Business profile: Seacraft

For some time now, Seacraft has had something of an identity crisis… were they Miller Moyes Seacraft, Miller Moyes or perhaps Haines Hunter?

The operation has merged as Seacraft, a stand-alone entity from the Haines Hunter manufacturing operation that shares the same Cawley Street, Ellerslie premises.

???????Another Seacraft customer leaves the Cawley Street, Ellerslie yard with their new purchase in tow.

As Retail Operations and Sales team member Dennis McCorkindale points out, Seacraft is a fully-fledged marine outlet offering clients a complete service when it comes to anything to do with boating.

“It is a great destination, easy to get to off the southern motorway and we have a team of experienced staff that is well-versed in all facets of boating and watersports,” Dennis says.

Seacraft is the Auckland/North Auckland agents for the iconic Kiwi boat brand, Haines Hunter. They are a Yamaha outboards dealership that also stocks a range of Navico (Lowrance and Simrad) marine electronics.

Seacraft deals in Yamaha outboards, both big and small in horsepower.

Seacraft is an agent for the Navico range of Simrad and Lowrance electronics.

Their Haines Hunter boats go out the gate on DMW trailers, and they also carry a range of accessories such as the much-vaunted Balex ABL (Auto Boat Loader) systems that are growing in popularity amongst trailer boaties.

An essential range of chandlery, fishing tackle and water tow toys are also stocked.

Seacraft stocks a small but essential range of chandlery.

Seacraft offers a full workshop service to back up their sales. They also deal in trade-ins and can offer competitive finance rates to approved purchasers.

Dennis says that while it is great to have such well-recognised and respected brands as Haines Hunter, Yamaha and DMW on board, the key to the operation’s success is its staff.

“From our owners through to our workshop and grooming staff, we have people who are passionate about boating and can talk-the-talk when it comes to dealing with clients.”

Seacraft’s experienced sales manager Bob Mirabito, says that not everyone who comes onto their yard is an experienced boatie – many are first-timers who have heard of the Haines Hunter reputation and want to know what it is all about.

“Once we have an idea as to their aspirations and budget, we can offer them a range of options to suit their needs.”

When the sale has been made and hands shaken, the client is not left on their own once they drive out the gate.

“Especially if they are novices, I like to spend time with them on the water until they are fully conversant with their boats in a hands-on way – both at the ramp and beyond.”

This might include instruction as to how the electronics work as well as basic ‘rules of the road’, along with skills such as docking and getting the boat’s trim right.

“We want our owners to be confident and maximise the enjoyment for themselves and their families, and above all else be safe out there,” Bob says.

Meet the Team

As mentioned previously, the Seacraft crew live and breathe boating in various shapes and forms. When they are not working with customers, they are out there on the water doing it for themselves

Sam Thommas - Workshop Administrator

When clients come to Seacraft on any service matters, Sam is the first point of contact. He grew up around boats, and with family ties to Waiheke, water was never very far from his mind. Sam enjoys all forms of fishing from bait and berley to soft-baiting, along with a bit of freediving, with Great Barrier one of his favourite haunts.

James McCorkindale - Workshop Team Leader 

Doing his time at AB Marine and then a stint at Auckland Marine Centre before coming to Seacraft, James is a fully qualified Mercury and Yamaha service technician. Like his colleagues, James has always ‘been around boats’ and is an accomplished water-ski racer, involved not only as a skier but setting up the tow boats. He loves his freediving, mixed in with a little fishing.

Jared Arnopp - Service 

Having come straight from school, Jared did his time as an outboard mechanic at Seacraft, specialising in Yamaha product. He enjoys hunting, freediving and fishing. He owns his own boat, and the Firth of Thames is one of his favourite fishing haunts.

Rebecca Willis - Groomer and Girl Friday

One of the newer Seacraft crew, Rebecca is a true outdoors girl. She has been boating all her life and comes from a family of ‘hunter-gatherers’. She loves fishing and duck shooting, much of the former on the Manukau. When not putting the final touches on boats going out of the yard, Rebecca also covers reception and retail.

Bob Mirabito - Sales Manager

If there is one person who knows the marine industry inside out, it is Bob Mirabito. He started in 1974 with Bridge City Marine in what was then Auckland’s marine hub, centred on Barrys Point Road, before joining Rogers Boat Shop in 1974. In 2012, he joined Seacraft. Bob is passionate about his boating and loves nothing more than overnighting in one of the Hauraki Gulf’s secluded bays.

Dennis McCorkindale - Retail Operations/Sales

With an engineering background, Dennis has had two stints at Seacraft, returning a second time in 2012. His passion is boating, especially powerboat and water-ski racing, often driving for son James during the latter. Dennis’ three daughters are also into their water sports, including fishing. He generally oversees the Seacraft operation as well as being involved in sales.

Come and visit us in person or online www.mmsc.co.nz

Sea Craft Limited: 50 Cawley Street, P.O. Box 11015, Ellerslie, Auckland 1542 | Ph: (09) 579-9661