September Updates
Longer Days, More Time on the Water
Hi everyone,
Spring is well and truly here, the weather is starting to warm up and daylight saving kicks in on Sunday, 27 September. That extra daylight in the late afternoon and early evening makes it a whole lot easier to sneak out for a fish or a quick run after work.
Fingers crossed it’s the start of a good, long summer and plenty of time out on the water.
It’s amazing how things pick up with the change in season. There’s more boats heading out and plenty of owners getting those last few jobs sorted before the busy season really gets underway.
I say this every year (but will say it again)... don’t wait too long to get your boat serviced or those maintenance jobs done. The pre-summer rush is real and you don’t want to be stuck on land waiting for work to be completed.
This month we also look at why drystack is about more than convenience, check out an impressive locally designed boat from Artnautica, we introduce Short Marine NZ, and cover the new lifejacket rules coming early October.
As always, safe boating, and if you need help with anything please don’t hesitate to ask.
– Martin and the Tamaki Marine Park Team
Drystack: Looking After Your Investment
A boat is a significant investment, so it makes sense to think carefully about where and how it is stored.
One of the main advantages of drystack is that your boat is kept securely out of the water when you’re not using it. That means less exposure to marine growth, salt, sun and the general wear and tear that comes with being permanently moored.
Secure drystack storage may also help lower your insurance premium.
Controlled access makes the boat harder to steal, while keeping it off the road reduces the risk of towing, launching and retrieval accidents.
Every insurer assesses risk differently, but some may take these factors into account when calculating premiums. If you no longer need a trailer, removing it from your policy could provide a further saving. It is worth asking your insurer or broker how moving into the TMP drystack could affect your cover and premium.
Artnautica: Proudly Designed Right Here in NZ
There are always interesting boats coming and going at TMP, but every now and then, one makes you stop for a closer look.
This month, we caught up with Dennis Harjamaa from Artnautica Yacht Design, an Auckland-based studio specialising in long-range cruisers and extreme passage makers. His own vessel, Koti, has called TMP home for the past six months.
During that time, Dennis has made good use of the skilled marine service providers based here at TMP. We caught up with him to learn more about Koti, and why TMP has proven such a good base for both the boat and the work it has required.
Meet Short Marine NZ
If you’re into serious boats and serious fishing, Short Marine NZ is a name you’ll probably be hearing a lot more of.
Short Marine NZ was created by two boating families brought together by a shared love of boating, fishing and looking after customers properly.
Built on years of experience with premium sports fishing boats and strong industry relationships, the team brings some of the world’s leading game fishing brands to New Zealand, alongside a carefully selected range of new and pre-owned boats.
But it’s not just about selling boats. As a family-owned business, the team takes the time to understand how customers actually want to use their boat and help them find the right vessel, whether it’s their first boat or the dream upgrade they’ve been working towards.
If you’re thinking about your next boat, have a chat with the Short Marine NZ team.
New Lifejacket Rules: Are You Ready for Summer?
There’s an important change coming for Kiwi boaties this summer.
From 9 October 2026, everyone aboard a recreational craft 6 metres or under will need to wear a properly fitted lifejacket while the boat is underway. The new national rule replaces the different requirements that have previously applied around the country.
“Underway” basically means your boat is not anchored, tied up or aground. So if you’re heading out in the tinny, RIB or other small boat, the lifejackets need to be on, not sitting in a locker somewhere.
For recreational boats over 6 metres, you still need to carry enough correctly sized lifejackets for everyone aboard, with wearing requirements applying in heightened-risk situations.
With daylight saving here and summer just around the corner, now’s a good time to check your lifejackets, make sure you’ve got the right sizes for your regular crew, and replace any that have seen better days.
It’s a simple rule and, more importantly, one that could save a life.
Keep Your Boat Batteries Charged
in the Sun
If your boat sits in the sun, on a mooring, drystack, hardstand, or even your driveway, keeping your batteries topped up doesn't have to mean connecting to mains power or permanent panel mounts.
Plug-and-play Portable Solar Package - $859 (excl. GST) fully installed.
How it works: We install a Victron MPPT controller and a heavy-duty socket directly on your boat. When you leave the vessel, simply set out the 50W flexible panel in the sun, secure it using the built-in eyelets, and plug it in to start automatic trickle charging. When you're ready to head out, just unplug the panel, stow it away, and sail off with 100% charged batteries, visible on the real-time Bluetooth battery monitoring on your phone.
T&Cs apply.
Got a question or need a custom setup? Give the team at HMB Marine Electrical a call today!
SAVE BIG THIS SEASON!
Winter’s the perfect time to give your hull the care it deserves.
Save 20% on your Haulout + Waterblast at TMP*
and when you book an anti-foul with Gloss Boats,
Save 15% and get a FREE soapy wash thrown in*
This winter deal sails away 30 September 2026.
