Looking back on 2022: Rayglass’ busiest year yet

Summer’s here and 2022 is almost at a close. The year flew by for our team, as we kept multiple projects afloat and worked hard to end the year on a successful note.

With that in mind and for a bit of light holiday reading we’re wrapping up Rayglass’ highlights for 2022 - from finishing 26 Coastguard refits, to building our 50th 3500. It’s been a busy one!

We completed our 50th 3500 build

One of our biggest milestones this year was completing and delivering our 50th Rayglass 3500. Since launching in 2017, we’ve built more than ten 3500's a year to keep up with the strong demand. Rayglass Sales Director, Scott Little, says the reason for its popularity is obvious:

“It was built for the way that Kiwis like to go boating, with indoor-outdoor flow, a separate galley and all the amenities you could need for a long trip.”

“Really the success of this vessel is thanks to our customers. They gave us great feedback, we acted on it and the 3500 is the result.”

Read more about our 50th 3500

Our premium restoration team refitted 26 Coastguard vessels

In 2021, a fleet of 26 Rayglass Protectors would serve as chase and support vessels as Emirates Team New Zealand won the America’s Cup. Once the cup was safely back in the trophy cabinet, our premium restoration team transformed and repurposed the boats to serve as Coastguard vessels all over New Zealand. 

In September this year, our team finished their 26th and final vessel, and our Premium Restoration Manager, Tim Tsoumas reckons it was a huge job:

“Mate, I’m humbled by it - it’s a massive undertaking. The amount of work and specialized equipment that has gone into these boats is mind boggling.”

Read more about our Coastguard refits

We welcomed Boston Whaler to New Zealand

In early 2022 Rayglass was named as the exclusive New Zealand dealer of one of the world’s most iconic fibreglass boat brands - Boston Whaler. 

They build multi-purpose fishing and recreation vessels which are purpose built for the way Kiwis like to boat - so it’s no surprise that we’ve already delivered several vessels and have more on order for 2023. Dave Larsen, Rayglass CEO, believes Rayglass and Boston Whaler are a perfect match:

“We are both known for building vessels that offer the perfect combination of unsinkable capability and tough luxury. It’s very exciting to be working with a brand having a reputation like Boston Whaler.”

Read more about Boston Whaler

Protector brand Manager for PB Europe, Thom Board showcasing a 310 Chase and 380 Targa at the Southampton Boat show

PB Europe, a subsidiary of Ancasta Brokerage Group, became the official Protector dealer across the UK & Europe region.

There’s huge demand for Protector Boats worldwide, thanks to their reputation for tough luxury and performance. That’s why it made so much sense for PB Europe and Ancasta group to work with Rayglass as our official dealers in Europe:

Ancasta Group’s Managing Director, Nick Griffith says the partnership just made sense:

“The Ancasta Group, with its extensive European office network and its own dedicated after-sales support capability is perfectly positioned to provide the very highest standards in service for Protector Boat customers.”

We successfully exported and delivered the first 7 boats to PB Europe this year, with a total of 25 boats scheduled to be delivered before the end of 2023.

Find out more about our new partnership

We built the highest performing Protector yet

At Rayglass we like to push the limits. So when we heard that Mercury were producing the world’s first 600hp V12 outboard we knew we had to build a special boat to suit them. 

After months of design and deliberation we built a custom Protector Targa 410 and installed two of the 600hp engines on it. Rayglass CEO Dave Larsen went for a spin in her and hit 60 knots safely and easily:

“The combination of the Mercury Verado V12 and the Protector Targa 410 is unreal. This is the ultimate luxury performance vessel - there’s nothing else like it on the water.”

Read more about the 1,200 hp Protector

Our premium restoration department is going from strength to strength

Our premium restoration department has been a success story for Rayglass and our customers this year.

Following the completion of the Coastguard refit, we’ve been booking out months in advance and bringing several exciting vessels back to life like a retro Rayglass 470, a 5.5m Protector called Mahi and a 2800 co-owned by four Auckland families that has done over 4,000 hours to name a few. 

If you’re out on your boat this summer and realize it could do with a bit of a tidy up (or a full overhaul) get in touch with us as soon as possible to book in a spot for 2023. We’d love to help you bring your pride and joy back to its best.

Book your premium restoration spot here

Wrapping up 2022

We would like to thank everyone in the Rayglass family who has supported us this year - we genuinely appreciate it and look forward to continue working with you in 2023.

The entire Rayglass team would like to wish you and your family a safe and Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Enjoy yourselves out there on the water!