We chat to Propspeed CEO Marcus Hamilton about how a local Kiwi business evolved into a global leader in foul-release coating systems.
Many of our readers will be familiar with Propspeed, and but for those who aren’t can you share an overview of the brand?
Propspeed is a New Zealand-based, family owned business that started in 1999. Like it is for many New Zealand businesses, Australia is the natural first step when going international, which we did early on in our business journey. The Propspeed brand is focused on delivering the industry and boaters alike an enhanced boating experience through our industry leading foul-release coating systems.
Our foul-release coating systems improve vessel performance and reduce operational and maintenance costs by protecting running gear and underwater assets from marine growth (fouling) and corrosion, while establishing a low surface tension on the coated components. Propspeed has been tested by hundreds of thousands of boat owners globally, consistently delivering confidence, performance and pride, while keeping a vessel performing at its best season after season.
You recently celebrated Propspeed’s 25th anniversary. How did the Propspeed story begin?
The idea of Propspeed was the vision of a passionate fisherman with an entrepreneurial mindset, a paint factory and a problem – nothing on the market protected his running gear from the fouling growing on his sportfishing boat moored in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand. A quarter of a century later, Guy Jacobsen and his family still own Propspeed, and are proud to have built a business that adds value to the marine industry and boaters alike. Today, Propspeed is a globally trusted brand, protecting underwater assets for better boating and setting new standards for performance and efficiency.
Can you give us a snapshot of Propspeed’s operations?
Propspeed is headquartered in Auckland, New Zealand with warehouses in the USA and the Netherlands, and distribution channels in over 60 countries. Over the years, we have built an experienced and skilled international sales and technical team, strong distribution networks and a trained applicator network. While New Zealand remains the hub for our development and innovation, our reach extends across key marine markets worldwide, including boatyards, commercial fleets and recreational boaters.
What factors do you attribute Propspeed’s success to?
A love for our playground, the ocean, is at the core of our decision making. Pair this with an unwavering dedication to product performance, building trust with our customers and the industry. This requires investment, and time, in rigorous testing and research and development. What truly sets Propspeed apart is the combination of proven performance, passion, and industry trust built over 25 years.
What do you find most rewarding about your role as CEO of Propspeed?
I’m passionate about the ocean and the positive impact it has on people. There is a huge amount of energy, momentum and opportunity in this business that inspires and motivates me every day. What I find most rewarding is empowering our people (me included) and seeing them grow, develop and excel in their roles.
Have you always loved being on the water?
Growing up in New Zealand the water has always been a central part of my life. For me it’s cold plunges in waterfalls and swimming off the black sand beaches on the west coast of New Zealand, sailing around Waiheke Island (and heading ashore for a wine), to scuba diving with amazing marine life. These moments not only deepened my connection to the water but also instilled a lasting appreciation for the beauty and importance of our marine environment and its protection.
What advice would you have for someone reading this who is considering pursuing a career in the marine industry?
Immerse yourself fully – this is a naturally social industry, so take advantage of events and networking opportunities to start building genuine connections early on. Seek out multiple mentors who can offer diverse perspectives and guidance. Focus on developing effective habits that push you to grow and continually strive to be your best. Lastly, pairing passion with your profession is an incredible recipe for a life well lived.
What events are coming up for Propspeed this year?
We will be at both the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show and Auckland Boat Show celebrating our customers and partners and sharing new business tools for success. I hope to see you there!
Visit propspeed.com
The February-March issue of Nautilus Marine Magazine is out now.
About Nautilus Marine Magazine
Nautilus Marine Magazine offers readers 100 pages of content to support their on-water lifestyle. Published every two months across Australia and New Zealand for an audience of Nautilus Marine Insurance customers, members of the marine industry and boating enthusiasts, our magazine features expert features, boat profiles, interviews with boating and sailing identities, fishing adventures, travel destinations, boating lifestyle content and dining. No matter what side of the boating spectrum you sit on, power or sail, Nautilus Marine Magazine is a must read.
About Nautilus Marine Insurance
Nautilus Marine Insurance is a leading provider of insurance solutions for recreational vessels and marine business assets across Australia and New Zealand, protecting over 45,000 vessel owners and marine industry members. For over 19 years, Nautilus Marine Insurance has been a specialist supplier of insurance for pleasure craft and marine business assets and liability insurance. Nautilus Marine Insurance provide coverage for pleasure craft of all sizes, ranging from sailing dinghies and personal watercraft (PWCs) through to yachts, runabouts, and luxury motor yachts as well as commercially operated boats and marine businesses. Through its Industry Lines division, Nautilus Marine Insurance also specialises in providing tailored business insurance for clients servicing the recreational boating market including marina operators and owners, yacht clubs and boat clubs, boat dealerships and most marine trades including boat repairers and boat service providers. Thousands of professional insurance advisers and brokers choose to work with Nautilus Marine Insurance. These insurance experts trust the breadth of Nautilus Marine’s products and claims support to recommend our products and services to their clients. Nautilus Marine Insurance has a passionate team of over 90 staff and offices across Australia and New Zealand. Nautilus Marine Insurance is a business name of NM Insurance Pty Ltd, ABN 34 100 633 038, AFSL 227186. It has binding authority from Zurich Australian Insurance Limited (ZAIL) which allows it to enter into and arrange policies of insurance and handle and settle claims made under them. Visit nautilusinsurance.com.au to find out more.
