Rayglass Boats

From ashes to accolades, that’s the Rayglass Boats story. Right here in Mt Wellington, Rayglass Boats stands as a testament to Kiwi resilience. Rayglass Boats wasn’t always the giant it is today. The company began modestly in 1988 when Tony and Vicki Hembrow took over sales and marketing. They poured every dollar back into the business, focusing on design and tooling. This led to the birth of the first Rayglass Legend in 1992. The Legend 620 made a splash, winning the 1992 National Boat Show award. This was just the first in a long line of accolades for Rayglass Boats. Disaster struck in the mid-90s. Just as Rayglass Boats was taking off, a devastating fire swept through their production facility. The fire destroyed everything, including the newly crafted moulds for the entire Legend range. Years of work vanished in a cloud of smoke. But the founders of Rayglass Boats, Tony and Vicki Hembrow, refused to give up. The New Zealand marine industry rallied around Rayglass Boats. Competitors, clients, and suppliers offered tools, materials, and even cash to help them rebuild. This incredible display of support allowed Rayglass Boats to rise from the ashes within a year. Rayglass Boats relocated to new premises and emerged stronger than ever. They secured deals with international partners and expanded their product line. The Protector series, launched in 1997, became a huge success. This innovative boat earned Coastguard Federation approval and secured Rayglass Boats the contract to supply official boats for the 1999 America’s Cup. The awards kept coming. Rayglass Boats consistently earned recognition at the New Zealand National Boat Show Awards. By 2016, they had amassed over 50 “Best of” awards. Their boats, from the sleek Legend series to the robust Protector models, became highly sought after. Today, Rayglass Boats is a global brand, exporting its boats worldwide. Their success is a testament to the Hembrows’ vision, the company’s resilience, and the unwavering support of the New Zealand marine community. They’ve even expanded into a brand-new 7,000sqm factory in Auckland. The Rayglass Boats story is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, innovation and determination can prevail.