Stabicraft has been named Official Grand Prize Boat Partner for the Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show for 2027 and 2028, show organiser XPO Exhibitions confirmed yesterday. The Invercargill-founded manufacturer was chosen through a competitive Expression of Interest process, one XPO opened to existing and prospective boat, engine, trailer and marine technology partners rather than filling the role by invitation.
This year’s Surtees/Yamaha grand prize package, won at the 70th anniversary show by Hamilton man Mark Stamm, was valued at more than $380,000, and that the show drew just over 31,000 visitors across its four days. XPO says more than $2.5 million in premium boat packages have been given away since Surtees took on the grand prize role, and the organisers thanked Surtees, along with Yamaha, Garmin, Hutchwilco and other marine suppliers, for their contributions.
Stabicraft isn’t new to the grand prize role itself. The manufacturer supplied the prize boat from 2013 to 2015, in partnership with Yamaha, and has exhibited at the show for decades since. Its return in 2027 lands on the brand’s 40th anniversary of manufacturing.
Stabicraft and XPO are already developing a major activation to mark the anniversary, though the grand prize package itself, supporting partners and visitor experiences will be confirmed closer to the show. “Let’s just say Stabicraft, XPO and leading marine engine and tech providers are working on something very special,” said XPO’s Brent Spillane. “We believe this game-changing grand prize package will generate excitement right across New Zealand and attract a significant uplift in high-intent visitors to the show.”
Stabicraft CEO Aaron Greene said the brand had seen a strong sales lift from its long history at the show, including at the 2026 edition, and called the new partnership a chance to promote New Zealand manufacturing to visitors and dealers from further afield in the Pacific.
Founded in Invercargill in 1987 by Paul Adams, Stabicraft built what’s recognised as the world’s first aluminium boat with positive buoyancy chambers. Adams, a Boat Show Hall of Fame inductee, is expected at the 2027 show promoting sister brand StabiX. The first full detail on the 2027 prize package is due in the coming months.
