30 years of hands-on marine experience, from mega yachts to independent Pacific cruising.
Palmer Marine is built on three decades working on boats — starting with 4 years on mega yachts in St Maarten, followed by 6 years working independently across the Pacific while cruising, and 20 years at Norsand Boatyard.
That time on the water isn't just work experience — it's 25 years living aboard, with over 50,000 nautical miles logged. Few people bring that combination of trade skill and real-world sea time to a boatyard.
Today Palmer Marine specializes in hull extensions and hard tops, osmosis treatment, timber joinery, structural repairs, and general maintenance and upgrades — the kind of work that keeps a boat sound for the long haul.
The refit of an 80ft former Whitbread Race yacht, from the Camara Sailing channel.
NZQA Level 4 qualified across production management, boatbuilding, and rigging, backed by three decades of real-world sea time.
Production Management, Composite Boatbuilding, Wooden Boatbuilding, and Marine Rigging.
4 years on mega yachts in St Maarten, 6 years working independently across the Pacific while cruising, and 20 years at Norsand Boatyard.
Hull extensions & hard tops, osmosis treatment, timber joinery, structural repairs, and general maintenance & upgrades.