Genesis Marine holds an enduring place in New Zealand boating history. Founded by Chris Pollock in 1984, the company spent the following decades building a reputation as one of the country's most iconic boat manufacturers, producing luxury fibreglass production cruisers and sports boats that became synonymous with quality Kiwi craftsmanship. At the heart of the brand's appeal was a genuine commitment to offshore performance, fuel economy, and style, all wrapped up in a package that felt unmistakably suited to New Zealand waters.
What distinguished Genesis from the competition was its understanding of how New Zealanders actually use their boats. Open-plan saloons, spacious cockpits, and extended teak swim platforms were features the company championed early, blending indoor comfort with outdoor living in a way that resonated strongly with the local coastal lifestyle. That practical elegance also translated well across the Tasman, and Genesis boats developed a loyal following in Australian waters too.
The global financial crisis of 2008 proved catastrophic for the luxury end of the boat market. Demand collapsed, and Genesis Marine could not survive the downturn, going into liquidation in early 2009. Local production came to an end, but the brand's legacy has proved durable. Genesis boats remain among the most sought-after vessels on the used market, a quality built into every hull that left the factory.
Targa range
At the top of the Genesis lineup sits the Targa configuration, occupying the premium sports cruiser segment with a design brief built squarely around New Zealand's changeable coastal conditions. Every detail in the Targa range reflects that purpose. A solid hardtop keeps the weather at bay, large tinted sliding roof hatches let the outside in when conditions allow, and the transition between the enclosed saloon and the open teak cockpit is seamless. The result is a boat that offers genuine all-weather versatility without making owners feel they have sacrificed anything on a perfect summer's day.
Genesis 360 Targa
Few New Zealand production boats have attracted as devoted a following as the 360 Targa. Respected as a true bluewater coastal cruiser, it has accumulated an impressive record across a wide variety of conditions and uses, earning its reputation on both sides of the Tasman.
Measuring around 11 metres in length with a 3.5-metre beam, the 360 Targa makes excellent use of its hull volume below decks. The open-plan two-cabin layout provides a forward double berth alongside a versatile aft cabin that functions equally well as a lounge. Twin inboard diesel engines supply the power, most commonly driving sterndrives fitted with duoprops, though V-drive shaft configurations also appear depending on the model year. Cruising speeds typically fall between 18 and 25 knots, with around 30 knots available when the throttles are pushed forward.
Entertaining clearly shaped the design from an early stage. An island BBQ area and a generously proportioned swim platform complete the package, with the swim platform pulling double duty as a practical base for fishing or boarding a tender.
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Genesis 400 Targa
The 400 Targa takes what the 360 Targa does well and builds on it substantially. Sitting in the 12-metre range with a 4-metre beam, it adds roughly a metre in length and half a metre in breadth over the smaller model, and that additional volume pays dividends in both liveability and sea-keeping performance when conditions get serious offshore.
Engine options step up accordingly, with twin Cummins 370B units or twin Volvo D6 370hp engines among the available choices. Either pairing delivers a comfortable cruising speed of 22 to 26 knots, with a top speed in the region of 33 to 35 knots available when needed. Below decks, the 400 Targa impresses with an expansive main saloon, a well-appointed downstairs galley typically fitted with a microwave and gas hob, and generous all-weather exterior seating that makes the most of the boat's additional proportions.
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