New Zealand has long been synonymous with boats. Once upon a time the Auckland landscape was rich with boat builders, our glittering coastline filled with locally designed-and-built sails and launches. Today however, against a huge influx of imports, only a few remain.
Having built custom luxury launches in Auckland since the 1980s, Allan Tongs Boatbuilders saw a gap in the market and went for it – Allan, his son Nigel, and their team moving into the boat production scene. And so, working closely with renowned boat designer Bill Upfold of Elite Marine Design, the Elite AT43 was born. Crafted meticulously in their Wairau Park factory, this vessel quickly gained traction.
Launching the Elite AT43 just before a global pandemic was a worrying time but proved beneficial with forward orders stretching out years ahead. Kiwis recognised the benefits of buying a launch that was made for our unique coastlines and our way of boating. Often, imports from Europe or Australia have features designed for a vastly different climate. Open flybridges or swim-up bars are not too practical in our changeable weather and sometimes challenging seas. The island-hopping, deep-sea fishing, harbour cruising, and adventurous diving of the Hauraki Gulf, Marlborough Sounds or Far North are a far cry from the Med or the Gold Coast Canals.
The Elite AT43 is designed to fit a 13.5m or 14m marina berth. With options for single or twin engines (with 27 or 32kt top speeds), a rarely found three-cabin layout, separate shower and bathroom, and a range of interior finish options, it feels more like a custom build than a production boat. The large, versatile cockpit and duckboard will suit the keen fisherman or diver but is also spacious enough for outdoor dining or sunset cocktails.
One hugely attractive feature is the uniquely designed silent chines which make for a quiet night’s sleep with no slapping – even in a bit of chop. The Elite designs are known for their stable, level-running hull, meaning more fuel efficiency and a smoother ride. For over 40 years, the Allan Tongs name has been known for creating high-quality, luxurious-but-practical, world-class boats. It is that same care and precision that has made the Elite AT43 become a sought-after vessel.
Now run by Nigel and wife Ester Tongs, the team is working on the 8th Elite AT43 out of the moulds and is truly in the swing of things. Production is becoming more efficient resulting in a 6.5-month build time. With boats in the Ownaship syndicate, and two boats being built per year, you will no doubt see more of these beautiful boats on the water.
So far, Elite AT43s have been built for discerning owners up and down the country from Kerikeri to the Marlborough Sounds. The next available build slot begins in September 2025, so contact Nigel to secure your spot at nigel@allantongsboatbuilders.co.nz or 0211741574.
