Our travel lift can haul out boats and catamarans up to 8.5 metres beam and weighing up to 80 tonnes. We offer a wash-down and anti-fouling service to any boat we haul out.
We have a 5000 square metre yard where you can work on your own boat if you wish, or you can utilise our experienced staff to service your boat. Hard stands and cradles are available.
Also, we have three large covered sheds if you need to be under shelter. These sheds have ends which can be enclosed when needed..
Here at Robertson Boats we are able to build you a custom boat from scratch to meet all of your needs.
We can build boats out of a diverse range of materials, such as timber, composite and alloys.
We are proud of the boats we produce. Check out our showcase for some of our fine vessels.
Refits and maintenence of vessels is a growing and important sector of the business. The ability to haul, stand and cover vessels for widely ranging works is a strength of our operation.
We cover all aspects of refitting from construction, mechanical, engineering and installation of equipment and machinery. Ultimately, we pride ourselves in the fine finishing and detail work that puts the final touch to the overall project ready for launching.
We have an experienced team of painters who are competent with all of the two-pot marine finishes, and one-pot if you wish. We have the latest equipment available for airless spraying, as well as conventional spraying.
We provide the whole service from sanding to finishing. A lot of care is taken to mask up any areas not being painted. We are also able to do touch-ups.
All aspects of refitting from construction, mechanical, engineering and installation of equipment and machinery.
Our woodworkers are able to build wooden hulls, teak decks and wooden cabinetry to the highest of standards. We only choose very experienced craftsmen, who have a variety of skills.
In our factory, we have all of the machines necessary to tackle any woodworking job.
We provide the whole service from sanding to finishing. A lot of care is taken to mask up any areas not being painted. We are also able to do touch-ups.
All aspects of refitting from construction, mechanical, engineering and installation of equipment and machinery. Ultimately the fine finishing and detail work that put the final touch to the overall project ready for launching.
We have an experienced team of engineers, who are competent in:
MIG welding
TIG welding
Arc welding
Gas welding
Railings
Push-pits
Pull-pits
Stanchions
Water tanks
Fuel tanks
Repairs on steel and alloy hulls
Various types of fittings and structures
No job too big, no job too small.
We are very experienced with composite construction. We use a wide range of core and reinforcement materials and methods.
We can glass on wood, or do solid glass boats. We can custom make:
Water tanks
Fuel tanks
Cowlings
Fairings
We can use any resins such as epoxy, polyester and vinylester.
Re-powering is something we do a lot of. We have recently done both of the White Island ferries with twin 850 horsepower Scania engines.
Our engineers are able to work on all types of installations, service work or remove and reinstall machinery and equipment.
We have a great understanding of the installation of engines, drive-lines, rudders, propellers, hydraulics, steering, autopilots, air conditioning, refrigeration and more.
Robertson Boats is a third generation boatbuilding firm and has an established reputation in custom boatbuilding, repairs and refits of all types.
This venerable company has been best known
for its legendary boat building prowess in the 20th century. For the 21st century, this legacy of experience and expertise has been applied to lowering the overall costs to boat owners through a focus on top quality, routine preventative maintenance, repairs, and complete or partial refits.
Our yard is situated on the southern banks of the Mahurangi River near Warkworth – a delightful colonial township built around the Mahurangi river basin, north of Auckland. During the summer months the river and basin are full of boaties visiting the town and reprovisioning. Warkworth offers an excellent range of shopping facilities, accomodation and restaurants. The surrounding district abounds with recreational opportunities with plenty of bays, beaches and park reserves.
First Generation
If you live in New Zealand and you love boats, chances are you have heard of the Lidgard family. In 1932 Lidgard Bros. was formed by Roy, Fred and Mike Lidgard. The boatyard was situated in Hamer Street on the western reclaimation (Tank farm) in St Mary’s Bay. 
They were prominent in the design and build of 22 ft. Mullet boats, short-end keel yachts and commercial fishing and work boats. During World War II, they amalgamated with other boat builders to produce Fairmile 112′ escort naval craft.
After the war Roy’s son Jim, Fred’s son John and Betsy Lidgards son Chris Robertson were all apprenticed at Lidgard Bros. Jim Young was also an apprentice at this time. All four apprentices became prominent boat builders.
Second Generation
Chris Robertson finished his time at Lidgard Bros. and went to work for Col Wilde between the years of 1946 and 1952. Then from 1952 to 1960 he worked with both Jim Young and Bryn Wilson. In 1960, Chris started his own business – Chris Robertson Boats, a boatyard set up on Target Road on Auckland’s North Shore. There he designed all of the boats that he built and toward the end of his time there, his two sons Martin and Conrad joined the business, both having served their time at Bryn Wilson Boats.
Third Generation
By the winter of 1981, the business was called “Chris Robertson Boats & Sons” and the property was purchased on Alnwick Street, next to the Mahurangi River in Warkworth. Chris retired not long after, and the business name changed to “Robertson Brothers” with Martin and Conrad in charge.
In 1995, Martin sold Conrad his share of the business and the name was changed to “Robertson Boats”, as it is to this day. It is currently managed by Conrad Robertson.
