LIFE ON THE WATER
With summer on the horizon, Mangawhai Marine shares a simple pre-season checklist to help local boaties get back on the water safely – and with real confidence.
For the Jackson family, life in Mangawhai has always revolved around the ocean. Cara grew up in neighbouring Waipu, while husband Matt spent much of his life surfing and spending time around Mangawhai. The couple made Mangawhai home in 2007, with Matt founding Jackson Brown Motors and Cara beginning her career as a teacher before later joining the family business in 2022. Alongside Jackson Brown Motors, the pair also run Mangawhai Marine, a dedicated marine service built for the local boating community, looking after boats and jetskis from across Northland while raising their two children and, like many local families, trying to find time to get their own boat on the water.
When they do, their favourite days are simple ones – fishing, snorkelling, swimming, surfing and exploring the coastline around home. It's this genuine love of life on the water that sits at the heart of Mangawhai Marine, helping families keep their boats safe, reliable, and ready for everything summer has to offer.
Boating here means being prepared for a little bit of everything – a boat might spend one day cruising the estuary, the next crossing the bar or heading out to the islands. With summer approaching, the team encourages boat owners to follow their simple guide.
PRE-SEASON CHECKLIST
While they may seem simple, take a little time to check what can be easily overlooked after a quiet winter:
• Batteries
• Fuel
• Cooling systems
• Steering
• Controls
• Trailer condition
• Safety equipment
An engine that starts at the ramp doesn't mean everything's ready for a day offshore. Catch small issues early and head out with real confidence this season, particularly for longer trips or crossing the bar.
Mangawhai Marine also helps with practical upgrades and accessories, like anchor winches, trailer winches and electronics, that make launching, anchoring and navigating that much easier. As a Honda Marine and Kingfisher Boats dealer, those looking to upgrade – or first-time boaties getting started – can enjoy a practical, spacious and stable set-up well suited to the varied boating conditions around the area.
Whether it's a family day out, a serious fishing mission, or simply soaking up the sun with a towel on the bow, there's something special about having the ocean as a playground – and that's exactly what Mangawhai Marine is about, helping locals spend more time on the water, safely and confidently.
www.mangawhaimarine.co.nz | 09 431 4814