After working as an apprentice coach builder for a Bluff-based engineering company, Paul almost didn’t get into boatbuilding at all. Asked by a couple of commercial fishermen to produce an ribbed inflatable out of aluminium, he and his mate declined, thinking it was a crank idea and wondering “why would you want to do that?” But, after the many unsuccessful attempts by others, Paul and friend Bruce Dickens scribbled plans onto the back of a napkin to create the ‘Ally Duck.’ Stabicraft was born.
Paul is an avid design-thinking convert - an approach that starts with putting the customer first and understanding what their needs are. Engaging with customers early, and failing early has helped Paul transform New Zealand's marine industry and pioneer positive buoyancy aluminium boats.
Under his “Design-Led” approach, Stabicraft has won a number of National and International awards, including Southland Exporter of the Year, multiple boat show honours, two international Red Dot design awards, and a globally prestigious Good Design award. In 2007, Adams was made a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to business. In 2019, he was inducted into the illustrious Hutchwilco Hall of Fame of marine industry legends.
Not one to sit still, mid 2020 Paul kicked off a new venture under the brand name StabiX. With a focus on the limitless experience offered by Amphibious technology, StabiX is ground zero for borderless innovation at a bespoke level - where every project takes a design led journey in partnership with the client.
Learn more at www.stabix.nz