We have a combined 100 years worth of experience in making one off upholstery and covers. Every item we make is measured, patterned, cut and then manufactured in our shop all by hand, using the the best quality materials and fittings available.
Our Vision
To design and manufacture products that will look good, be comfortable and/or practical and will stand the test of time.
We need new customers because our products last so long people dont need to replace them for years.
Staff Biographies
Steve Fleming – Owner / Manager
Steve set up The Boat Cover Company in 1983 to service the local marine market. Over the years the business grew through word of mouth and now operates from a modern showroom and workspace with 8 employees situated just around the corner from its original location over 20 years ago.
Steve’s strength lies in his unique ability to visualise frames and covers on boats that are in keeping with the boat’s lines as well as looking good yet are practical. He has always played a ‘hands-on’ role, and therefore his experience in the industry is unequalled.
As our focus these days is exports, he has also worked for many of the America’s Cup Challenges, Whitbread and Volvo Ocean boats and supplied covers and upholstery for Sir Peter Blake’s private yacht “Archangel’ and his expedition boat.
He designed sleeping berths and bean bags for Ellen McArthur’s single handed record breaking ‘ around the world campaign’ and worked on the world famous ‘Gipsy Moth’ as well as many award winning Super Yachts.
Steve loves surfing and disappearing to his bach at Piha and sorry, don’t expect to see him in the office if there is an off shore breeze on the west coast!! He has 2 teenage children a boy and a girl and is married to Louise.
Louise Fleming
Louise joined in 1988, with a background as a PA for the Chief Executive of a Public Company. She uses her organisational skills to run the business; she liaises with the customers using her experience to help put colour schemes together when required and generally can sort out whatever needs to be done with a friendly smile. Her communication and inter-personal skills ensure the team are fully in the picture.
Louise and Steve’s individual skills combine superbly and between them there isn’t much they don’t know with regard to covers and exterior upholstery in marine, residential and commercial applications. As hands-on managers/owners of the business you can be assured of personal service.
Jo White
Jo works part time in the office and keeps the paperwork ‘under control’. She also does the wages and operates the computerised financial systems. Jo runs the office in the absence of Steve and Louise and provides a friendly face to our customers. Jo is married to John and they have 3 very sporty children, 2 boys and 1 girl.
Gavin Young - Upholstery Manager
Gavin has been with the company since 1998. Gavin has been involved in our industry for around 30 years and his experience and attention to detail is unequalled. He has upholstered some of the worlds biggest and best Super Yachts and his calm and friendly manner make him a very popular and senior member of our team.
Gavin can turn his hand to most things and any ‘tricky’ jobs become Gavin’s, as he can always work out a solution when everybody else has given up!!. He also has a wealth of knowledge and the other guys in the team will often get Gavin’s advice on their jobs.
Gavin and his wife Sally have 2 adult children and they love to head down to their bach at Cooks Beach in Coromandel whenever they get the opportunity.
John Loader - Covers Manager
John came to us from an Air Force background of 22 years. He joined the company in 2002 and bought with him a myriad of skills that he gathered in his time in the Force.
John manages the Covers division and oversees the training of the cover team. He is motivated and well organised; he sets high standards in all his work and meets all challenges with enthusiasm and innovation to see all projects through to the end.
John is an avid fisherman and enjoys spending his weekends out on his boat with his wife, Tanya, and their 3 school age boys
TRADESMEN:
Shaun McCurdie
The Boat Cover Company always has apprentices, and Shaun is now approximately half way through his time. Adaptable and versatile, Shaun picks things up quickly and efficiently. He is comfortable doing covers or upholstery. A natural! A keen skier.
Jack Fleming
Our youngest son is now a member of the crew, helping out the tradesmen and turning his hand to most things. Jack is an amateur boxer and keeps fit and healthy by going to the gym, running and surfing.
Ricky Hill
One of New Zealand's most experienced tradesmen is contracting to us once more. Ricky did his apprenticeship here in the 1980's. His attention to detail and finish on his handiwork is appreciated by all our customers and they are always guaranteed an excellent finish. Ricky lives with his partner Jennifer and they have 3 children between them.
