Boating New Zealand - May 2018

90 Boating New Zealand

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Tongs ramps up

North Shore’s Allan Tongs Boatbuilders

is in growth mode with the company

embarking on plans to reconfigure its

operation into a production environment.

T

ongs and son Nigel have a close association with

designer Bill Upfold of Elite Marine Design and

have built 10 of his launches. he production

initiative is a new 43-foot model (Elite AT43)

designed to it a 13.5m or 14m marina berth.

“We’ve secured the order for the irst of these production

boats,” says Tongs, “and are now completing the plugs from

which to make the moulds.”

While his existing North Shore factory remain the main

manufacturing centre, the hand-laid GRP moulded hulls, decks

and bulkheads will be produced at a West Auckland facility.

Finished mouldings will be transported from there to the main

factory for assembly and itting out.

Finding additional staf, says Tongs, is now the company’s

immediate focus.

he new Elite AT43 will sleep six (ofering three diferent

accommodation layouts) and the design maximises living and

entertaining space. Her contemporary interior incorporates a

stylish galley with a solid surface bench top, modern tapware

and appliances.

High quality, hard-wearing looring is complemented by

premium carpets and underlay. Her bathroom’s equipped with a

porcelain bowl and thoughtfully-positioned LED lighting is used

throughout. he entertainment system in the saloon includes a

SPECIFICATIONS – ELITE AT43

loa  13.2m

Beam 4.5m 

Draft 1.0m

Displacement 10,500kg

Engine Single Cummins 550hp

or twin 350hp

Max speed 29 knots (approx)

Cruise speed 24 knots

Fuel capacity 1,300L

Water capacity 600L

Accommodation 6

latscreen TV and sound system.

With a generous cockpit for ishing or scuba set-ups and a

relaxed outdoor dining area, the Elite AT43 will appeal to the

family-orientated angler as well as to luxury-oriented cruisers.

Tongs and team have also just launched Tasman Jewel, one

of Upfold’s 13m custom Elite Sport Sedans, for a Nelson-based

owner. She’s powered by a single 600hp Cummins QSC engine

and is currently undergoing sea-trials. Her owners intend to

explore the North Island’s East Coast on their journey home

next month. BNZ

Allan and son Nigel at their

North Shore facility.