After 37 years of manufacturing boats, 25 of these in his own business with late wife Heather, Don stepped aside from manufacturing to concentrate on design and project management work. Don is one of New Zealand’s busiest and best known designers of motor yachts. The many boats he built are ‘top of the range’ and much sought-after in New Zealand. Don is primarily a custom designer and many of his designs are for game fishing.
Being an avid boat owner, keen on game fishing, diving and family cruising many of his design ideas have come about through these interests and many years spent on the water. Don is an innovator, always showing a willingness to ‘break the mould’ of conventional design.
In 2004, Don’s skills and expertise caught the eye of well known boat designer and builder Bill Barry-Cotter from Maritimo Australia, and Don was appointed the New Zealand Agent for the sale of Maritimos. This first started out with one model being the magnificent Maritimo 60. From here the Maritimo range has grown enormously and now boasts an extensive range of 20 plus models.