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2025 Hutchwilco Boat Show Hall of Fame

At the 2025 Hall of Fame ceremony, held as part of the annual Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show, —Gerry Gerrand of Buccaneer Pleasure Craft was officially inducted into the 2025 Hall of Fame.

Gerry Gerrand has made lasting contributions to New Zealand’s trailer boat industry. He has steered Buccaneer for nearly five decades, becoming a trusted figure in Kiwi boatbuilding with a legacy defined by consistency, quality, and innovation.

The 2025 Hall of Fame inductions celebrate Gerry Gerrand’s impactful legacy.

Gerry Gerrand’s Buccaneer Boats shaped the trailer boating experience with family values and fibreglass innovation. He built more than boats—he built trust, lifestyle, and enduring connections to the water. His work reflects the spirit of Kiwi boating: practical, passionate, and proudly local. As we honour his achievements, we also recognise a legacy that continues to shape how New Zealanders explore, fish, and enjoy our coastal backyard. Gerry’s influence endures.

Gerry Gerrand and the Buccaneer legacy

From humble beginnings to national icon—how one Waikato boatbuilder helped shape the course of Kiwi trailer boating.

When it comes to New Zealand’s trailer boat scene, few names carry the same weight as Buccaneer Boats. And behind the brand, quietly but resolutely steering the course, stands Gerry Gerrand—a man whose passion for boating and unwavering pursuit of quality helped set a benchmark for fibreglass boatbuilding in Aotearoa.

Gerrand’s journey began with tragedy. His grandfather, a fisherman, was lost at sea—a sobering start to a lifelong connection with the ocean. But rather than being deterred, a young Gerry became even more determined to master the water. By age 16, he had left St Paul’s Collegiate to begin an apprenticeship at Rollo’s Marine, learning the ropes the traditional way: hands on, from the floor up.

In 1976, armed with a vision and a keen sense of what Kiwi boaties needed, Gerrand launched Buccaneer Boats from modest beginnings. The first model, a 4.7-metre runabout, was built in his backyard. One boat at a time grew into a thriving business employing nearly 30 staff and turning out highly respected models like the 685 Hard Top Eldorado—his personal favourite.

Key to Buccaneer’s success was innovation. Gerrand pushed the limits with new materials and smarter designs. He introduced one-piece fibreglass liners and pioneered hardtop designs inspired by time spent boating on the often-blustery waters of Lake Taupō. These were boats designed not just to perform, but to make boating safer and more enjoyable for Kiwi families.

But it wasn’t just about technology. Buccaneer fostered a strong internal culture, with long-serving team members like David Harris, Rob McLean and Mat Bailey staying the course for decades. Gerrand’s wife Jenny and son Wade also remain active in the business, helping to ensure Buccaneer remains true to its family roots.

Today, the Buccaneer name is synonymous with quality and dependability—values that reflect Gerry Gerrand’s own character. His boats have introduced thousands of New Zealanders to the joy of life afloat. More than just a manufacturer, he’s a true custodian of Kiwi boating culture.

As the local marine industry continues to face headwinds—from supply chain disruptions to the rise of alternative technologies—Buccaneer stands as a testament to what a clear vision, deep experience, and a bit of Kiwi grit can achieve. And at the heart of it all is a man who’s always believed that if you build it right, the rest will follow.

Gerry Gerrand’s journey from rural roots to marine industry icon is a story of dedication, craftsmanship, and quiet leadership. After spending 12 formative years at Rollo’s Marine, Gerry established Buccaneer Boats in 1977 and what began as a modest operation quickly grew into one of New Zealand’s most respected boatbuilding companies.  Under Gerry’s guidance, Buccaneer Boats has produced over 6000 GRP trailer boats, earning a reputation synonymous with quality and innovation.  

A strong supporter of the NZ Marine CPC Program, Gerry was also instrumental in collaborating with NZ Marine to develop apprenticeship programs specifically tailored for the trailer boat sector, helping shape the next generation of marine professionals.