Dear Sam and Jacquie,

We are absolutely delighted with our Superior 1050, after taking delivery at Mana Marina, just North of Wellington in early October 2006.

Crossing the Cook Strait for the first time in our new boat was an absolute buzz, Sellensia handled the conditions, a 2 metre swell breaking, with ease.

We left Mana at 7am and were at the Northern tip of Mana Island when the sun rose and lit up our destination, Komaru entrance to the Queen Charlotte Sounds

With the Auto Pilot activated, we lifted the power to 18 knots (just under cruising speed) and only 1 hour later entered the Sounds. It was a very exciting and felt completely safe crossing of one of the most notorious stretches of water around.

When we are cruising and fishing, which excites our seven grandchildren, we find extended periods on board to be very comfortable, with the practical and clever use of space in the 1050. The hour meter has already clocked 80 and is rising fast, testament of the boats attraction for us all.

This is a very complete package which looks and performs well beyond our expectations.

She is a winner in every respect.

Proud owner of 'Sellensia'

Dear Sam and Jacquie,

In my search for a new or used boat of around ten metres, I was having problems finding an existing boat with adequate cockpit space.

In looking at existing Formula 33 boats the boat itself seemed to fit the profile of what I was requiring, apart from the cockpit space available for serious fishing in and around the Hauraki Gulf.

I decided to visit the Formula 33 manufacturer, Superior Boats, with a view to possibly having one altered, or having a new one built with a larger cockpit to suit my requirements. To my amazement I found a boat already under construction which was almost exactly what I had envisaged.

After several visits and quite a few hours of discussing manufacturing options, I decided to place an order for a new Superior 1050 Hardtop, powered by a Yanmar 315 and Hurth Gearbox.

I took delivery of my new boat in May 2005 and have since done over 350 engine hours and used the boat extensively around the Gulf with day trips and several extended trips to Great Barrier and beyond on Hapuka trips etc.

The boat is exactly what I envisaged and required, with plenty of accommodation space within two double cabins, sleeping up to six and enabling me to cruise for extended periods in comfort, with all mod cons. The cockpit space is very adequate, enabling me to carry a large Ice Chilli bin, with also the added convenience of the built in freezer to store bait and processed fish.

Having a new boat built by Sam at Superior Boats has been a pleasant experience, particularly with his personal approach to all enquiries and being available at all times to discuss all facets of the building process. Having previously owned many boats, both new and used, I am extremely happy with the quality and finish of my boat. After having used it now for nearly two years, it has proven to be extremely seaworthy, with a sound combination of proven design with modern machinery, quality workmanship and finishing.

I would have no hesitation in ordering another new boat from Superior Boats. I have been extremely impressed with the Quality of work, together with the high level of after sales satisfaction in remedying any and all minor requirements.

The overall dealing with both Jacquie, Sam and all Superior staff has proven to be an excellent business experience and open discussion with a boatbuilder who shows an obvious pride, honesty and satisfaction in his work and business ethics.

Robert Funnell.

Sam and Jackie,

Its now over 2 years since we launched our Superior 1050 “Clockwise”. We haven’t clocked up 200 hours yet but we’ve covered a lot of ground and explored a lot of new ground that we could not have considered without the confidence that we have in “Clockwise”. We’ve cruised her from Auckland : North to the Bay of Islands and Whangaroa and East to Great Barrier Island and the Coromandel. From Mana : West to the Marlborough Sounds, Nelson and the Able Tasman National Park. The 1050 makes for a superb cruising craft.

Being based in Mana and using Clockwise for cruising means that we must do a double Cook Strait crossing each time we go out. The Superior 1050 hull has coped with every crossing without issue and anyone who has tackled this piece of water will know that the combination of wind and tide in the area makes for some challenging conditions.

As you know, we decided that the Formula 33 hull was the ideal hull for us but despite looking at virtually every second hand one available over an 18 month period we found none that met our needs as far as interior layout and especially storage was concerned. The latter was imperative for us since we planned to regularly spend 7 to 10 days on board cruising the Marlborough Sounds and further a field. Then there was the finishing ; some good but most not so, just lacking that professional touch. Your decision to cease supplying Formula 33 hull and decks and to market the Superior 1050 only as a fully finished product is a very good one.

I can recall quite vividly the first meeting I had with you, Sam, covering layout and storage. Each time I asked if perhaps this layout or that was possible, you pulled out a drawing and asked “is this what you mean ?” It was exactly what I meant !! And as for storage you not only heard our requests and made many suggestions that we readily agreed to, you built them exactly as you described and even found one or two more that you added which came as very pleasant surprises. Mind you, as we’ve often joked, someone has put enough supplies into some of those spots to ensure we could survive for months on board!

We originally thought that we didn’t need the “EC” version. Boy, are we happy now that you talked us into it !! Whether it’s fishing, swimming, getting on and off at the marina, in and out of the dingy, grandkids fishing, the extended cockpit set up is unbeatable. And a recent discovery – it makes it so easy to drop, drag and lift a scallop dredge! We only wish we’d had “Clockwise” when we were divers, the “EC” set-up would make an ideal diving platform.

Until we began the building process with you, I hadn’t really appreciated what a “Boat Builder” really was. I now know that a good one is a professional builder, an expert cabinet maker and a damn good engineer rolled into one. A boat builder is the true elite of trades people. Sam, I take my hat off to you, you are a very good Boat Builder!

It is my understanding that most inboard powered boats experience engine vibrations somewhere over the rev range. I think it’s a credit to your installation skills, Sam, that "Clockwise" has no such vibration, just smooth right through and in all sea conditions.

Going through the building process with both of you was an enjoyable experience. We probably pestered you more being out of towners but you were always available and made time for us. I think the key was that you wanted our boat to be exactly what we wanted it be. Can you imagine getting that service from an off-shore produced production boat ??!! We think we’ve got a special launch in "Clockwise".

We wish you both every success for the future of your business and especially the Superior 1050, it’s a winner!

Philip & Wendy Hutchinson
"Clockwise"