Step 1: Decide What You Want

The first step: figure out what boat suits your lifestyle. Are you fishing, cruising with family, or planning offshore adventures? Will it be a weekend toy, a full overnight vessel, or something for business purposes like charters?

Most people think they only want one boat, but in reality, there are three types many boaters dream of:

1. Big offshore boat – for extended trips and rough water.
2. Small centre console – perfect for day trips with friends or family.
3. Small river or lake tinny – light, easy to tow, and great for quick adventures.

If funds or time are limited, focus on the one that matters most to you-and your family. Don’t forget to get your partner and kids excited about the project too; a boat is a family experience.

Step 2: The Design Path

Once you know what you want, it’s time to work on the design. There are three main paths:

1. Standard boats – These are off-the-shelf designs that can go straight into production. Even standard builds usually allow some personalisation which can be done during the build process. Lead time for delivery is typically 4–5 weeks, including final checks and shipping.
2. Modified designs – Most people fall into this category. Start with an existing hull and make functional modifications (bait boards, seating arrangements, bow rails, etc.). Modifications add 2–8 weeks to production time, but some can be done yourself if you’re confident, saving both time and money.
3. Full custom builds – If you want a design that hasn’t been made before, this requires full hull and topside development. Timeline varies, sometimes taking several months or years. Full custom designs often involve multiple iterations, testing, and adjustments, especially if it’s a commerical vessel.

Step 3: Kit Supply & Cutting

After finalizing your design, the next step is getting the kit cut. Lead times vary depending on your kit selection and time of year:

• Standard kit: 2-4 weeks to cut and deliver.
• Modified kit: Add 2-8 weeks for functional changes.
• Full custom: Timeline varies significantly; start now if you want Christmas delivery.

Our kits arrive on pallets, with sizes depending on boat length, most larger builds require pallets around 6-9 meters long. Kit also come with a 6.5m bundle of aluminium extrusions. It’s best to prepare your workspace ahead of time ensures to assembly goes smoothly.

Step 4: Fabrication & Hot Works

Once your kit is on-site, it’s time to start fabrication:

• Decide whether you’ll build it yourself or use a certified builder- we have a network of certified builders that we can connect you with.
• Certified builders handle the hotworks and can manage the full build for you, providing guaranteed hull quality and expert guidance. It’s best to book in early with a builder.
• Self-builds require time, skills, and planning. If it’s your first build, consider taking a boat-building course to refresh your knowledge.

Time Consideration: Experienced builders may complete hot works in weeks, while first-timers should expect double the estimated time. 

Step 5: Engines & Weight Distribution

Before completing the build, order your engine early. Some engines have long lead times, and choosing the right engine is critical for weight distribution and performance.

We recommend the use of our weight distribution tool to ensure balance before installing heavy items like batteries, fridges, or electronics. Proper planning here avoids costly mistakes later. We are happy to work with you to utilse our weight distrbution tool.

Step 6: Trailer & Registration

Most custom boats require a purpose-built trailer. We provide custom trailer kits for all of our models. Out Trailer kits include materials, instructions, and engineering certification for registration, which could be saving you $2,500–$3,000 compared to hiring someone to sign off on a trailer.

A well-engineered trailer pairs perfectly with your boat, unlike generic off-the-shelf options.

Step 7: Electrical, Plumbing & Finishing Touches

Once the main build is complete, you can start adding:

• Electrical fit-outs (lights, electronics, bilge pumps)
• Plumbing systems (live wells, freshwater systems)
• Floor coverings (marine carpet, checker plate or seadek)
• Seating arrangements, cup holders, rod holders, and other personal touches

Tip: Get your major systems installed first and enjoy your boat early. Minor finishes can be added as you use it, this approach can avoid last-minute headaches.

Step 8: Testing & Tweaking

Before going all-in on finishes, test your boat on the water. Check handling, weight distribution, and functionality. You’ll often discover small adjustments that make a huge difference to your experience, sometimes even little things like moving rod holders or cup holders.

Remember: even if you’re using a certified builder, your boat is still a unique project. Every build has small personal touches that make it one-of-a-kind.

Step 9: Timing & Planning

To hit Christmas 2026, here’s a simple template to work backwards:

This is a rough guide-exact timelines will vary depending on your boat, modifications, and whether you self-build or work with a certified builder. We are happy to refine a timeline with you once we know your build and model preferences