Pacific PowerBoat Magazine is excited to continue our series on the build process of the Bill Upfold-designed Elite 22M Flybridge Motor Yacht. Currently under construction at Weber Marine in Gulf Harbour, Auckland, this journey takes us from initial concept discussions with the owner to its on-water launch and culminates in a detailed review scheduled for late 2026.
The excitement is certainly building as the boat begins to take its true form, with each stage now delivering a dramatic visual transformation.
In a major milestone, the hull was moved out of shed 2 before the two 2.6-tonne MAN V12 engines and Kohler generator were carefully Hiabed into their permanent positions. The deck was then brought out of the Weber Marine shed and lowered into place, finally joining the two major sections of the boat.
Thanks to designer Bill Upfold’s precision-measured plans and the accuracy of the CNC-cut components, the process went remarkably smoothly. The newly assembled boat was then moved back into the Weber Marine shed as one, where the detailed work of fitting, connecting and commissioning the onboard systems could begin.
Hydraulic lines are now being installed, the fuel tanks have been pressure-tested to survey standards, and the team is working flat out on the interior fit-out.
Meanwhile, in the adjoining shed, the builders are completing the large lifting hatch for the tender garage, while the flybridge is underway and progressing well.
After many months of seeing the boat largely as individual components, it is incredibly exciting to finally see the scale, proportions and unmistakable profile of the finished vessel emerging.
The nervous marriage of the Hull and Deck.
The detailed work of fitting onboard systems and the interior begins.
