Testimonials
Please read comments and testimonials from customers of our aluminium dinghies, pontoon boats and commercial aluminium barges
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Matt Williams - Commando 3.6m
Matt is a Community Ranger in the Mahurangi Regional Park, and wrote to us about his boat and his experiences.....
Big expectations for a small boat
I purchased a new 3.6m Commando Boat, powered it with a 30hp Evinrude Etec, and could not be happier. I am a keen fisherman and free diver and have racked up over 160 hours in this boat in the last year and a half.
I have trialled this boat in many different sea conditions and have found it to be a very safe and comfortable ride for its size. The unique hull design makes its ride far superior to many other pontoon boats of this size. I have taken it out as far as the Hen and Chicks and found it to be excellent on fuel economy. Its stability at anchor makes it an excellent fishing and diving platform.
The D shape pontoon design and well thought out storage means there is good stowage for all gear needs. The centre console allows great weight distribution and plenty of good usable space.
Bruce and the team were excellent to deal with. Their experience, combined with excellent workmanship meant that I ended up with exactly what I wanted both style and performance wise. Their after sales support has been unparalleled and I have been very impressed with the pride they take in their vessels.
I would recommend a commando to anyone who is looking for great performance, and a well thought out and finished boat.
Matt Williams
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Alistair Reynolds - 8.5m commercial planing barge
Alistair Reynolds is a commercial vessel operator with a lifetime of maritime experience. The nature of Alistairs work means he asks a lot of his equipment...
Felicitare Charters and Towing
To Whom It May Concern…
Over the last six years, Metal Designs have built three new Landing Craft for me. They have all been built on time and within the budget allowed.
All three have been great workboats, and have exhibited no breakages or failures, in spite of an ever increasing workload, and their high speed operation.
These vessels do most of their carrying at 26 knots, which in moderate sea conditions can be an extreme test for any vessel, especially ones with an almost flat underwater section.
My previous two vessels were designed and built by Phoenix boats in Whangarei, and they failed on a regular basis. The failures included leakages caused by fractured welds, caving in of the hull forward, caused by lack of framing, engine bearers cracking etc.
When I first launched the second of these vessels, I identified nine leaks, and that was on its first day in the water. Later that day, the whole bow section caved in when it hit a moderate wave. I sent the vessel back to Phoenix for repair, and when I went to pick the vessel up on completion, they would not release the vessel until I paid for the repairs.! Unfortunately, I had to pay up as I had customers needing the vessel, and the repairs had taken too long already.
It has been a great working relationship with Metal Designs, and the last vessel they built for me did in excess of 20000 nautical miles without a fault, and was sold to another operator who is also getting good use from it.
If I can be of further assistance, do not hesitate to contact me.
Alistair Reynolds.