Steber Boats International were one of the pioneers in the construction of fibreglass vessels in Australia, having commenced manufacture over 55 years ago. Originally producing timber clinker hull boats, Steber International changed to fiberglass (FRP) construction in 1959. The company has remained at the forefront of the industry and is now regarded as the premium manufacturer of pleasure and commercial fibreglass vessels and other composite components.
Operations were originally based in Brookvale, Sydney. The company relocated to their larger more modern premises on the Mid North Coast of NSW in 1974. The development and manufacture of larger vessels in the 70's brought about a business decision to phase out the production of "run-abouts", and produced solely pleasure and commercial vessels ranging from 8.6 metres to 15.8 metres.
Steber factoryIn the 1990s the business diversified even more into the industrial composite industry with a commitment to continual improvement through research and development obtaining the latest technology.
The company, which is family owned and operated, is located at 6 Elizabeth Avenue Taree, NSW Australia, where there is an extensive factory complex with approximately 4.5 hectares under cover. The facility has designated areas for hand laminating, gelcoat and resin spraying, fitout and finishing ensuring a superior quality product. Sheet metal (stainless steel and aluminium) and internal cabinet, furniture and upholstery manufacturing facilities are also on site.
The manufacturing process is supported by a company commitment to a highly skilled workforce with staff qualified in ship and boat building, engineering, electrical (AC & DC) and fibreglass technology. The plant operates with well-maintained equipment, such as chopper guns, gelcoaters, woodworking machinery etc, with all factory areas serviced by modern pneumatic and electrical tool systems with appropriate backup support.staff members
All work within the factory is carried out under our Quality Assurance system, ANZ/ISO9002 standard. All laminating is carried out within humidity and temperature parameters with stringent in house tests performed on all products.
In brief, Steber International's experience and competencies extend from tooling, plug and mould making (male and female) through to specialised manufacturing techniques and methods. Steber International specialise in sandwich construction, using balsa and foam materials and a range of resin types including fire retardant and anti-ballistic materials
Last week in the presence of over 200 visitors, including key government and Defence stakeholders, industry suppliers from around Australia, and staff of Steber International, Alan Steber launched the first of his 5 Steber Navy Vessels
The latest new Stebercraft model that typifies the positive outlook in boating and Australian boat manufacturing is the Yanmar powered Steber 3800 twin cab.
“The larger vessels will primarily be used for commercial charter businesses and are well suited to departments such as Customs, the Australian Federal Police, Marine Rescue, military operations and patrols.” said Alan Steber
But the most significant new feature of the Steber 4700 GTS is that it's built to, and is in, full 2C/1E survey. Many manufacturers claim to "build to survey" but the Steber is constructed to USL Survey codes and is approved in 2C survey, allowing it to carry up to 10 people.
This 52-foot dive boat demonstrates the essence of customisation. It's a craft built for a special man with special needs, the result is luxury and functionality in one.
With a price depending on engine and options ranging from $900K-$1.2m this Aussie built in Survey 47 footer delivers in the key areas of sea kindliness, function and form.
This boat, a 4380 Flybridge Cruiser is destined for VIP corporate charters around Sydney, so I suppose you could call her a workboat. But when she's not fulfilling that role she's a fully blown, game fishing vessel that will become a frequent sight at many of the tournaments around the traps.
She's an excellent sea boat, more than capable of making long passages up the coast. The 28 would be just at home out around Brown's Mountain chasing game fish, as it would be on a leisurely cruise up the Hawkesbury River
I hadn't been for a run in a Steber bigger than 22ft for a decade. So it was a surprise when I recently jumped aboard one of the newer style hulls that this iconic family boat-builder has developed, it was their 3800 Sportsfisher.
Commercial trap and line fishermen would revel in the deck space, as would fishing or dive charter operators. Similarly, recreational anglers would be hard pressed to find a 34-footer as well suited to serious game or reef fishing tasks. This is a boat for all seasons.
A fully moulded cockpit with plenty of storage a great washbasin for cleanup after messy fishing makes it a fisherman’s heaven.
“The Steber and Yanmar brand is well proven with organisations such as NSW Maritime, NSW Water Police, NSW Fisheries Patrol, Australian Customs and the ADF,” Glenn Finniss said.
Marine Rescue NSW has embarked on a demanding replacement program for an ageing fleet of more than 70 craft
Owned and operated by the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, "Alfreds II" is powered by twin 240hp Yanmar diesel engines and has a top speed of 25 knots.
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