"WE ONLY SELL BOATS THAT WE ARE PROUD OF"
FOUNDER, ROD DAWSON
THE TRUE KIT BRAND
One team. One mission. Now closer to home.
At True Kit, we design inflatable boats that go beyond expectations — durable, lightweight, and incredibly capable. Whether you need a reliable tender or just launching from a dock with friends, our boats are designed to make getting out on the water simple, safe, and fun.
We’re a New Zealand-founded company, shaped by a deep connection to the ocean. Our boats are inspired by decades of boating, diving, and coastal living — and tested in real-world conditions by people who use them every day.
Now, with a dedicated team based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, we’re bringing that same energy, innovation, and support directly to U.S. waters. No middlemen, no compromises — just True Kit quality and service, now closer to home.
OUR STORY
I have been around boats all my life.
I learnt to sail in the eastern bays of Auckland and spent most of my youth on the water. What began as fun quickly became a passion — I raced competitively around the world and became fascinated with how boats are designed and perform.
Through my experience, especially around the America’s Cup, I saw firsthand the difference good design makes. I also saw how poorly many inflatable boats were built — heavy, clunky, or simply unreliable.
True Kit was founded to change that.
We’ve brought high-performance thinking into the inflatable space — focusing on strength, safety, and simplicity. Every boat is rigorously tested and built with the same attention to detail I’ve carried through my sailing career.
Boats should be easy to own and exciting to use. That’s what we build.
- Rod Dawson - Founder
“BELIEVE ME, MY YOUNG FRIEND, THERE IS NOTHING - ABSOLUTELY NOTHING - HALF SO MUCH WORTH DOING AS SIMPLY MESSING ABOUT IN BOATS.”
― KENNETH GRAHAME, THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS
OUR STORY
Bringing True Kit to the USA - Meet Fergus
To bring True Kit closer to our American customers, we didn’t just set up a warehouse — we sent one of our own.
Fergus has been a key part of the True Kit team for years, helping grow our New Zealand operations with hands-on knowledge of every boat we build. When we decided to launch True Kit USA, Fergus was the natural choice to lead it.
He and his partner relocated from New Zealand to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to bring the full True Kit experience — service, support, and authenticity — direct to U.S. shores.
“Moving countries is one thing. But bringing a brand across the world, and doing it the right way? That’s been a challenge worth taking on.” – Fergus
Today, Fergus runs the U.S. side of the business — meaning when you order from truekit.us, you’re talking to the same team that builds the boats. No resellers. No distributors. Just True Kit.
MEET THE CREW
We’re a small team of boaters, divers, fishers, and water lovers. We don’t just work with True Kit — we live it.
