From its humble beginnings in 1956, Salthouse Boatbuilders has carved out a significant niche in the New Zealand marine industry, becoming synonymous with quality, performance, and bespoke craftsmanship. For nearly seven decades, this family-run enterprise has evolved, adapting to new technologies and market demands while consistently upholding its core values of building exceptional vessels tailored to their owners' desires.
The Origin Story
The story of Salthouse Boatbuilders began in 1956 with its founder, John Salthouse, who quickly became an iconic figure in the New Zealand marine industry. John Salthouse was known as a modest gentleman, whose extensive knowledge and passion for boatbuilding were evident in every vessel he created. His original vision was to build custom boats, a philosophy that has remained central to the company's identity. While specific details about the very first boat launched in 1956 are not extensively detailed in readily available information, it represented the genesis of a company that would build a reputation for quality and tailored solutions.
History and Evolution
Salthouse Boatbuilders has a rich and established history spanning over five decades. The company has been building custom boats for two generations, passing down significant knowledge and a hands-on approach. A pivotal moment in the company's evolution came with John Salthouse's retirement, which saw a strategic shift towards building composite boats. This transition embraced modern materials, allowing the company to construct state-of-the-art carbon fibre race yachts alongside more classical designs.
In 2005, Dean Salthouse, John's son, founded Salthouse Next Generation Boats, working with his father, Bob Salthouse, to revamp the original business. This marked another important phase, ensuring the Salthouse legacy continued with a focus on advanced designs and contemporary luxury motor yachts. More recently, around 2019, Greg Salthouse and his wife Delayne took over, indicating the continuation of the family's involvement and commitment to the brand. The company has also demonstrated versatility by building a diverse range of vessels, including high-speed tenders and coach boats.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Salthouse Boatbuilders holds a strong reputation in the marine world for its commitment to building customised, individual boats to the highest standards. They are renowned for their proven performance, quality craftsmanship, and unprecedented functionality. The company's design philosophy revolves around providing spaciousness and ease of movement within their vessels. Each Salthouse vessel is built to order and highly customised, reflecting the individual needs and preferences of its owner. This semi-production approach allows for significant flexibility in design and construction.
While the immediate search results do not explicitly name numerous external naval architects like Sparkman & Stephens or Germán Frers, it is clear that design is a core strength. More recent collaborations include Dixon Yacht Design for models like the H57 under Salthouse Next Generation Boats, indicating a continued focus on evolving designs. The company's expertise also extends to working with advanced materials, as evidenced by their use of Hypalon for the tubes on their coach boats, known for its durability and performance.
Iconic Models and Legacy
Salthouse Boatbuilders has produced a number of significant and successful models throughout its history. Among their most recognized lines are the Corsair and Sovereign series. The Salthouse Corsair range includes sedan motor yachts like the Corsair 49 and Corsair 44, known for their luxurious interiors, spacious cockpits, and stylish yet functional designs. These models are designed for a contemporary lifestyle, offering both comfort and proven performance.
The Salthouse Sovereign series, including models like the Sovereign 54, Sovereign 56, and Sovereign 60, set a high standard for cruisers of their era. These motor yachts are noted for their exceptional seaworthiness and efficiency, making them suitable for both weekend getaways and long-range cruising in style.
Beyond their well-regarded cruising yachts, Salthouse Boatbuilders has also engaged in specialized projects. They have built high-performance vessels such as Elliott 50s and Transpac 52s, demonstrating their capability in the realm of race boat construction. More recently, the company has carved a new path by specializing in efficient, high-performance coach boats and tenders, which are used globally for Olympic campaigns, yacht clubs, and syndicates. These coach boats feature a wave-piercing design to provide a stable platform and minimal impact.
The Builder Today
Today, Salthouse Boatbuilders continues its legacy from its base in Greenhithe, Auckland, New Zealand. While the full ownership structure beyond Greg and Delayne Salthouse isn't detailed, the company operates with a focus on custom boat building and a strong reputation for excellence.
The modern Salthouse boats, particularly their coach boats and tenders, appeal to a niche but demanding market of professional sailing teams, regatta organizers, and superyacht owners requiring high-performance, reliable support vessels. The ownership experience is characterized by a bespoke vessel that is "fit for purpose rather than off the rack," with each boat being unique and customized to the owner's specifications. This emphasis on individual creation suggests a strong, direct relationship between the builder and owner, fostering a sense of community around the highly personalized Salthouse pedigree.