David Blair started Blair Boats with a vision to create bespoke vessels that stand the test of time. Over ten years, the company produced five custom boats ranging from a 35ft classic designs to 65ft light weight cruiser, racers. In 2006, Blair Boats relocated from Warkworth to Kerikeri, where David and his stepson, and current director, Laurie Jury, built 'Lucifer' an 8.5 meter racing trimaran. Since then Blair Boats have since specialized in refits and repairs for island cruising boats entering Opua, while also constructed notable new builds like the 55ft Elite design 'Loxleigh' and the 9m sailing catamaran 'Splice' designed by David Devillers.
If you're looking for experienced New Zealand boat builders who deliver exceptional quality and personalized service, contact Blair Boats. Let us help you bring your dream vessel to life.
Established in Warkworth in 1989 by David Blair, Blair Boats has been a cornerstone among New Zealand boat builders. With over three decades of experience, we have built a reputation for constructing high-quality, custom-built boats NZ enthusiasts love. Our commitment to excellence makes us one of the most trusted boat builders NZ has to offer.
Founder and director Dave Blair has been building boats since 1980s, Daves experience ranges from building classic wooden boats off hand drawn lines to designing and building a race winning ultra-light carbon fibre racing trimaran. Dave has personally built eight new boats, overseen may more as the foreman for Robertsons boat yard and refitted more vessels than he can remember.
Dave’s stepson Laurie Jury is the current Managing director. Laurie started working with Blair boats as teenager, along with senior boat builder Micheal Payne. Laurie has grown up with boat building, but also brings an in-depth knowledge of Yacht Racing as he was a professional sailor and coach for 15 years, coaching at the Olympic games and sailing on the World Match Racing tour.
Blair boats is family owned and operated business, the business is big enough to be able to get any job done in a reasonable time frame, yet small enough to ensure your job is a priority and offer the level of service required. Blair Boats employs four skilled boat builders and uses trusted sub-contractors for engineering and electrical work.
Blair boats has been operating since 1989, the business has been built on a great reputation. At Blair Boats we only used the best proven materials, employ and keep skilled staff members and have a long track record of satisfied clients. We believe in doing things once and doing them right. Boats build by us 40+ years ago have stood the test of time and a still all active today.
We have the facilities, knowhow, staff, skilled contractors and the ‘can do’ attitude to tackle the toughest jobs, we are the one stop shop for refits and newbuilds.
Given our inland location we have low overhead and can pass these savings on without any compromise on the standard of work. We are small/lean team of boat builders and don’t need big margins to cover support staff. Being family owned and operated we are not out to make large profit margins, rather focus on giving the highest standard of work at reasonable cost.
Now led by Laurie Jury, with David Blair as a mentor, our team comprises five skilled boat builders. We collaborate closely with trusted contractors in electrical, mechanical, engineering, and upholstery work. Our expertise in NZ built boats is unmatched, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques.
At Blair Boats, we offer a comprehensive range of services, including custom new builds, refits, repairs, repowers, repaints, modifications, extensions, composite hardtops, teak deck repair or replacement, and classic yacht restoration. Our commitment to using only the highest quality materials ensures that every project we undertake is completed to the highest standard.
Our facility in Oromahoe, just south of Kerikeri and 20 minutes from Opua Marina, is equipped to handle boats up to 16m long and 12m wide. We have a 300m² shed space and workshop, a separate covered multihull shelter (12m x 10m), and a monohull shelter accommodating vessels up to 10.5m. We also offer boat storage in our yard, and owners are welcome to work on their own boats.
Dedicated to exceptional service, we prioritize your satisfaction every step.
As a family-owned business, we bring personal care to every project we undertake.
Your comprehensive solution for refits - handling everything from repairs to upgrades.
