James BensonCape Town has earned a reputation as one of the world’s leading boat-building hubs. With skilled craftsmen, advanced facilities, and access to challenging sea conditions, it has become a hotspot for building high-quality yachts, catamarans, and custom boats. In this blog post, we explore the top boat building companies in Cape Town, their specialties, and why they stand out.
Top 9 Boat Building Companies In Cape Town
1. Robertson and Caine International Yachts
Robertson and Caine (R&C) is South Africa’s largest boat builder for the export market. With over 3,000 boats built and multiple facilities in Cape Town, R&C has a workforce of more than 2,400 staff. Their output includes sailing catamarans, power cats, and vessels that dominate global charter fleets.
Why choose Robertson and Caine?
- Proven track record with decades of experience
- High-volume production with consistent quality
- Wide range of boats for both private and commercial use
Best for: Buyers or charter companies needing reliable, export-ready catamarans.
2. Two Oceans Marine Manufacturing
Two Oceans Marine specialises in custom and semi-custom power and sailing catamarans. Founded in 1989, they operate from large facilities covering over 18,000 sqm. Their vessels emphasize seaworthiness, modern interiors, and durability.
Why choose Two Oceans Marine?
- Expert in custom power and sailing catamarans
- Large-scale production with in-house facilities
- Strong focus on design and craftsmanship
Best for: Buyers seeking robust, custom-designed catamarans or power boats.
3. Southern Wind Shipyard
Southern Wind is a boutique superyacht builder known for high-performance, semi-custom composite yachts. Founded in 1991, they manage the entire build process in-house, from lamination to interiors. Their yachts range from 25 to 40 meters, combining luxury with advanced performance.
Why choose Southern Wind?
- High-end, semi-custom superyachts
- Fully integrated in-house production
- Luxury finishes with performance focus
Best for: High-end clients looking for luxury sailing superyachts.
4. Xquisite Yachts
Established in 2014, Xquisite Yachts focuses on modern, eco-conscious catamarans. Their award-winning X5 cruising catamaran demonstrates innovation in design and sustainable production methods.
Why choose Xquisite Yachts?
- Modern, sustainable boat-building approach
- Flexible customization options
- Advanced manufacturing technologies
Best for: Buyers interested in eco-conscious, modern catamarans.
5. Phoenix Marine Manufacturing
Phoenix Marine Manufacturing, also known as Phoenix Catamarans, builds luxury vessels with in-house expertise. Their boats feature durable hulls, quality interiors, and custom options for both leisure and charter use.
Why choose Phoenix Marine?
- High-quality construction and finishing
- Semi-custom builds available
- Focus on durability and functionality
Best for: Buyers seeking reliable, well-finished yachts and catamarans.
6. Cape Craft Marine
Cape Craft Marine, founded in 1972, specialises in small-to-medium custom boats. They offer full services from new builds to maintenance and repair, catering to fishing, leisure, and local boating enthusiasts.
Why choose Cape Craft Marine?
- Expertise in small and medium boats
- Customizable solutions for local use
- Comprehensive maintenance and support
Best for: Local buyers seeking custom fishing boats or leisure craft.
7. Askari Yachts
Askari Yachts specialises in aluminium yachts designed for long-range cruising and adventure. Their collaboration with Du Toit Yacht Design ensures vessels are strong, durable, and ideal for challenging sea conditions.
Why choose Askari Yachts?
- Aluminium construction for durability
- Long-range cruising and expedition focus
- Collaboration with top naval architects
Best for: Clients seeking rugged, low-maintenance yachts for global cruising.
8. Du Toit Yacht Design
Du Toit Yacht Design (DTYD) is a premier naval architecture firm in Cape Town. They provide bespoke designs for catamarans and yachts, working closely with builders to bring custom visions to life.
Why choose Du Toit Yacht Design?
- Expertise in custom and semi-custom designs
- Collaboration with leading boat yards
- Focus on performance, safety, and aesthetics
Best for: Anyone seeking bespoke yacht or catamaran design.
9. Boutique and Emerging Boat Builders
Cape Town is home to numerous smaller yards offering boutique and highly custom builds. These yards provide personalized service, craft unique boats, and cater to niche markets like small leisure or fishing vessels.
Why choose boutique builders?
- Highly customizable builds
- Direct client involvement
- Flexible pricing and specialized craftsmanship
Best for: Clients wanting small-scale, tailor-made boats or unique custom projects.
Cape Town Boat-Building Industry Overview
Cape Town itself is a powerhouse of boat building. Its strong network of naval architects, skilled craftsmen, and marine suppliers makes it one of the most capable boat-building hubs globally. With both large export-oriented yards and smaller boutique builders, the city can cater to a wide spectrum of boat buyers.
Why Cape Town stands out:
- Global reputation in catamaran and yacht manufacturing
- Strong supply chain and skilled workforce
- Access to ocean testing conditions and export markets
Best for: Buyers seeking both large-scale production or fully custom, bespoke boat builds.
Choosing the Right Yard
When commissioning a boat, consider your purpose:
- Charter or high-volume production: Robertson & Caine, Two Oceans Marine
- Luxury superyachts: Southern Wind
- Modern, sustainable designs: Xquisite Yachts, Phoenix Marine
- Small or local boats: Cape Craft Marine
- Long-range adventure yachts: Askari Yachts
- Custom design expertise: Du Toit Yacht Design
Conclusion
Cape Town offers a perfect blend of tradition, craftsmanship, and innovation — whether you want a small fishing boat or a luxury superyacht.