Big Business In Blowing Up Boats
John Booth is buoyant about business and its not surprising considering that his 12 year old Taihape company is one of
the country’s leading makers of inflatable boats. It is also one of the busiest, with half the factory capacity
dedicated to producing inflatable rescue boats for the US market.
The landlocked town is home to Incept Marine, whose inflatable rafts, river kayaks and rescue craft are big business.
The latest project for the innovative company, is a New Zealand first – a portable inflatable sea kayak costing under
$3,000, light enough to be carried in a backpack, but tough enough to withstand long expedition sea voyages.
It is also possibly one of the most remarkable pieces of collaboration in New Zealand business. It drew on the company’s
core competency, R skills of a Massey University graduate student, assistance from Technology New Zealand, and the at-sea experiences of
an 80 year old American long distance solo sea kayak expert.
Small enough to fit into an average backpack, and inflated by a foot pump, the sea kayak is the next step on from
Incept’s success in designing and building river kayaks. “We knew the kayak shape would always be a problem, as
inflatables tend towards rounded surfaces while streamlined kayaks extend to knife edges,” says Incept manager, John
Booth. “We also had to make a product that would be acceptable to the market.
Massey University Liz Ussher is a keen whitewater kayaker, so the opportunity to work with the company on a Technology
for Industry Fellowship awarded through Technology New Zealand, was a marriage made in heaven. While completing her
Masters in Manufacturing and Industrial Technology, Liz’s research skills helped the company take the project from
concept to production.
John Booth explains: “What we needed was someone who could devote time to the project. Liz’ input helped us confirmed
that we should develop an expedition sea kayak capable of covering long distances over an extended period.”
Low drag is also a big factor in the development, and Liz tested the various designs in fast-flowing rivers to compare
the drag. “Although I learnt plenty about kayak parameters and design, I think the most valuable thing I learned was
about teamwork and communication, “ she says. “I also learned how things never go quite your way in industry.”
Incept Marine was also helped in the design and prototype stage by Audrey Sutherland, an 80 year old American solo sea
kayaker. “She is always on the lookout for a faster boat, so she brought her favourite European inflatable kayak to New
Zealand and spent a week with us,” says John Booth. “Her input and experience was useful in helping us refine the design
for the highly specific needs of sea kayakers.”
The company is a quiet success story: running at capacity, plenty of on-going orders, a strong presence in international
markets and looking for more people and space to expand. However, Technology New Zealand’s assistance allowed Incept the
luxury of taking time to add new technology into the business and open up a new market.
-ends-
www.technz.co.nz