Chris Bartlett Boatbuilders Ltd

29/04/2025

Had a fly-by from Wolf over Easter. Looking fantastic.
900hp and 34knts...Awesome

23/06/2024

It's time for a change. After 37 years building boats I'm moving into marine surveying. Following the launching of Wolf last July I started a qualification in marine surveying with the International Institute of Marine Surveyors early this year. A UK based course that's recognised globally. Pretty challenging going back to the books but the course is really interesting. My background in boat construction is of use but the field of surveying is much broader. I really had no idea what it encompassed. The diploma will take me into 2025 to complete, after which I'll be doing any sort of marine surveying, predominantly pre purchase inspections.
Until then I'm available for any insurance survey work. All boats older than 30 years now need a survey every 5 years or so. Easily planned in advance. I can travel to do your survey anywhere from Auckland north.

28/02/2024

Masquerade is on the market. She is in great condition her owners having taken great care of her over the years. She is a kiwi classic.
https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/boats-marine/motorboats/listing/4588050242?bof=Mao8F0TN

10/08/2023

Great to see Formula One back in the Bay Of Islands with new owners. One of my favourites. The best of classic Kiwi design & building by the Youngs. Congratulations Steve & Sharon

12/07/2023

The Blue sky returned right on cue yesterday. A really successful launch day, sea trials & Wolf is back in her home in The Kerikeri River. 33 knots top speed and easily reaching rated rpm. Very few issues & a great day in this refit project which has been both interesting & rewarding for everyone involved. Many thanks to the contractors involved, Greg, Iain, & Boydie for all their valuable input. Congratulations Al & Chrissy on your stunning new vessel.

11/07/2023

Launch day tomorrow. Transporting Wolf to Opua in the early hours then trials & up the Kerikeri River on the tide. Great to have a decent forecast for a change..

18/06/2023

'WOLF'. Castaway has a new name! More relevant to her current owners and the transom mural sets her apart.

The last weeks of the job are always the most enjoyable. All of the internal panelling going in, systems fired up and the boats' starting to look finished. Lots still to do with launching next month.

18/06/2023

Engines were fired up last week. Its good to do this in the shed tackling any issues before launch day in about 3 weeks. Another milestone.

12/06/2023

The Buccaneer pulled out of the garage & a quick fish at the Ninepin. Cool to blow the cobwebs out. This boat sits in the shed & needs a new owner. It's a really nice custom finish, well priced & ready to go. https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/boats-marine/motorboats/listing/4164795152

25/05/2023

We’re on the move
Later on this year we’re moving to a new location on the Kerikeri river where I can work from a jetty with adjacent shed facilities. The property we currently run our business from is on the market.
This is an amazing property with total privacy and it’s own valley, the nearest neighbour over half a km away & out of sight. If you want space for motocross tracks, horses, bonfire parties, total seclusion & the opportunity to bring the boat home for a refit then have a look or pass this link on to someone who might. The shed that is separated from the house down it’s own driveway would suit a contractor of any sort with 2 sheds, 3 phase power & room to turn big trucks. It is the ultimate lifestyle property, 5 minutes from Waipapa & 10 from Kerikeri.

https://www.realkerikeri.co.nz/listings/residential_sale-3489944-kerikeri/

21/05/2023

Heading towards the end of the project. Probably the biggest I've done with one pair of hands. Some outside contractor help but I'm the only boatbuilder on site so the job seems immense. The results starting to show though now with final varnish, upholstery & systems getting ready to fire up. A great time of the job but still a huge amount to get finished. Always good to be finishing areas, running the anchor chain in & hearing 'beeping' sounds coming from the bridge meaning systems are working. A good summer to be in the shed anyway....

19/04/2023

https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/boats-marine/motorboats/listing/4092918590

This 735 Buccaneer was refitted by Connor Bartlett alongside Castaway last year. Lots of custom upgrades. We used her through the summer, a great boat that turns heads.

Buccaneer 735 Exess This 2003 735 has just completed a major refit adding custom features to it’s already great spec. I’m selling as I’m moving towns & it does...