If you’ve ever wondered what goes into building some of New Zealand’s best-known motorboats and cruisers, pull up a chair. In our latest Boatseekr feature, co-founder Nick Crabtree sits down with boatbuilder and designer Dean Salthouse for an open, wide-ranging conversation about the heritage, engineering, and future of Salthouse Boats.
Whether you’re a lifelong motorboat owner, a long-distance cruiser, or someone who simply appreciates good craftsmanship, it’s well worth your time.
Watch the full interview:
What’s Inside the Conversation?
Dean and Nick get into the practical realities of modern boatbuilding and ocean cruising. A few highlights:
The Outboard Evolution: Why large outboard-powered vessels are becoming more common, and how builders are adapting 50-foot motorboats to carry high-horsepower setups without giving up comfort or handling.
True Bluewater Capability: Dean shares cruising stories from real ocean passages, including carrying extra fuel in wine vats.
The Salthouse Philosophy: A look at how a Salthouse design comes together, combining decades of family boatbuilding heritage with modern engineering to create boats built for southern seas.
Why Salthouse Boats Still Define Kiwi Cruising
For generations, the Salthouse name has stood for reliability, proven hull design, and timeless style. The custom craftsmanship, considered ergonomics, and heavy-weather performance of a Salthouse build are a good reminder of why locally built pedigree matters.
This conversation brings old-school boatbuilding wisdom together with what today’s boaties need.
Ready to Find Your Own Salthouse?
If the conversation has you thinking about your own time on the water, here’s where to start:
Browse listings: See Salthouse motorboats and launches for sale on Boatseekr.
Watch the video above for the full story, and let us know your favourite takeaway in the comments.