- Technology and Innovation
Folding Side Doors and a Plumb Bow: Refining the Innovision Centre-Console
Refining the Hybrid Concept
Innovision Boats approaches marine fabrication through continuous functional refinement. The New Zealand manufacturer recently completed the Battle Axe, the latest iteration of its IV616 Venture platform. Scheduled for display at the New Zealand Boat, Fish & Dive Expo at Mystery Creek in Hamilton on August 29 and 30, the vessel demonstrates a highly collaborative design philosophy. The shipyard actively works with individual buyers to resolve practical challenges and build aluminium platforms tailored to specific operational intentions.
Walk-Around Fishability and Forward Cabin Space
The core architecture of the IV616 Venture serves operators demanding serious fishing capability without sacrificing structural weather protection. The layout merges the 360-degree access of a centre-console with the shelter of a traditional hardtop. A full walk-around design allows crew movement from bow to stern, culminating in an elevated foredeck that operates as a dedicated casting platform. Directly beneath this deck, an oversized hatch reveals a 1.9-metre V-berth cabin capable of accommodating a toilet and providing legitimate overnight space without diminishing the usable exterior footprint.
Adaptive Helm and Aft Deck Infrastructure
Managing volatile coastal conditions requires adaptable shelter. The helm station features folding side doors attached to the T-top. Operators can secure these doors to block heavy weather or fold them away to restore the visibility of an open console. Moving aft, the deck incorporates a robust Portofino transom and cage to facilitate easy water access. The storage configuration maximizes capacity, integrating watertight lockers, an underfloor compartment, bait-station drawers, and a designated cavity beneath the console seating strictly proportioned for a 90-litre Icey-Tek chilly bin.
Customization Through Client Collaboration
The Battle Axe build heavily incorporates the specific functional requests of its owner, Darryl. The design team developed a custom bow rail to integrate a bow-mounted boarding ladder, streamlining shore and water access. Additionally, the steps ascending to the forward casting platform now conceal dedicated storage compartments for gaffs and fishing equipment, actively utilizing dead space to keep essential gear secure and readily accessible.
Mechanical Outfitting and Plumb Bow Hardware
Modifying hardware to match the hull geometry prevents launching complications. The factory engineered a bespoke Boat Catch system molded specifically to fit the vessel’s distinct plumb bow. The mechanical outfitting includes a Suzuki 250hp outboard engine paired with Dometic electric steering and Zipwake dynamic trim control. A deluxe bait station, outriggers, a Kraken trolling motor, and a Garmin electronics suite finalize the operational package.
The Award-Winning Structural Foundation
The original IV616 Venture architecture previously secured the Consumer Product category at the 2025 Best Design Awards. The Battle Axe hull builds directly upon that verified foundation, focusing strictly on functional improvement rather than cosmetic alteration. Maritime professionals and prospective buyers can examine these structural refinements in person at Stand 144 during the upcoming Hamilton expo.
