Blog - Boats & Fishing etc | Learn about McLay boat news

News - March 20, 2024

Wanaka A&P Show - Boat Show

Last Week's Wanaka A&P show was a huge success, with reportedly over 40,000 people attending. We had our boats setup on display and were well received by the public. Large numbers of punters were …

News - February 10, 2024

January/February Deal

January/February Deal Here at McLay Boats Ltd we offering 10% off all parts and labour on all motor servicing for January and February. We service all motor makes and models for all boats. Get in …

News - January 12, 2024

Unveiling the Power and Precision of Mercury Outboards

Unveiling the Power and Precision of Mercury Outboards Introduction: When it comes to navigating the open waters, boat enthusiasts understand the paramount importance of a reliable and powerful …

News - November 2, 2023

McLay 591 Sportsmans Boat Selling Fast

Recently, we've seen a growing number of McLay 591 Sportsmans boat making their way out the door, and it's been particularly exciting to witness the enthusiasm surrounding these purchases. One …

News - September 24, 2023

A Close Look at the 2023 NZ Southland Boat Show

Navigating Excellence: A Close Look at the 2023 NZ Southland Boat Show Against the stunning backdrop of New Zealand's Southland coastline, the 2023 NZ Southland Boat Show recently cast its spell, …

News - July 13, 2023

Winter Maintenance for your Boat

Title: Winter Maintenance Tips for Your Jet Boat: Ensuring Optimal Performance Come Spring Introduction: Owning a jet boat is an exhilarating experience, providing endless fun on the water …

News - May 10, 2023

651 Sportsman Hardtop

Brand new for 2023 is this exciting new model. Based on a well proven ride and stability hull that used to be used on the 651 CrossXover. It features more deck area for fishing than any other boat …

News - March 9, 2023

What Do People Think about McLay Boats

What people are currently saying about McLay Boats from New Zealand? I asked an online AI to gather the comments from throughout the world, collate and summarize them. This was it’s …

News - February 8, 2023

Boating Photo Competition

CONGRATULATIONS to Mark Crosland (NZ) and Ty Ron Johnston (AUS) winners to the photo competition this year. There were some amazing pictures of your McLay boats in a variety of settings from …

News - December 15, 2022

Nine Tips for Buying A Boat

Nine Tips for Buying A Boat A boat is a great investment for you and the family. It can be hundreds of hours of entertainment and fun for everyone. But when you buy a boat, it can also be a burden …

News - December 8, 2022

McLay 591 Boat

Shown is a picture of a new McLay 591 fishing hitting the water today prior to pick up. This was delivered to Ocean Sports Marine just in time for a happy customer to receive it. The sportsman 591 …

News - October 6, 2022

Boating in the Snow!

It's been snowing here in Milton with a fresh blanket of spring snow dusting our collection of boats...well the ones that are outside ready to be delivered. Trip is just about to leave this morning …

News - May 12, 2022

The Hutchwilco NZ Boat Show 2022

The Hutchwilco NZ Boat Show starts today at the ASB Showgrounds in Auckland. It features a varierty of boats for fishing and recreation, from aluminium dinghy boats to aluminnium jet boats. The …

News - April 29, 2022

Retirement

Congratulations to Geoff Thomas, senior boat builder at McLay Boats on his retirement today. Geoff has been working for McLay Boats for 29 years, 1 month, 16 days, 3 hours, 45 minutes and so many …

Review - April 28, 2022

661 CrossXover Hardtop

Check out this boat review video on our new model the 661 CrossXover Hardtop. The 661 CrossXover is a very popular boat and has been a popular purchase for fishing and recreation. Designer of …

News - March 11, 2022

The New 701Gen2 McLay Boat

Mike & Mary picking up their 701Gen2. Mercury 225 V6 DTS powered on a great tandem trailer from the wonderful Toko Trailers. Heading down south for many adventures. The new 701Gen2 has very …

News - February 17, 2022

Fortress Aluminium Fishing Boats

The McLay Fortress range of aluminium boats come as tiller steer, side or centre console and are available in standard sizes from 4.41 to 5.71 metres Larger sizes can be built to custom order. Just …

News - December 15, 2021

661 CrossXover Hardtop

First run in the new CrossXover Hardtop model today. Performed exceptionally well. Details and pricing to follow in Januray. …

News - October 28, 2021

Sportsman Boats

Latest container being loaded up this morning. A 591Sportsman and two 571 Sportsman's, on the way to Warragul Marine Centre. Check out our full ranges of high-quality boats for all your fishing …

News - October 15, 2021

551 Sportsman On It's Way

Another truck loaded ready to leave. A 551 Sportsman Package on its way to Fish City in Albany. Also, our 5th Raptor on its way. The 551 Sportsman boat is a scaled up cabin version of the 521 but …

Review - September 20, 2021

851 Gen2 Hardtop

Check out the boat review in the Pacific Powerboat Magazine (September/October 2021 edition). …

News - August 5, 2021

Busy Boat Building

Since the article below, in the Otago Daily Times, things have never been busier. Steve and the team at McLay Boats have been booked solid with orders for their high quality boats. If you want a …

Announcement - June 11, 2021

851 Gen2 Xtra Cab

McLay's latest model the 851 Gen2 Xtra Cab, soon to be released. Is 8.8mtrs by 2.750mtrs overall. More details to follow! …

Announcement - June 10, 2021

851 Gen2 Xtra Cab

Another shot of the 851 Gen2 Xtra cab soon to be released. …

News - May 20, 2021

2021 New Zealand Boat Show Hall of Fame Inductee

Congratulations to Steve McLay on being 2021's New Zealand Boat Show Hall of Fame Inductee. Steve and partner at the time Alvin Stephens started an engineering business Toko Engineering in the …

News - May 13, 2021

The Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show 2021

All set up for The Hutchwilco New Zealand Boatshow on at the ASB Showgrounds in Auckland. Running from the 13th of May through to the 16th of May. If you're in Auckland this weekend why not come …

News - March 18, 2021

The First Boatload of Searano

McLay Boats is excited to receive the first container load of boats out the door for our newest Australian dealership Searano Marine. They are quality boats and a great deal for our customers. …

News - January 19, 2021

Searano Marine

McLay Boats would like to welcome Searano Marine aboard. Located in Perth, Western Australia. Check them out for boat sales & hire, outboards, kayaks, stand up paddleboards, accessories & …

News - October 23, 2020

Check Out This Mercury Outboard

Busy week here the McLay factory. We had Phil & Robyn take possession of their new 751 Gen2 which is a fantastic boat. Note the locally built, high quality, Toko Trailers tandem trailer. With a …

News - October 15, 2020

Want a Boat?

McLay Boats makes the best boats in New Zealand. And while we might be a little biased, many people agree with us! Just ask our customers, you'll find them throughout NZ. If you want a boat for …

News - September 16, 2020

Boats to Australia

This is the second container of our high quality boats in two days to be loaded for shipment to Australia. Yesterday's is on its way to Warragul Marine Centre The boat in the photo is headed to …

News - September 2, 2020

Sportsman Boat and Mercury Outboard

Another very satisified customer drives away his new 591XL Sportsman package. This includes a 150 EFI 4 stroke Mercury Ouboard on a tandem trailer. What a great boat! …

News - July 29, 2020

Congratulations

Congratulations to the new owners of this McLay 601 CrossXover. First boat sold out of Warren Hay Marine's new premises. You can now find them at 211 Port Road, Dockland 5, Whangarei. A new McLay …

News - May 26, 2020

Mercury Outboards NZ

McLay Boats are Mercury outboard dealers which means we fit new mercury motors on about half the boats we sell and are also service agents for Mercury outboards. If you have any servicing needs or …

Review - May 6, 2020

McLay 741 Raptor review

Boat review on the 741 Raptor in the April issue of the Boating New Zealand magazine. …

News - March 19, 2020

Fishing Boats

Aluminium boat design and manufacturer, McLay Boats, has one of the best range of aluminium and fishing boats. It's not only New Zealanders but also people across the globe that are serious about …

News - February 26, 2020

McLay Boats New Website

Steve and the team have been working hard on the new website to better display the great range of fishing boats and leisure boats they have available. McLay Boats uses high quality and high …

News - August 25, 2019

McLay 741 Raptor in action

Click on the link below to see the McLay 741 Raptor with the Tectrax system in action. (Credit Barry Thompson at Powerboat Magazine). …

News - July 31, 2019

Sydney International Boat Show

McLay Boats are back in Sydney at Good Times Marine. Check out our best selling hardtop models on their stand 510, hall 4 at the Sydney International Boat Show. On now!! …

Dealer - July 11, 2019

Reef Marine Under new Management

Reef Marine (our dealership in MacKay, Australia) is under new management! McLay Boats would like to thank both Brett and Greg for all the hard work and sales generated for McLay Boats over the …

News - May 21, 2019

Otago Regional Council Harbour Master Boat.

Official launch of the Otago Regional Councils Harbour Master Boat. Held at Port Chalmers with various dignitaries, councilors and media in attendance. …

News - May 15, 2019

The Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show 2019

McLay Boats stand (hall 3, stand 333) set up at the Hutchwilco New Zealand Boatshow. Being held at the ASB Showgrounds in Auckland. Open daily at 10 a.m from today until this Sunday (May the …

News - May 13, 2019

Introducing the 741 Raptor

Introducing the McLay 741 Raptor. A new chapter in Amphibious Boats. Using the Tectrax amphibious electric all wheel drive system makes operating very quiet and easy. Probably a world first in …

News - July 12, 2018

Fishing World July 2018 - 441 Fortress Dingy

Fishing World review of the McLay 441 Fortress Dingy. You can read all about the fishing world review of the Fortress Dinghy by licking on the link below. Prefer a summary? Read this... Safe …

Review - July 2, 2018

Bush 'n' Beach Fishing July 2018 - 651 CrossXover Hardtop

Bush 'n' Beach Fishing review of the McLay 651 CrossXover Hardtop. …

News - June 28, 2018

Toko Junior Hockey

Toko Junior Hockey This season children from both Milton Primary and St Marys School have combined to form a Year 5/6 junior hockey team named Toko Juniors. Each Wednesday they play teams from …

News - May 21, 2018

All Purpose Family Boat - up to 6 mtrs winner 2018

McLay Boats Ltd won the All Purpose Family Boat - up to 6mtrs at this years Hutchwilco New Zealand Boatshow. The category was won with the 611 CrossXover Hardtop. …

News - May 21, 2018

Winner of the All Purpose Family Boat - up to 7mtrs 2018

McLay Boats Ltd won the All Purpose Family Boat - up to 7mtrs at this years Hutchwilco New Zealand Boatshow. The category was won with the 701 Gen2 ExtraCab. …

News - May 17, 2018

Top Dealer of the Year for 2017

Top Dealer of the Year for 2017 goes to Bay's Boating Ltd from Motueka. This is the second year in a row that they have won. Well done and thank you all for your hard work. (Photo shows Steve …

News - May 15, 2018

The Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show 2018b

McLay Boats Ltd stand at the Hutchwilco New Zealand Boatshow 2018. Being held at the ASB Showgrounds in Auckland. Open from the 17th to the 20th of May 2018. Hours are 10am til 6pm daily. Don't …

Review - May 1, 2018

New Zealand May 2018 - 571 Sportsman Hardtop - New Boat

New Zealand Fishing News review of the McLay - 571 Sportsman Hardtop. …

News - April 30, 2018

The Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show 2018

We will be launching the 571 Sportsman Hardtop, (our newest model) at The Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show, being held at the ASB Showgrounds in Greenlane, Auckland. It runs from the 17th to the …

Review - April 30, 2018

New Zealand Fishing News - May 2018 - McLay 1100 Walk Around

New Zealand Fishing News review of the McLay 1100. …

Review - April 1, 2018

Pacific Powerboat Magazine - 591 XL Sportsman Hardtop

Read Pacific Powerboat Magazine's review of the McLay 591 XL Sportsman Hardtop. …

News - February 16, 2018

NEW MODEL - 571 Sportsman Hardtop

New Model - 571 Sportsman Hardtop. Since the cuddy cabin 571 Sportsman was so popular we've developed a light weight hardtop along the same lines as the 591 Sportsman Hardtop. Should prove to be very …

Review - January 30, 2018

Powerboat Magazine - Video - 561 CrossXover

Barry Thompson from Powerboat Magazine takes the 561 CrossXover out on the Taieri River and out over the bar. …

Review - January 8, 2018

Powerboat Magazine - video - 30 Years in the business

Video of Barry Thompson visiting the McLay Factor. …

Review - December 1, 2017

Fishing World December 2017 - 441 Fortress

"New Zealand-based McLay Boats unveils it's 441 Fortress, a tough little open boat perfect for those fishing inshore waters who appreciate quality." …

Review - August 1, 2017

Fishing World August 2017 - 571 Sportsman

"Being located in the south of New Zealand's South Island speaks volumes for the toughness of McLay Boats. This is a region of variable and mean weather, big swell, high winds and cold; where an …

Review - June 14, 2017

Boatmags.com - 651 CrossXover Hardtop

"We reviewed the McLay 651 Crossover on the stunning Lake Wakatipu, in Queenstown. This boat combines aspects of a family friendly fishing boat, with the safety of a pontoon boat. See what Barry …

Review - June 14, 2017

Boatmags.com - 701 Cruiser Hardtop

…

Review - June 13, 2017

Alloy Boat Magazine - Issue 10 2017. McLay 651 CrossXover Hardtop

Printed version of the test of the McLay 651 CrossXover Hardtop. Tested on Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown. …

News - May 23, 2017

Winner of the All Purpose Family Boat Up to 7 Metres

Winner of the All Purpose Family Boat - Up to 7 metres (at the Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show in the weekend) went to Big Red, our new 701 Gen2 Xtra Cab. Photo shows Pete - Fish City Hamilton, …

News - May 23, 2017

New Brisbane Dealer

Welcome to the McLay Family, Trevor & Heather from Karee Marine in Rocklea, Australia. They will be showing their first 3 McLay's at the Brisbane boat show at the end of August. Details to …

News - May 22, 2017

Top Dealer of the Year for 2016

Top Dealer of the Year for 2016 was proudly presented by Steve to Dave & Vic from Bays Boating, in Motueka at our annual dealer meeting at the Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show last week.. Job well …

News - May 17, 2017

Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show 2017

Another shot of the McLay Stand 355, hall 3. …

News - May 17, 2017

BIg Red

Big Red, the new 701 Gen2 Xtra Cab on the stand at the Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show this weekend. …

News - May 16, 2017

Boats in a row

Getting our stand (355, hall 3) ready for the upcoming Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show this coming weekend. Running from the 18th to the 21st at the ASB Show Grounds in Auckland. …

News - May 10, 2017

The Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show 2017

McLay Boats Ltd will be exhibiting at The Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show, from the 18th to the 21st of May 2017, at the ASB Show Grounds in Auckland. We will be displaying most of our models …

News - January 20, 2017

New Zealands First Female Apprentice Aluminium Boat Builder

NZ Marine News Article - our very own Elizabeth is New Zealands first female Apprentice Aluminium Boat Builder. …

Review - December 1, 2016

Fishing Monthly December 2016 - 651 CrossXover Hardtop

"The CrossXover series is one of their most popular ranges they produce with five boats to choose from. The 651 CrossXover HT is the premium boat in the range. " …

Review - November 1, 2016

Fishing Monthly - Video - 651 CrossXover Hardtop

Peter Jung from Fishing Monthly magazine testing out the McLay 651 CrossXover Hardtop on Hazelwood Pondage in Victoria, Australia. …

News - July 29, 2016

Sydney Boat Show

In Sydney? Why not head on down to the Sydney Boat Show at Darling Harbour and check out the McLay Boats at Sports Marine's stand. The friendly team from Sports Marine will be there to help with …

News - July 13, 2016

Business South Newspaper

Business South Newspaper (July issue) has a write up about McLay Boats Ltd in it. …

Review - June 1, 2016

Fishing Monthly June 2016 - 611 CrossXover Hardtop

…

Review - May 25, 2016

Fishing Monthly - Video - 611 CrossXover Hardtop

Steve Morgan from Fishing Monthly Magazine takes the 611 CrossXover Hartop for a spin on Port Phillip Bay, Australia. …

Review - May 18, 2016

Fishing Monthly - Video - 581 CrossXover

Steve Morgan takes out the 581 CrossXover with David Garcia from Warragul Marine, for a spin on Port Phillip Bay. …

News - May 11, 2016

The Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show

Stand 355 at the ASB Showgrounds, where the Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show will be running from the 12th to the 15th of May. Why not pop along and check out the McLay Boats we have on show. …

News - May 10, 2016

The Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show 2016

Two of the new models being launched at The Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show being loaded. New Models being launched this boat show are the 651 CrossXover Hardtop, the 701 Cruiser Gen 2 Hardtop and …

News - May 1, 2016

Fishing Monthly May 2016 - 591 Sportsman Hardtop

"New Zealand built boats have a reputation for being well-made and for offering packages that are designed for anglers. With this in mind I was looking forward to heading out on the water with David …

News - November 20, 2015

701 Premier Hardtop

701 Premier Hardtop Boat test. This model is now available at Fish City, as an ex demonstrator, at a reduced price of $139,995. Call Rob on 09 476 4282 or email rob@fishcity.co.nz to arrange a …

News - July 3, 2015

First container to New Caledonia

McLay Boats are excited to announce that they have filled their first container load of boats headed to New Caledonia. McLay Boats, who have been exporting to Australia for many years, started …

Review - July 1, 2015

New Zealand Fishing News July 2015 - 701 Premier Hardtop

"We wanted to modernise the look of our boats, and the new Premier Range is the beginning of this" …

News - June 1, 2015

All hands on deck after a very successful 2015 Hutchwilco Auckland Boat Show for McLay Boats

After a somewhat manic lead up to the 2015 Hutchwilco Auckland Boat Show the boat show proved to be another great sales success for the McLay Boats dealer network. In the lead up to the show the …

News - May 1, 2015

McLay Boats unveils all new top of the line boat package

McLay Boats all new top of the line, Premier Series comes in two sizes, the 701 Premier and 801 Premier. The idea for the Premier came to McLay Boats Managing Director, Steve McLay’s mind …

News - November 27, 2014

Trade a Boats Australia VERY impressed after trialling a 611 Crossover

Trade-a-boat had this to say "Launched earlier in 2014 at the Auckland Hutchwilco Boat Show, the CrossXover series of aluminium fishing / crossover boats from McLay Boats is now available in …

News - May 20, 2014

McLay's 2014 Range Proves To Be A Real hit At The Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show

Preparing for the boat show inevitably comes with added pressure and stress, but all that extra effort has been worthwhile this year for McLay Boats. Steve McLay said "We have had a very successful …

News - May 19, 2014

McLay Unveil's The All New CrossXover Series At The 2014 Hutchwilco NZ Boatshow

The CrossXover series come packed with new features and options. This versatile range of boats is ideal for family, fishing, diving or towing water toys. What stands out most about the range is the …

News - May 18, 2014

McLay Launch New Fortress Models

This top selling range, originally designed to suit the demands of boating in New Zealand, has proved popular overseas as well. With the addition of a range of new centre console models released at …

News - May 13, 2013

McLay Unveils the All New 931 Aluminium Fishing Boat

Watch out the whole family will want to come along! McLay Boats latest offering, the McLay 931 aluminium trailer boat, is bound to impress fishermen and cruisers alike when it is launched at this …

News - November 30, 2012

Aluminium Trailer Boat Packages A Real Hit!

Since releasing the three complete aluminium boat trailer and engine packages in August the 521, 571 and 591 have become McLay's best selling range. These packages represent excellent value for …

News - November 29, 2012

Proud Winners Of 'Best Aluminium Fishing Boat'

The heading pretty much says it all - best fishing boat. The McLay Walk Around 1100 won the best fishing boat open category at the 2012 Hutchwilco Boat Show. The Walk Around 1100 is McLay Boats …

News - November 28, 2012

McLay Aluminium Boats Are An Export Success

McLay's range of aluminium boats and fishing boats are not only market leaders in New Zealand, but its range of quality recreational and commercial boats are now sought after overseas. McLay Boats …

News - November 28, 2012

McLay 720 Aluminium Fishing Boat- A Charter Success In Sweden

The McLay 720 fishing boat has proven to be a success for Swedish charter fishing company, Dalsland Fishing. With winter fast approaching and the lakes close to freezing Dalsland fishing's second …

Review - November 27, 2012

Boating New Zealand - McLay 1100 Walk Round

It takes courage to commit to a completely new design in a very tough retail environment, especially when it's a design that departs so far from the production aluminium trailerboats your company is …

Review - November 26, 2012

Pacific PowerBoat Magazine - McLay 690HT Fishing Boat

"The main difference is that it is slightly wider, higher in the topsides and has a raised cockpit sole. This has allowed for a larger fuel tank up from 170 litres to 200 litres, an underfloor 'kill' …

Review - November 25, 2012

McLay Fortress Aluminium Dinghies

"The unique Mclay Fortress design allows for a sharper entry permitting a better ride and less spray. Reverse chines allows greater stability with a large deadrise. Floor height is reduced to the …

Review - November 1, 2011

Fishing Monthly November 2011 - 4.8 Fortress

"The McLay Fortress 4.8m aluminium boat is the next step up from the 4.4m model reviewed some time back and follows the family tradition of being a super solid, reliable small craft that is well …

Review - October 1, 2011

Fishing Monthly October 2010 - 4.4 Fortress

"The McLay 4.4m is also aptly named Fortress, as it exhibits those same qualities of safety, strength, durability and reliability, qualities that have personified McLay for more than a decade." …