New Zealand's marine industry is gradually regaining its confidence after a difficult economic stretch in the early 2020s, and there is genuine satisfaction in watching local boat builders lead the way back.
Shortly before Christmas, Dickey Boats completed the handover of a freshly built Semifly 36, a model that has been in production since its 2017 launch. It is not a newcomer to the range, but it carries itself as though it could be.
When the Semifly 36 first appeared, it drew admiration for the quality of its construction and the assurance it gave on the water. Eight years on, its lines have held up well.
The 36 grew directly out of the Semifly 32, retaining the same hull form while building on it in practical ways. Greater fuel capacity pushes the boat's range further, and a larger cockpit, dedicated fishing station, and more generous saloon all add up to a more rewarding experience on coastal and offshore passages.
The review vessel ran a single Volvo Penta D6 400, a package that would almost certainly be replaced by something more contemporary today, though the underlying philosophy stays constant. The Semifly 36 is built around the idea of heading somewhere worthwhile with good company aboard, in a hull that delivers a composed, smooth ride and handles whatever conditions are encountered.
A 2021 conversation turned attention toward what sits beneath the surface of that appealing exterior. CAD-driven design, CNC-cut alloy construction, digital switching, and modern power systems have become fundamental to building boats capable of travelling further without fuss. In 2023, Dickey Boats even explored a light blue or teal hull colour for the 36.
Nearly a decade after its debut, the Semifly 36 remains a boat worth following. It will be interesting to see where the next hull number makes its home.
