long been recognised for building robust aluminium boats designed to handle demanding New Zealand conditions. Known for strong construction, practical layouts and a focus on safety and usability, McLay offers a wide range of trailer boats for fishing, family boating and offshore use.
In the mid-sized console market, they have 7 models called Fortress. They deliver a spacious, versatile platform in a manageable package., The wide beam creates extra internal room and stability, giving anglers more working space around the cockpit while retaining the easy handling and towability expected in this size range.
The console layout keeps the deck open and uncluttered, making the Fortress range particularly well suited to fishing, diving and active family use. High sides, generous freeboard and McLay’s solid aluminium construction add confidence when conditions become less settled, while the open layout allows easy movement around the boat.
For buyers wanting a compact alloy console boats with plenty of usable space and a reputation for tough, straightforward construction, the Fortress is a practical option with strong New Zealand credentials.
EXTREME BOATS
Whakatāne-based Extreme Boats has built an enviable reputation as one of New Zealand’s leading aluminium boat manufacturers, with its range recognised for strong construction, excellent handling and clever use of space. Its console models are particularly well suited to anglers wanting an open, practical layout with plenty of room to move.
The 545 Side Console measures 5.55m and is designed with serious inshore lure fishing in mind. The side-console configuration leaves the deck largely open and uncluttered, providing maximum fishing room and easy movement around the boat. It has a 2.10m beam, 100-litre fuel capacity and is rated for up to four people, with recommended power from 70hp to 115hp.
Sharing the same 5.55m hull, the 545 Centre Console offers excellent all-round access and plenty of usable fishing space while remaining easy to tow and handle. It also carries 100 litres of fuel and suits 70–115hp outboards.
Stepping up, the 605 Centre Console measures 6.07m and offers significantly more fishing room and dry storage. With a 2.34m beam, 150-litre fuel tank and recommended power of 115–150hp, it is a capable option for anglers venturing further offshore.
PROLINE ALLOY BOATS
Proline Alloy was established by Extreme Boats to offer anglers and family boaties a more affordable entry into a capable, New Zealand-built aluminium boat. While the range carries its own identity, Proline boats are manufactured in the same Extreme Boats factory, with the same emphasis on solid construction and practical design.
In the mid-sized console category, the Proline Alloy 1860 SC is a 5.7m side-console model aimed squarely at anglers who want plenty of open working space. With a 2.0m beam, 5mm hull and 17-degree deadrise, it is designed to be predictable and easy to drive, while a fine entry and large chines help provide a soft, dry ride. Recommended power is 70–115hp.
The side-console layout leaves the cockpit open for lure casting and general fishing, while the forward casting deck includes underfloor storage and six rod holders. Standard features also include cockpit storage shelves, a large underfloor buoyancy chamber, transom storage with a fold-down seat and twin 45-litre tote tanks. It is a straightforward, practical fishing platform designed to deliver capability without unnecessary complication.
FLYFIN BOATS
Papamoa-based Flyfin Boats builds premium aluminium fishing boats designed and manufactured in New Zealand for local conditions. The company places a strong emphasis on practical layouts, durability, and clean engineering. Their Sport Open range is aimed at anglers and families who want an easy-to-tow boat with plenty of usable deck space, while their Hardtop range steps up to greater weather protection and offshore capability.
In the 4m–6m category, Flyfin offers the 1700 and 1900 from their Sport Open range, alongside the 2050 from their Hardtop range, with side-console and centre-console configurations available. The 1700 is the compact entry into the Sport Open range, offering an easy-to-tow, easy-to-launch fishing platform with an uncluttered layout and good all-round access.
At 5.75m, the 1900 is the largest of the Sport Open models and offers greater offshore capability. It is available as a centre console or side console and features a 2.25m beam, 17-degree deadrise, 115-litre fuel tank and recommended power from 90hp to 150hp. Its centre-console layout provides 360-degree fishability, while the side console opens up additional bow space for casting and general family use.
The 2050 is one of their most popular models, and it’s easy to see why. Its generous beam creates a wide, uncluttered cockpit that gives families and fishermen alike the room to properly enjoy a day on the water — whether that’s rigging lines off the back or just spreading out for the ride. Despite that extra volume, it remains a genuine offshore performer, handling open water with confidence, while staying easy to tow, launch and store at home between trips. It’s the entry point into the Flyfin Hardtop range for buyers who want more capability without stepping up in size.
OSPREY BOATS
Nelson-based Osprey Boats has built a strong reputation for producing rugged aluminium pontoon boats designed around stability, safety and practical use. Constructed from marine-grade aluminium, the console range is aimed squarely at anglers and divers who want maximum deck space and the ability to move easily around the boat.
The 420 Side Console is the compact entry point, measuring 4.35m overall and offering a simple, open layout with a casting platform, rod storage and recommended power of 30hp. Stepping up, the 465 and 515 are both available in side- or centre-console configurations, giving buyers the choice between maximum open deck space or full walk-around fishability. The 465 measures 5.05m overall, while the 515 stretches to 5.62m and adds more storage and fishing room.
FIN CHASER
Fin Chaser Boats has built its range around practical aluminium fishing boats designed to maximise usable space, stability and ease of handling. Features such as the company’s extended gunwales, positive buoyancy systems and passive live bait tanks reflect a strong fishing focus, while the centre-console layouts provide excellent access around the boat.
The 465 Centre Console measures 4.65m and is a compact all-rounder based on Fin Chaser’s popular 465 hull. With a 2.0m beam, casting platform and 360-degree fishability, it offers plenty of working room without the size and running costs of a larger boat. Standard inclusions add to the value, with a bilge pump, anchor, warp and chain, 55-litre Icey-Tek chilly bin, boarding platform and one-step ladder included in the package.
Stepping up, the 535 Centre Console provides more room and capability while retaining easy handling. High gunwales, foam buoyancy and a stable hull make it equally suited to inshore fishing or heading further afield. Its standard equipment includes a bilge pump, anchor, warp and chain, 55-litre Icey-Tek chilly bin, boarding platform and one-step ladder.
At 5.6m, the 560 Centre Console is the most serious fishing platform of the trio, offering 360-degree access, generous storage and fold-away seating. A flooding ballast system enhances stability at rest, while the extended gunwales and forward ballast arrangement are designed to improve ride comfort in rougher conditions. Standard inclusions step up accordingly, with twin bilge pumps, anchor, warp and chain, a 110-litre underfloor fuel tank, boarding platform with two-step ladder, T-top with canvas, and navigation and anchor lights.
DNA BOATS
Nelson-based DNA Boats is a New Zealand family-owned manufacturer known for building tough, practical aluminium boats designed for local conditions. Across its range, DNA focuses on safety, stability, and usable space, with its tapered pontoon hull designs delivering a soft, dry ride while retaining excellent stability.
For buyers looking at mid-sized centre consoles, DNA offers three models between 4.6 and 5.7 metres. The 450CC is the compact option at 4.6m, offering an easily managed fishing platform with good deck space, high sides and practical storage. Recommended power is 40hp, with a maximum of 60hp. The 500CCX measures 5.02m and adds more cockpit space while remaining easy to launch and retrieve. Its X-Series hull, full flat floor and generous internal beam make it a versatile option for fishing and family use, with power from 75hp to 100hp. At the top of the range, the 570CC-X measures 5.7m and is aimed at more serious coastal fishing. It features a forward casting platform, wide gunwales, high sides, ample storage and a 115-litre underfloor fuel tank, with power from 115hp to 150hp.
DREADNORT BOATS
Dreadnort Boats brings a distinctive approach to aluminium boat design, combining naval architecture with practical fabrication to create tough, highly capable boats for New Zealand conditions. The brand was developed through a collaboration between naval architect Blair Lewis and shipwright Stuart Dawe, with an emphasis on strong construction, generous internal volume and hull designs that maximise waterline length, deck space and ride quality.
Dreadnort offers an extensive range of compact aluminium models across the 4m–6m category, including the D4000 CC, V4000 SC, 4 x 2 Dive Cat SC, V4250 CC, V4500 CC, V5000 WA and V5500 CC. This gives buyers a choice of centre-console, side-console, walkaround and specialist configurations depending on how they intend to use the boat. For smaller boats, Dreadnort recommends considering a side-console layout where appropriate. Moving the console to one side can make more efficient use of the available deck space, while also allowing the skipper and passenger to sit side by side when underway. This makes conversation and communication easier and can create a more sociable, practical layout for everyday boating.
For buyers wanting the open access and fishing flexibility of a centre console, models such as the D4000 CC, V4250 CC, V4500 CC and V5500 CC provide clear movement around the boat and plenty of usable working space. The larger V5500 CC also benefits from Dreadnort’s distinctive vertical or plumb bow, helping maximise waterline length and interior volume while its fine entry is designed to cut cleanly through chop. The range is rounded out by the V5000 WA walkaround and the specialist 4 x 2 Dive Cat SC, giving Dreadnort a particularly varied line-up for fishing, diving, exploring and general recreational boating.
INNOVISION BOATS
Innovision Boats has built a strong reputation for distinctive New Zealand-made aluminium boats, combining innovative hull design with high-quality construction, generous internal volume and a strong focus on fishing and recreational versatility. Central to the range is Innovision’s signature plumb-bow hull, designed to increase waterline length, provide a fine entry and maximise usable space within the boat.
In the mid-sized console range, Innovision is represented by the IV515 Active, IV555 Active, IV585 Active and IV615 Active, along with the IV616 Venture. The Active range is designed around maximising deck space, with full walk-around layouts giving anglers easy access from bow to stern. The range also incorporates an integral buoyancy ring around the upper hull, adding reserve buoyancy in the event of severe swamping.
At the larger end, the IV616 Venture takes the concept further by blending centre-console-style fishability with greater weather protection and genuine overnight capability. Its walk-around layout, elevated forward casting deck and 1.9m V-berth cabin make it particularly versatile for anglers wanting more comfort without sacrificing usable fishing space.
Across the range, Innovision places considerable emphasis on customisation, allowing owners to tailor layouts and equipment to suit fishing, diving and family boating requirements.
OCEANPRO BOATS
Pauanui-based Oceanpro Boats specialises in New Zealand-built aluminium pontoon boats designed around safety, stability and capable performance in local conditions. The company is owned and operated by founder Mike Bush, a University of Auckland mechanical engineering graduate whose background includes designing RIB Coastguard vessels in New Zealand and later working in the United States on superyacht tenders, military craft and commercial boats.
For this mid-sized console feature, Oceanpro is represented by the 480, 535 and 580. Across the range, the emphasis is firmly on practical fishing layouts, generous usable deck space and the security of pontoon construction. Oceanpro’s hulls use a fine-entry design intended to provide a softer ride, while construction incorporates 5083 marine-grade aluminium, full-height longitudinal framing and multiple cross frames. Reserve buoyancy is provided through separate sealed and pressure-tested chambers.
The 535 Centre Console demonstrates the brand’s fishing-focused approach particularly well, with a full-width raised forward casting platform and walk-around centre-console layout providing plenty of room for anglers to work around the boat. Its hull features a 55-degree entry, 17-degree transom deadrise and a wide range of optional equipment, allowing owners to tailor the boat for everything from softbaiting and lure fishing through to offshore adventures. With the 480, 535 and larger 580, Oceanpro offers a useful progression of console boats for buyers wanting a rugged, highly fishable pontoon platform with a strong New Zealand pedigree.
PROFILE BOATS
Napier-built Profile Boats are well known for their aluminium chambered-hull designs, developed with an emphasis on safety, stability and offshore capability. Originally conceived for safer beach launching, the range has evolved to cover everything from family boating through to serious fishing, diving and commercial use.
For this mid-sized console category, the 585 CC is Profile’s specialist fishing option. Measuring 5.85m with a 2.14m beam, it features a full walk-around centre-console layout that maximises usable deck space and gives anglers excellent access around the entire boat. A large raised forward casting platform provides plenty of room for lure, fly and soft-bait fishing, while the open cockpit layout suits a wide range of fishing styles. When first released at the Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show, the 585 CC made an immediate impression, taking out the prestigious Overall Boat of the Show award.
The multi-chambered pontoon construction contributes to strong stability and inherent buoyancy, while a 5mm hull, 17-degree transom deadrise and maximum rating of 135hp give the 585 CC the credentials for more adventurous coastal use. Rated for up to six adults, it strikes a useful balance between manageable size, fishing space and offshore capability.
SENATOR BOATS
Napier-based Senator Boats has built a strong reputation for producing tough aluminium boats designed for New Zealand conditions. Founded in 1997, the company is best known for its chambered hull designs, which combine positive buoyancy, stability, and solid offshore capability with practical layouts for fishing and family boating.
In the mid-sized console category, the 570 CC offers a versatile platform for anglers who want open deck space and easy movement around the boat. The centre-console arrangement provides excellent fore-and-aft access, making it well suited to lure fishing, bait fishing and diving, while still leaving plenty of usable room for general recreational boating. The 570 CC carries the same practical design approach seen throughout the Senator range, with high sides, substantial alloy construction and a hull built to inspire confidence in less-than-perfect conditions. Its size makes it manageable to tow, launch and retrieve, while offering a noticeable step up in space and capability from smaller console boats.
For buyers after a robust New Zealand-built centre console with strong offshore credentials and a fishing-focused layout, the Senator 570 CC is a capable all-rounder.
STABICRAFT
Invercargill-based Stabicraft has built an international reputation for tough aluminium boats, using its distinctive Life Ring Protection system with sealed buoyancy chambers designed to deliver stability, safety, and confidence on the water. For buyers looking at compact console boats, the 1450 Frontier SC and 1550 Frontier SC bring that proven formula into highly practical sub-5m packages.
The 1450 Frontier SC measures 4.42m and uses a side-console layout to keep the deck open and uncluttered. With a 1.90m beam, 4mm hull, 15-degree deadrise and recommended power of 40–50hp, it is easy to tow and launch while still offering excellent stability and useful fishing space. A raised console, high sides and generous storage make it a capable option for fishing, diving and family adventures.
Stepping up, the 1550 Frontier SC measures 4.77m with a 2.05m beam and offers more room with greater carrying capacity. Rated for up to five people and 50–75hp, it also features a 60-litre fuel tank and nearly 1,000 litres of sealed chamber volume, giving it strong all-round credentials for coastal fishing and general recreational use.
RIGID INFLATABLE BOATS
FAMILY BOATS
Auckland-based Family Boats represents a broad mix of well-known boat brands, giving buyers plenty of choice across fibreglass, aluminium and RIB designs. Within the 4–6m console category, its line-up includes models from BRIG and Lazercraft, covering everything from stylish family day boats through to practical fishing and recreational platforms.
From BRIG, the Eagle 4 CC and Eagle 5 CC bring a more refined approach to the RIB market. Both combine deep-V fibreglass hulls with inflatable tubes and centre-console layouts, making them well suited to family boating, watersports and tender duties. The larger Eagle 5 offers additional space and capability while still remaining compact and easy to manage.
For buyers preferring aluminium, the Lazercraft 580 CC provides a robust centre-console option with plenty of usable cockpit space for fishing, diving and general coastal boating. Lazercraft is part of Southern Boats and is known for combining aluminium hull construction with practical layouts aimed at New Zealand conditions.
Family Boats gives buyers in this size range the opportunity to compare luxury-oriented RIBs, hardworking recreational inflatables and aluminium centre consoles under one roof.
HIGHFIELD BOATS
Highfield Boats is one of the world’s best-known manufacturers of aluminium-hulled RIBs, with a broad range covering everything from lightweight tenders through to recreational, commercial and patrol craft. In New Zealand, Auckland-based Aakron Xpress officially imports and distributes Highfield, with dealers across the country. Australia is handled separately through Highfield Boats Australia.
For the 4–6m console category, Highfield offers an extensive selection. The Classic 420 and 460, available with the SDS 500 console setup, provide a practical step up from traditional tender configurations, combining lightweight aluminium hull construction with an easy-to-manage layout. The Sport 420, 460, 520 and 560 models take a more recreational approach, with greater emphasis on comfort, styling and family use. Their console layouts, seating and storage make them well suited to cruising, watersports and general day boating while retaining the stability and durability associated with a RIB.
For buyers wanting something more purposeful, the Patrol 420, 460, 500 and 540, along with the 540 Coaster, offer tougher, more open layouts suited to fishing, diving and commercial-style use. Highfield describes its boats as dry-riding, seaworthy and heavily built, with aluminium construction also helping keep weight manageable for towing and launching. With so many models between 4m and 6m, Highfield has one of the broadest RIB offerings in this category, ranging from compact recreational boats through to more serious offshore-capable console craft.
SMUGGLER MARINE
Auckland-based Smuggler Marine has built a strong reputation for producing premium fibreglass RIBs, with its Strata range offering everything from compact yacht tenders through to serious recreational and offshore boats. Designed and manufactured in New Zealand, the Strata models are known for their deep-V hulls, quality finish and extensive customisation options, allowing owners to tailor consoles, seating, colours and equipment to suit fishing, diving, family boating or tender duties.
Within the 4–6m console category, Smuggler offers an impressive selection. The Strata 470/490 Tender CC and 520/550/580 Tender CC ranges combine lightweight construction with a 23-degree deep-V fibreglass hull and Orca Hypalon tubes, and can be configured with different console and seating arrangements. The tender models also incorporate lifting points and can be customised to suit a yacht’s tender garage or storage requirements.
A recent addition to the range is the Strata Viking series. Available in three sizes: 380, 410 and 430, the Viking is an ideal compact tender for owners with limited deck space or lower-capacity davits, with models weighing between 390 and 430kg.
For recreational use, the Strata 490/520 provides a versatile platform for fishing, diving, watersports and family days on the water, with engine options from 40–60hp and capacity for up to six people. The larger Strata 550/580 extends that same formula into a more capable package, rated for 80–115hp and carrying 90 litres of fuel. Across the range, Smuggler’s combination of a fibreglass deep-V hull, inflatable-tube stability and highly configurable layouts makes the Strata series an appealing option for buyers wanting a versatile mid-sized console RIB with a distinctly premium finish.
BUCCANEER BOATS
Waikato-based Buccaneer Boats is one of New Zealand’s best-known fibreglass boat manufacturers, with decades of experience building boats for Kiwi fishing, family boating and watersports. Alongside its traditional runabouts, cabin boats and hardtops, Buccaneer also offers the Enforcer RIB range, combining the company’s proven fibreglass hull design with inflatable tubes to create a stable and versatile boating platform.
For the 4–6m console category, the Buccaneer 550 Enforcer is the standout model. At 5.50m overall with a 2.50m beam, it uses a 21-degree deep-V fibreglass hull and is designed to provide predictable handling along with excellent stability at rest. Its centre-console layout leaves good access around both sides of the console, making it particularly practical for fishing, diving and active family boating.
Standard equipment includes hydraulic steering, a 95-litre underfloor alloy fuel tank, twin flip-back seats, stainless-steel rod holders, a ski pole, boarding ladder and Ultralon U-Dek flooring. The 550 Enforcer is rated for outboards up to 130hp, while its approximately 1140kg road weight and single-axle trailer help keep it manageable for towing and launching.
With its open layout, RIB stability and proven Buccaneer hull underneath, the 550 Enforcer is a genuine multi-purpose Kiwi boat equally suited to fishing, diving, watersports, tender duties or simply exploring the coast.
GRAND BOATS
Australian-based Grand Boats Australia offers a premium range of rigid inflatable boats designed for family boating, watersports and coastal adventures. The brand combines fibreglass deep-V hulls with inflatable tubes, generous seating and a strong emphasis on comfort and finish, with its mid-sized models remaining easily trailerable and practical for everyday use.
Within this size category, the Grand G580 is one of the brand’s most popular family RIBs. Measuring 5.85m overall, it features a centre-console layout, a 2.45m beam and seating for up to 11 people. Rated for outboards up to 150hp, the G580 is aimed at buyers wanting a versatile boat for cruising, watersports and relaxed days on the water, with comfortable seating positioned throughout the boat.
Sitting just over the six-metre mark at 6.1m, the Grand D600 takes a more performance-focused approach. Developed in conjunction with Swedish powerboat specialists Mannerfelt Design Team, its sharp-entry deep-V hull is designed for confident handling in more demanding conditions. The D600 is rated for up to 150hp and can accommodate up to 12 passengers, making it equally suited to family use, watersports and adventure boating. Together, the G580 and D600 give buyers two distinct choices: the comfort-oriented G580 and the sportier, more performance-driven D600.
TAKACAT
Takacat has built a reputation for innovative catamaran hull designs, and its Predator series of rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) combines stability, efficiency and versatility in a practical package. The 5.4m Predator T540P stands out in the mid-sized centre console market, offering generous deck space and impressive on-water performance.
At the heart of the T540P is the Predator’s patented stepped-tunnel catamaran hull, developed over more than 30 years of catamaran design. The unique hull creates an air-cushion effect at lower speeds, helping the boat rise quickly onto the plane while reducing drag and improving efficiency. Its twin-hull configuration provides excellent stability, both underway and at rest, making it particularly appealing to anglers and divers.
Unlike many conventional catamarans, the Predator banks into turns much like a monohull, delivering responsive handling while retaining the benefits of a wide, stable platform.
Constructed with a durable GRP hull and Hypalon inflatable tubes, the T540P features a centre console layout with forward passenger seating and generous working deck space. Its substantial internal beam offers more usable space than many comparable monohulls, while its shallow draft allows access to sheltered bays and coastal shallows.
The Predator range includes six models from 5.1m to 7.5m, with customisable deck layouts for recreational or commercial use.
OC TENDERS
New Zealand-built OC Tenders has earned a strong reputation for lightweight, efficient tenders that make the most of usable space and are easy to handle and stow. Since it was established in 2015 the company has built more than 1,000 tenders, which now serve owners in New Zealand and overseas. Its tenders started out popular with cruising sailors, and a growing number now ride on the swim platforms, decks and davits of motor yachts.
The OC400 Console HC pairs the carrying capacity of OC Tenders’ largest model with the convenience of remote steering. The recently introduced HC configuration adds a side-arm console, steering wheel and cables, and the control cables run neatly through the inner deck. A cushioned bench seat is standard, and removable individual seats are available as an option.
The OC400 is built in full carbon and suits larger vessels where passengers, provisions and equipment have to get ashore. Its hull has generous internal volume without inflatable pontoons. That means nothing to deflate, patch or replace, and it is a natural fit for hydraulic swim platforms, decks and davits . The hull weighs just 78 kg. Fully rigged with a 20hp four-stroke, electric start and power tilt, the package comes in at around 135 kg, well within the limits of most hydraulic platforms and davits.. The HC layout gives a more comfortable/conventional driving position and keeps the practicality, stability and low weight OC Tenders is known for.”
POLYETHYLENE
FATCAT BOATS
New Zealand-built FatCat Boats takes a different approach to the small trailer-boat market, producing wide-bodied catamarans from tough rotomoulded polymer rather than aluminium or fibreglass. Founded in 2018 by Blair McLay and Roger Tweddell, the concept grew from McLay’s earlier prototype work and a desire to create a small boat that offered greater stability, space and safety than a conventional monohull of similar length.
The range centres around two models, the FatCat 4000 and FatCat 4500. Despite its name, the 4000 measures 3.8m long with a generous 2.0m beam, creating an unusually large amount of usable cockpit space for its size. It weighs around 240kg as a bare hull, is rated for 15-40 hp, and can be configured with a console or more open layout to suit fishing, diving, leisure boating or commercial duties.
The larger FatCat 4500 measures 4.6m long and 2.05m wide, with a hull weight of around 370kg and an engine range of 40–75hp. Multiple layout options, including centre and twin-console configurations, let owners tailor the boat for family cruising, fishing, or more specialised use.
Both models capitalise on the inherent stability of a catamaran hull, while their polymer construction is durable, low-maintenance and well suited to hard everyday use. With shallow draft, easy launching and plenty of deck space, FatCat offers something quite distinctive in the 4–6m console market.
GRP
SEAFORCE
New Zealand-built Seaforce Boats has a long-standing reputation for producing practical fibreglass trailer boats designed around fishing, family use and coastal boating. The brand combines traditional fibreglass construction with functional layouts, generous internal space and hull designs aimed at delivering a comfortable ride in typical New Zealand conditions.
In the 4–6m console category, Seaforce is represented by the 530 Skipa, a compact centre-console model with a particularly distinctive point of difference. The 530 Skipa is the only fibreglass pontoon boat currently on the market, combining the inherent stability and security associated with pontoon-style hull design with the finish and construction qualities of fibreglass.
At around 5.3m, the Skipa makes excellent use of its available deck space. Its open centre-console layout allows easy movement around the boat, making it particularly well suited to fishing, diving and active recreational use. The console provides good visibility from the helm while retaining useful working space both forward and aft.
Storage, seating and fishing features can be configured to suit individual requirements, giving owners flexibility depending on whether the boat is primarily used for lure fishing, bait fishing, diving or general family boating.
With its manageable size, straightforward trailerability and unusual combination of fibreglass construction and pontoon-style design, the Seaforce 530 Skipa offers something genuinely different in this market. For buyers wanting the stability and practicality of a pontoon boat without moving to aluminium construction, it presents a distinctive Kiwi-built alternative.
| ALUMINIUM | Model/s | LOA | Beam | Rec Power | Priced From (Boat, Trailer and Motor) |
| DNA Boats | 450 CC | 4.60M | 1.84M | 40 HP | POA |
| 500 CCX | 5.02M | 2.05M | 75 HP | POA | |
| 570 CC-X | 5.70M | 2.27M | 115 HP | POA | |
| Dreadnort | D4000 CC | 4.00M | 1.78M | 60 HP | POA |
| V4000 SC | 4.00M | 1.78M | 60 HP | POA | |
| 4 x 2 Dive Cat SC | 4.00M | 2.00M | 60 HP | POA | |
| V4250 CC | 4.25M | 1.88M | 60 HP | POA | |
| V4500 CC | 4.50M | 2.00M | 70 HP | POA | |
| V5000 WA | 5.27M | 2.21M | 115 HP | POA | |
| V5500 CC | 6.15M | 2.40M | 150 HP | POA | |
| Extreme | 545 Side Console | 5.55M | 2.10M | 70 – 115 HP | $84,999 |
| 545 Centre Console | 5.55M | 2.10M | 70 – 115 HP | $84,999 | |
| 605 Centre Console | 6.07M | 2.34M | 115 – 150 HP | $124,999 | |
| Fin Chaser | 465 Centre Console | 4.65M | 2.0M | 40 – 60 HP | $41,995 |
| 535 Centre Console | 5.35M | 2.05M | 60 – 90 HP | $49,995 | |
| 560 Centre Console | 5.70M | 2.25M | 90 – 115 HP | $74,995 | |
| Flyfin | 1600 Side & Centre Console & Walkthrough | 4.90M | 1.99M | 40 – 75 HP | $53,561 |
| 1700 Side & Centre Console | 5.20M | 2.13M | 60 – 100 HP | $69,061 | |
| 1900 Side & Centre Console | 5.75M | 2.25M | 90 – 150 HP | $99,978 | |
| Frewza | F14 Sport Console | 4.40M | 1.75M | 40 HP | $32,000 |
| F15 Sport Console | 4.85M | 1.90M | 40 – 60 HP | $39,730 | |
| F16 Centre Console | 5.15M | 2.00M | 60 – 80 HP | $41,980 | |
| F17 Sport Console | 5.50M | 2.06M | 80 – 115 HP | $52,580 | |
| F18 Sport Console | 5.90M | 2.25M | 90 – 140 HP | $55,420 | |
| Future Boats | Future 550 | 5.60M | 2.33M | 115 HP | $82,598 |
| Innovision | IV515 Active | 5.25M | 2.35M | 90 – 130 HP | POA |
| IV555 Active | 5.56M | 2.30M | 150 HP | POA | |
| IV585 Active | 5.95M | 2.35M | 150 – 200 HP | POA | |
| IV615 Active | 6.25M | 2.45M | 175 – 250 HP | POA | |
| IV616 Venture | 6.25M | 2.45M | 175 – 250 HP | POA | |
| Kingfisher | 450 Centre & Side Console | 4.50M | 2.07M | 60 HP | POA |
| 510 Centre Console | 5.10M | 2.33M | 115 HP | POA | |
| McLay Boats | 461 Fortress Side Console | 4.60M | 2.00M | 70 HP | POA |
| 491 Fortress Side or Centre Console | 4.90M | 2.20M | 90 HP | POA | |
| 531 Fortress Side or Centre Console | 5.30M | 2.20M | 115 HP | POA | |
| 591 Fortress Side or Centre Console | 5.95M | 2.20M | `150 HP | POA | |
| Oceanpro | 480 | 4.99 | 2.06 | 50 – 70 HP | $51,000 |
| 535 | 5.42 | 2.15 | 70 – 100 HP | $59,800 | |
| 580 | 6.14 | 2.27 | 115 -150 HP | $89,600 | |
| Osprey | 420 Side Console | 4.35M | 1.85M | 40 HP | $34,748 |
| 465 Side and Centre Console | 5.05M | 2.03M | 50 – 60 HP | $45,299 | |
| 515 Side and Centre Console | 5.62M | 2.13M | 75 HP | $54,556 | |
| Profile Boats | 585CC | 6.10M | 2.14M | 90 – 135 HP | $86,131 |
| Proline Alloy | 1860 Side Console | 5.70M | 2.00M | 70 – 115 HP | $69,999 |
| Purekraft | 560 CC | 5.80M | 2.18M | 100 – 150 HP | POA |
| 600 CC | 6.15M | 2.33M | 100 – 225 HP | POA | |
| Senator | 500 SC | 5.20M | 2.00M | 100 HP | POA |
| 570 CC | 5.90M | 2.20M | 150 HP | POA | |
| Stabicraft | 1450 Frontier SC | 4.42M | 1.90M | 40 – 50 HP | $39,545 |
| 1550 Frontier SC | 4.77M | 2.05M | 50 – 75 HP | $52,885 | |
| Surtees | 495 Pro Fisher | 4.95M | 2.10M | 30 – 75 HP | $56,439 |
| 540 Pro Fisher | 5.40M | 2.19M | 80 – 115 HP | $73,664 | |
| 575 Pro Fisher | 5.75M | 2.15M | 70 – 115 HP | $78,964 | |
| RIB | Model/s | LOA | Beam | Rec Power | Priced From (Boat, Trailer and Motor) |
| Buccaneer | 550 Enforcer | 6.80M | 2.50M | 90 – 115 HP | $99,000 |
| Family Boats | Brig Eagle 4 CC | 4.00M | 1.95M | 40 HP | POA |
| Brig Eagle 5 CC | 4.95M | 2.30M | 100 HP | POA | |
| Lazercraft 580 CC | 5.80M | 2.25M | 100 – 130 HP | POA | |
| Grand Boats | G580 | 5.80 M | 2.45M | 115 HP | $103,500 |
| D600 | 6.12M | 2.50M | 150 HP | $120,000 | |
| Highfield | Classic 420 – SDS 500 | 4.21M | 2.10M | 60 HP | $43,999 |
| Classic 460 – SDS 500 | 4.59M | 2.11M | 70 HP | $46,999 | |
| Sport 420 | 4.24M | 2.05M | 70 HP | $46,999 | |
| Sport 460 | 4.60M | 2.09M | 70 HP | $48,999 | |
| Sport 520 | 5.15M | 2.46M | 115 HP | $72,999 | |
| Sport 560 | 5.86M | 2.50M | 115 HP | $86,999 | |
| Patrol 420 | 4.21M | 2.10M | 60 HP | $42,999 | |
| Patrol 460 | 4.59M | 2.11M | 70HP | $45,999 | |
| Patrol 500 | 5.10M | 2.23M | 100 HP | $56,999 | |
| Patrol 540 and 540 Coaster | 5.45M | 2.51M | 115 HP | $65,999 | |
| OC Tenders | OC400 Console HC Model | 3.91M | 1.72M | 20 HP | $42,000 (not incl trailer) |
| Smuggler | Viking 380/410/430 Tender CC | 3.8 – 4.3M | 1.98M | 40 – 70 HP | $61,000 |
| Strata 470/490 Tender CC | 4.7 – 4.9M | 2.40M | 40 – 90 HP | $84,000 | |
| Strata 520/550/580 Tender CC | 5.2 – 5.8M | 2.40M | 40 – 90 HP | $87,500 | |
| Strata 490/520 Recreational RIB | 4.9 – 5.2M | 2.40M | 40 – 60 HP | $51,800 | |
| Strata 550/580 Recreational RIB | 5.5 – 5.8M | 2.40M | 80 – 115 HP | $58,600 | |
| POLYETHYLENE | Model/s | LOA | Beam | Rec Power | Priced From (Boat, Trailer and Motor) |
| Fatcat | Fatcat 4000 | 3.80M | 2.0M | 40 HP | $29,185 |
| Fatcat 4500 | 4.60M | 2.05M | 50 – 75 HP | $41,385 | |
| Fatcat 4500 Double Console | 4.60M | 2.05M | 50 – 75 HP | $43,885 | |
| GRP | Model/s | LOA | Beam | Rec Power | Priced From (Boat, Trailer and Motor) |
| Fi Glass | Ski Angler – 475 Centre Console | 4.75M | 2.00M | 40 – 75 HP | $38,560 |
| Seaforce | 530 Skipa | 5.65M | 2.30M | 90 HP | $64,995 |
