American
Wholesale Boats is a New Zealand based company
which was established in Christchurch in 1990
by Paul and Sue Larkin. Paul bought his first
boat when he was just 19 and has been involved
in the local marine industry almost continuously
since 1970. As a result he has built up a wealth
of knowledge and experience. He is also an avid
scuba diver and fisherman but still enjoys a
bit of water skiing. Prior to starting AWB Paul
managed one of largest, most successful boat
dealerships in New Zealand, handling a variety
of brands of locally made boats and imported
engines.
In 1990 Paul Larkin visited the U.S.A. with
a view to purchasing and importing used American
powerboats into New Zealand, effectively doing the
same in the marine industry as with the popular used
car import industry from Japan. Finding boats of
suitable quality and value proved difficult but a
meeting with a prominent Bayliner dealer resulted
in Paul being offered new Bayliners virtually at
dealer cost.
On the flight back home the concept of American
Wholesale Boats was formed. By 1996 it was the largest
importer of new American powerboats in New Zealand.
Since 1997 it has been international.
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