Kris Stephenson: Director, Designer, Boatbuilder.
Kris grew up with salt in his veins, spending countless hours on his grandparents’ yacht “Expression” exploring the Hauraki Gulf for weeks at a time.
It was there that he developed a deep connection to the sea – catching fish, learning the rhythms of the ocean and falling in love with life on the water.
Over the years, that passion expanded into sailing, diving and all types of fishing. Kris later worked on super yachts during his boatbuilding apprenticeship and even restoring his own classic yacht, combining hands on skill with a true seafarer’s spirit.
With over 24 years of experience as a boatbuilder, he saw a gap in the market in 2020 and set out to create a sport fishing styled trailer boat not often seen in the New Zealand market – one that blended craftsmanship, innovation and a lifetime of maritime experience.
Expression Boatworks started with a simple idea: build a small fibreglass fishing boat that could be launched off a beach anywhere in New Zealand, with the kind of American sportfisher style you just don't see in the local market.
That idea came to life through a father-and-son team with over 70 years of combined experience in boatbuilding, design, and offshore powerboat racing.
The result is a boat that performs, rides well, sits stable at rest, and is built to last. No compromises.
The Story So Far…
