Boat Books Ltd
The largest specialist nautical book, chart, flag and services provider in Auckland, New Zealand. Located in Westhaven, Auckland, beside the largest marina in New Zealand. Auckland has been the home of the America’s Cup and has the biggest per-capita sailing market in the world. The Hauraki Gulf outside our “front door” is arguably the finest cruising area for sailboats and launches to be found anywhere.
We are a principal and correcting chart agent, being one of three outlets in New Zealand approved to sell corrected paper charts to commercial users; we provide a domestic and International mail order service and specialise in services to the nautical teaching fraternity of New Zealand.
Boat Books Ltd distributes nautical books and chart table equipment within New Zealand and exports to retail bookshops and similar businesses in North America, Britain and Australia. Under our publishing arm (Captain Teach Press) we also publish over 15 titles, including cruising guides, logbooks, nautical Flashcards and other specialist marine publications.
Whilst not all of our staff are active boaties, we are passionate about what we do, about the sea, and about the Marine Industry in New Zealand.
Meet the Crew
Tim Ridge
 Founder of Boat Books Limited. Passed away 27-9-19
Marianne Bosman
(Captain) Owner of Boat Books Limited.
Marianne was born in The Netherlands to a Rijn river ship family which meant spending the first 7 years of her life onboard ship. Not able to completely escape the “nautical touch” Marianne married a Kiwi, who just happened to be a Master Mariner! Marianne writes:
“Taking advantage of my husband’s profession, I was lucky enough to have been able to visit many corners of the globe ,in vessels ranging from sailing ships to small coasters to container vessels.
In 1987 we decided to settle in New Zealand and a chance to work in a Nautical Bookshop seems to fit in perfectly with my family background as well as my years in the Booktrade in The Netherlands and New Zealand.”
As from September 2019, Marianne became the sole owner of the Company.
Janet Lewis
(First mate)
Janet was Born in London and emigrated to NZ to live in Murchison on a sheep farm with her family. (Slight population difference)
“While having some small experience of sailing and sealife (a short stint in the Naval reserve,) I can’t really confess to being a passionate and ardent sailor ( nor can I swim), however I do have great bookselling skills, a strong retail background, and a quick and sometimes sarcastic sense of humour, which also ends up in the Friday Emails!”
