Classic marine work is in our blood.
We are boatbuilders at heart, passionate about any vessel project we are engaged with – large or small, from one-off features to full refits and restorations.
We are wooden boat specialists based in the heart of the marine industry in Opua and nearby to Bay Of Islands Marina in Northland. We have worked
on many classic launches as well as all manner of modern boats.
Marline
Partial Restoration
The gentle upgrades of Marline began in April 2025, a bit of a refresh for her 75th birthday.
Marline's custodian Kennedy Warne worked tirelessly alongside us as we honored his father Ken's boat, originally built by Ken's father Leon Warne in 1949/50.
Upgrades included -
• New walk through transom
• Hand built wooden skylights with etched glass created in the original glass design
• Reconfiguration of cabinetry and storage in the galley and head.
• All new cockpit layout including kauri cockpit sole.
• Wiring and Plumbing upgrades
• Upgrading all water and diesel tanks.
• New Anchor winch, solar, refrigeration and oven.
• New Duckboard
• New Timber interior cabin door, timber benchtops and vanity top
• Paintwork refresh
• Partial recaulk and hull repairs
• New teak caprails
CLICK ON THE IMAGE TO VIEW
GALLERY AND DESCRIPTIONS
Clark Gable
Refurbishment
The Beale 36 Clark Gable refit was a careful and pragmatic refinement of her traditional bones – a transformation from the light, cedar core racing roots of the 1980’s into a modern, practical, family oriented cruising yacht.
CLICK ON THE IMAGE FOR MORE DETAILS
Lady Crossley
Restoration
The Lady Crossley was a passionate affair – a project that demanded an eye for detail at every stage. The result is a vessel of classical refinement, textural beauty and practical simplicity – ready for the next 50 years of luxury cruising.
CLICK ON THE IMAGE FOR MORE DETAILS
We specialize in the fabrication and refurbishment for marine vessels, from dinghy tenders to launches, from ocean-going yachts to commercial workhorses. We are master boatbuilders who shape traditional timbers, exotics, acrylics and carbon fiber into practical and beautiful pieces of marine art.
Other projects
CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE
Alma G II
Full Restoration
The Alma G II commenced a truly remarkable transformation that took place at CMC Design's workshops in Opua over the course of 18 months. This well known 1927 game fishing vessel from the famed Zane Grey era was rescued from an unknown fate in a paddock. Brought back by the original family who owned her, and returning her to the Bay of Islands, her rightful home. The Alma G II is set for another 100 years of family traditions on the water.
CLICK ON THE IMAGE FOR MORE DETAILS