East Coast Boats launched its journey in 2019, but the passion behind our builds runs much deeper. 

 

Founder Daniel always had a passion for boats as a child and spent many summers fishing with his mum, dad and brother at Port Albert. In the later school years he spent his passion kept drawing him back to water and his school holidays were spent washing and detailing expensive yachts for cash. He hit the jackpot at the end of year 12 when he began his boat building career as an apprentice at Hart Marine, this is where he learnt the art of resin-infusion whilst building Sydney to Hobart race yachts.

Daniel moved to Melbourne to pursue that opportunity, but 3 years into the 4 year apprenticeship he moved back to Bairnsdale to start a relationship with now-wife Hannah.

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This is where he completed his final year of his apprenticeship at the well-respected Bury’s Slipyard in Nungurner, where he gained a deep appreciation and understanding for wooden boats and traditional craftsmanship & methods, these skills are ones that have proven useful time and time again and he encourages all boat builders to learn about wooden boat builders if they ever get the opportunity.

 

Once qualified, the drive of working for himself became too strong so it was inevitable that he would start his own business. This was named Gippsland Lakes Shipwright Services and it's where Daniel specialised in repairing and rebuilding all kinds of vessels. His skills became quite sought after and although he was skilled at this work it was always just a stepping stone to get back to boat building.

It was in those days—hands-on and up close—that he learned what worked, what didn’t on boats, what boat owners really wanted and what the industry needed.

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A common request kept surfacing: an extended version of the classic 565. Instead of replicating what was already out there, Daniel envisioned something entirely new—a 6-metre, rot-proof, commercial-grade boat with exceptional stability, soft ride, and near-indestructibility. That vision became the 605 Outlaw.

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The first prototype went to Mallacoota ab diver Jason York, who was so impressed with the concept that he immediately ditched plans to rebuild his old Formula. Jason put the 605 to the test—and he couldn’t break it.

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25 boats later, the 605 Outlaw has proven its reputation in real-world conditions. Structurally, it remains unchanged—but through ongoing refinements and customer feedback, its cosmetics and finish have only improved.

The idea for the 765 Outlaw was sparked a few years later during a casual after-work conversation—just a few beers, good company, and the usual talk about boats. The topic turned to a gap in the market: a boat that could tick all the right boxes for Survey, Charter, and Commercial Fishery use—with a sharp-looking wheelhouse, towable under 4 tonnes, fully composite construction, and still affordable.

Daniel laughed and said, “Sounds like we just need a bigger version of the 605 Outlaw!”
That offhand comment planted the seed.

What started as a light-hearted remark quickly evolved into a serious concept. And so, the 765 Outlaw was born—an upscaled, next-generation version of the trusted 605, built with the same tough DNA but designed to serve an even broader range of professional needs.

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Today, East Coast Boats is still proudly family owned and operated, with Hannah running the office, Liam—a qualified boat builder—and Hayden, a third-year apprentice, working alongside Daniel in the workshop.

We're strong advocates for Australian manufacturing and trades, and we take pride in contributing to the growth and future of skilled local craftsmanship.

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