Halvorsen - that revered name

by Bob Wonders on 14 Oct 2007 Halvorsen Boat Sales (Queensland) has been appointed the Queensland distributor for that most revered of Australian boating names that dates back to the 19th century.

Formed by Neil and Wendi Bone, the couple gained their interest when looking for a boat for their own use.

Neil Bone, a semi-retired businessman and marketing consultant, liked what he saw when inspecting the Halvorsen range. “Next thing, I’m the Queensland distributor,” he joked. “It’s something my wife and I are very excited about.”

The couple said the build quality, standard of fit out and the sea keeping performance of the Halvorsen cruiser range was impressive.

“Most people, when the Halvorsen name is mentioned, have fond memories of the timber cruisers that were virtually hand-crafted at its Sydney yards in Ryde and Bobbin Head,” Neil Bone said.

“They were so well built that many are still cherished and used today.”

The latest Halvorsen range starts with an appealing 32’ (9.75-metre) Sedan, which can also be configured as a flying bridge cruiser and marketed as the ‘Eurosedan.’

Others in the range comprise the 38’ (11.58-metre) Sedan, the 40’ (12.19-metre) Eurosedan and a 42’ (12.80-metre) Coastal Cruiser, another flying bridge design.
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An all-new model designated the Broadwater 34’ (10.36-metres) in scheduled for release at the 2008 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show.

The Halvorsen family has been building boats since 1887.

In its heyday, 1925-1980, the Halvorsen company designed and built about 1300 vessels, among them 237 craft for the Australian, Dutch and United States military during World War II.

Post war the Halvorsen name was further enhanced as the company operated its own fleet of charter boats on the waters all around Sydney and along the way designed and built some of the most gracious and luxurious privately-owned motor yachts ever seen on local waters.

In a major move, a joint venture company, Kong and Halvorsen Marine and Engineering, was formed in 1975 in Hong Kong, its brief to design, build and market worldwide a new range of pleasure boats.

Over the next 30-years, hundreds of vessels, from 29’ (8.83-metres) to 130’ (39.63-metres) under the names Kohn and Halvorsen and Island Gypsy, were built.

In 1981 the company shifted to Southern China and in 1991 the Halvorsen family bought out the Kong family interests.

Neil and Wendi Bone are convinced their involvement will help consolidate the brand in a rapidly expanding market for high quality, semi-displacement and planing hull cruisers.

“The tradition continues,” Neil declared.

For further information contact Neil Bone, 0418 189 968 or e-mail halvorsenqld@bigpond.com