Kingfisher Boats Appoints PDL Marine as Licensed UK Builder

New Zealand aluminium boat builder Kingfisher Boats has appointed PDL Marine Limited as its licensed manufacturing partner for the United Kingdom.

The agreement will see PDL Marine produce a selection of Kingfisher aluminium monohull and Powercat vessels for the UK market, bringing the proven New Zealand-designed platform closer to UK and European customers.

Based in Portsmouth, United Kingdom, PDL Marine has extensive experience in the design and construction of aluminium vessels for both leisure and commercial sectors. The company utilises highly skilled Lloyd’s coded welders and premium marine materials in the construction of its vessels.

Under the agreement, Kingfisher-designed boats will be built in the UK under licence by PDL Marine Limited, ensuring vessels are manufactured locally while maintaining the core design principles, performance characteristics, and build standards that define the Kingfisher brand. The Kingfisher designs and intellectual property remain owned by Kingfisher Boats in New Zealand, with PDL Marine manufacturing the vessels under licence for the UK market.

PDL Marine notes that all aluminium vessels will be constructed from marine-grade aluminium throughout, using high-quality materials and fabrication practices suited to demanding marine environments.

Kingfisher Boats General Manager Laura Mason says the partnership reflects growing international interest in the company’s designs.

“We’ve seen increasing interest from the UK and European markets in the Kingfisher platform, particularly our aluminium Powercat designs. Partnering with an experienced local builder allows us to bring the boats to that market while maintaining the design integrity, performance and practicality the Kingfisher range is known for.”

The partnership enables vessels to be produced closer to the UK market, providing improved delivery timeframes and local manufacturing support while retaining the proven hull designs developed in New Zealand.

PDL Marine Managing Director Phillip Lovegrove says the Kingfisher range aligns strongly with the company’s capabilities.

“The Kingfisher range aligns perfectly with our commitment to delivering robust, high-performance vessels built to the highest standards. We are excited to bring these platforms into production and strengthen our position within the UK marine manufacturing sector.”

Originally developed for the challenging sea conditions of New Zealand, the Kingfisher range of aluminium boats has earned a reputation for superior stability, large internal volume, practical fishing layouts, and a smooth ride. The company produces a wide range of vessels, from compact trailer boats through to larger twin-engine Powercat platforms used in both recreational and commercial applications.

The first vessels are expected to enter production in the coming months as PDL Marine prepares to introduce the Kingfisher platform to the UK market.

PDL Marine will also be showcasing Kingfisher boats at the Southampton International Boat Show in September, providing an opportunity for UK customers to see the vessels up close and learn more about the range.