Image Boats Ltd is an Invercargill based company that has grown from humble beginnings into a major player in the alloy boat industry. What started in 2000 as a vision by Managing Director Dean Wilkes, has grown from a one man band based in his back yard into the success story they are today.
Much more than just a standardised assembly line, every boat that Image Boats produces is custom made to be highly personalised to the specific requirements of each customer. With nearly 150 builds behind them now, they know the formula is right!
Throughout the design and build process, Dean builds a special relationship with his clients, working closely with them to construct a custom boat that reflects the clients wants and needs.The lines of communication are open throughout every stage of the build through email, photos, phone calls and meetings.
We also contract in an Auto Electrician, Upholsterer and Plumber to ensure that you don’t need to deal with several different suppliers. We take care of all the details so you can focus on finding the perfect fishing locations!
The boats we build are not only floating holiday homes as well as the perfect fishing platform, they are often a lifelong dream come true. Comfort and safety go hand in hand here at Image Boats.
Managing Director Dean Wilkes is originally a Sheet Metal Engineer by trade, completing his 4.5 year apprenticeship here in Invercargill, where he met his wife Stacey. He began his boat building career on a working holiday in Australia 25 years ago and has never looked back. He has built ferries, 30-60 foot fishing boats, pontoon boats and other commercial crafts.
Dean and Stacey travelled the world extensively before returning home to start a family which now consists of daughters Anastasia, Arielle and Raquel and son Lachlan. Lachlan is employed after school at Image Boats continuing the family feel of the business. Stacey works in the retail arm Pleasure and Marine, and Anastasia and Arielle also make lures for the shop to fund raise for extracurricular activities.
Dean was brought up on or near the water, his family holidays include memories of water skiing, fishing and camping. Traditions he and Stacey have continued with their own family.
Dean and Stacey have been blessed with a lot of family support in the start up and running of Image Boats Ltd. Dean’s father Ron can often be found joining Dean on the long trek up the country delivering boats and attending boat shows. In the early days Stacey’s father Davey was heavily involved in the construction of the boats, and would often be there till 2am helping out. Davey also worked in the workshop up until recently and is still available when ever Dean needs a helping hand.
A Wilkes family tradition is the annual Christmas tour, where all six members travel the South Island in the latest Demonstrator boat.
The dates and locations are advertised as the boat is available for viewing and test drives. Not only is it a great family holiday, it also shows the versatility of a boat being able to comfortably house a large family for a month.
