About

ABOUT KIWI KRAFT
Aluminium Pontoon Boats

Excellence in aluminium is Kiwi-Kraft's catchcry and regardless of which of the 17 models you purchase you will receive cutting edge design, first-class workmanship and attention to detail. This is what gives a Kiwi-Kraft boat the edge in safety, performance and styling. The Kiwi-Kraft story grew from one man's love of diving, fishing and hunting - his name is Rodney Harris. In 1988 Rodney saw a need for a safer, better performing aluminium boat. One that also appealed to the eye Kiwi-Kraft was born.

New Zealanders, or Kiwis as we often call ourselves, have a proud history of innovation and design on the water. From Ron Hamilton's river-taming jet boat in 1954, to Bruce Farr's KZ7 plastic fantastic America's Cup yacht in 1987 and on to Alan Gibbs' Aquada amphibious vehicle of 2003. It is little wonder then that if we mix that innovation with some of the world's most spectacular lakes and rugged coastlines that a Kiwi would design a better aluminium pontoon boat. That boat is Kiwi-Kraft.

Kiwi-Kraft boats allow families to enjoy the challenge of diving and fishing in the Southern Ocean, hunting on the shores of the freshwater lakes of Fiordland National Park or water sport activities on salt or fresh water. You will find Kiwi-Kraft boats on the water across New Zealand, Australia and the rest of the world. From the searing heat of Africa, the humidity of the Pacific Islands and the chilling cold of the Sub-antarctic Islands. In overseas markets we use the Aqualine name for our boats but the same Kiwi-Kraft ingenuity is infused in each and every item we sell.

Kiwi Kraft will never be a "mass production" company with each boat hand built by a team of 14 dedicated workers. This team environment ensures pride in the product and the results are clear to see. Kiwi-Kraft may be small in size but they are huge on service. In fact most days Rodney still answers the phone! He enjoys dealing one-to-one to ensure customer goals are met.

Last year Kiwi-Kraft helped numerous people into a new boat, this year they will produce around 200 boats. To those 200 proud owners and to the team at Kiwi-Kraft producing a world-class boat is everything. Have a good, long look at a Kiwi-Kraft and you will be hooked. In fact get down to your local dealer and take a test ride today. Safety, performance and styling - a Kiwi-Kraft has it all.

KIWI KRAFT'S HERITAGE

as told by Rodney Harris, Founder and Director

The Kiwi-Kraft story grew from my love for the great outdoors and particularly hunting, diving and fishing. Let's face it we are spoiled here in Southland, New Zealand.
Boats have always played a huge part in my life but I never thought it would be more than a hobby. I restored and built them in my spare time, and sold them. Each time creating a boat that was a little better than the last.
In the late 1980s I saw something that really caught my eye, an aluminium pontoon boat. I could see that this style of boat had the potential to revolutionise boating worldwide. It was so versatile. For guys like me who loved the challenge of diving and fishing in the Southern Ocean, hunting on the shores of the freshwater lakes of Fiordland National Park, or fishing their quiet depths - these boats were first rate.
But they weren't perfect and in many way’s they were quite basic. This was really exciting, because I could see how they could be improved and that is what I set out to do. I dreamed of designing and building a range of world-class boats to meet the needs of the recreational market as well as for commercial and rescue use. Safety, performance and styling would be paramount in my new improved design.
And so it all began in a garage at the back of my home.
The first boat was completed on July 31st 1988 and my daughter, Felicity came up with the Kiwi-Kraft name. I have chosen to shape the business with an absolute focus on quality and innovation. Kiwi Kraft will never be a "mass production" company, each boat is built to the highest quality standards and every member of our team is totally committed to this goal.
While boats are now a fulltime business for me, they are still a hobby in many ways.

Rodney Harris