HISTORY

Nick Louis’s passion for boats sparked at a very young age when he’d tag along with his dad, that time a Marine Engineer to work. Playing around at his dad’s garage, watching his dad build and repair boats sparked an interest within that led Nick to acquire basic knowledge in engines, shafts, installations, and repairs of mechanical components.

The 1960s was one of the most divisive decades in world history and also a time of change in the automobile industry. Hence, naturally, Nick Louis in his teens dipped a toe in automotive cars and engineering. In 1969, he decided to pursue a career in the motorsport industry and spent 10 years mastering the art of building and engineering. During this time, he built many racing cars for numerous sponsors including the Mazda dealer team Vic that competed and won in Australian touring car championships long-distance races that credited his team. All good things must come to an end, in his case, the start of something new. 

In 1979 he retired from motorsport to pursue a full-time career in marine boatbuilding, design & construction. Built his first yacht in 1979/1980 and went on to start Challenger Yachts at  Gold Coast in Queensland where he built in excess of 80 vessels from 26ft to 47 ft, yachts, and cruisers. Designed challenger 36/39 models and built vessels for the Sydney Hobart race and worldwide cruising. 

Certifying as a marine surveyor in 1986 opened many doors in the maritime industry and built his social networking.  Over the years, they branched out their business to Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, and Singapore so if he’s not in Australia, chances are he’s somewhere in Asia making custom boats made of timber, glass, aluminum and steel.