O'Brien Boats Company Profile



Newspaper story Nov 2006

Peter O’Brien, the founder of O’Brien Boats, started in the boat building industry on the Parramatta river, Sydney in the early sixties. He completed his trade as a shipwright in Townsville in 1967.

While working in the commercial boat building industry Peter acquired a passion for fishing and the Great Barrier Reef. He took advantage of the closeness and diversity of the reef to further his interests in fishing and, in particular, game fishing for pelagic species such as the Black Marlin. The interest in game fishing and the need for fast, extremely manoeuvrable boats soon became evident to the aspiring gamefisher and this resulted in Peter setting up his own business in 1978. Peter's original business later became incorporated as O’Brien Boats Pty. Ltd.

Peter's aim was to build vessels that were fast, strong, economical to run and easily maintained. His layouts were designed to suit both the crew and the client. The vessel also had to be capable of returning a profit to the charter owner.
   
In 1980 the first O’Brien, aptly named "OB1", was launched. This first of the marque is still operating successfully in Batemans Bay, New South Wales, catching fish and will continue to do so for many years to come. Since the first launching there have been over twenty-five game boats as well as three boats specially built for the Queensland Boating Patrol. Every boat is different due to both the clients’ requests and many innovations and improvements built in by Peter’s expert staff.
The O’Brien family have an extensive history and a host of experience in the game fishing industry. They have held many Australian and World records over the years. Peter has remained very active in the game fishing area both as an angler and a very expert captain. Peter’s expertise in this area has resulted in winning many tournaments both for the boat and anglers.
Peter's eldest son, Leigh is a qualified diesel fitter and works for the company in the engineering side of the business. He also works as crew during the heavy tackle Marlin game fishing season from Cairns to Lizard Island. Leigh has a decade of experience in this area and the on-board research from a crew point of view allows O’Brien Boats to  get better and better.
Company production manager, Steven Menso commenced as an apprentice boat builder with the company in 1990. Steven is a perfectionist and the finish of the product confirms his way of thinking. Steven was made a full partner in the business in 1996 and his attention to detail ensures a great product can only improve.
O’Brien Boats may not be known to most first time buyers. However, as one gains experience in the big boat game their first look at the very high quality hand- crafted vessel produced by O’Brien Boats ensures they look to North Queensland for their next purchase.   

O'Brien Boats invites you to browse through our web site to view our range of Game Boats, Fishing Boats, Patrol Boats, Pleasure Boats, and other work boats.  
 

For all other information contact O'Brien Boats via phone or e-mail here 
 

Peter O'Brien Managing Director Mobile 0428778374 Phone 61 7 47240013 Fax 61 7 47240028

Factory Address: 44 Fifth Avenue South Townsville 4810

Postal Address: P.O. Box 7498 GARBUTT BC Townsville 4814 AUSTRAL