From micky finn to kahurangi

The growth in the boating industry over the last 18 months both locally and on a global basis has been incredible.  At R Marine Flagship we have experienced this boom in two ways, one with the incredible demand for vessels (both new and brokerage) and secondly with the increase in refit, repair and renovation work through our service department.

One vessel which has been hugely upgraded over the last year is the 2004 Riviera 40, Kahurangi. John and Lorraine purchased her in May 2020 and have been working through a very extensive upgrade list to create what they describe as ‘not a new boat but a pretty good alternative’.

And then came the upgrades!

From the Flybridge down, the duckboard all the way down to the engine room, Kahurangi has  had at least 30 upgrades since John & Loraine took ownership. Every element of the vessel has been considered to restore this vessel to an ‘as new’ condition, technologically, mechanically, operationally, and aesthetically.

Operationally, the old flybridge clears were replaced with front and side glass screens with wipes and washers to create a warmer space that is easier to operate in harsher conditions. The team refurbished the cockpit teak and replaced the duckboard teak flooring with Permateek, and then added eyebrow and full drop-down covers/clears around cockpit. A BlueWater Watermaker was also added to the boat.

Aesthetically, there were some large changes made to modernise this vessel.

The first was the replacement of all of the flooring throughout the boat. In the Saloon and Galley area, the carpet was replaced with timber effect flooring and in the cabins, new carpet was laid.
To open up the space and create full visibility from the saloon, the large imposing TV cabinet was removed from the starboard, and left in its place is a window.
A stainless steel mirror was added to the engine room ceiling (in John’s words, ‘A man has gotta have some bling’)
Also all of the name badges, taps, Riviera decals and the horn were replaced and underwater lights were installed (a little bit more bling).

Mechanically, the Davco Crane was completely refurbished, as well as the Onan Generator. The engine and house batteries were replaced with new and a digital position display was added to the existing trim tabs.

Now that we are on the home stretch of upgrades onboard Kahurangi, John & Loraine reflect on their improved vessel and are just over the moon with the outcome.

“We got plenty of advice from other boaties who ‘knew a mate that could do things at a good price”, but no one was able to give us the detailed technical advice and knowledge of Riviera boats like Flagship.

Adam Hadfield and his service team were able to give us detailed options and recommendations for every aspect of the upgrades we were contemplating. And their advice proved invaluable … and spot on. Even better to come was the attention to detail in all the work they undertook. The professionalism and workmanship of the entire Flagship service team have been impressive. Likewise, Adam’s attention to detail in managing subcontractors for specialist items like installing glass in the flybridge or underwater exhausts has been impressive.

We’re on the home stretch now with the upgrades we had planned, and the boat is looking sharp as evidenced by the number of people who ask “Is this a new boat?” No, it’s not, but it’s a pretty good alternative to a new Riviera!” Says John.