Meet the man in charge of selling Protector in Europe

Protector proudly builds all its boats in New Zealand, but it’s a truly international brand. You’re just as likely to see one fishing off an island in NZ’s Hauraki Gulf as you are tendering for superyachts in southern Italy. The brand’s reputation plays a large part in its global popularity, but so do our partners. And one of our most successful partnerships is with Europe’s largest boat broker network Ancasta Group, the exclusive dealer of Protector Boats on the continent. 

We braved a 13 hour time difference to discuss all things Protector with Ian Andrews (Andy), the Brand Manager for Protector Boats (PB) Europe, and a British boating enthusiast who served in the Royal Navy for decades.

Onboard from East Africa to Oman

Andy has been passionate about boating for his entire life and has always owned a boat (until now because he’s too busy travelling the world selling Protectors). 

He spent 25 years living aboard boats in the Royal Navy, and was stationed all over the world, from Africa to the Middle East. For a time he was based in Kenya, working with British Forces supplying boats and boating equipment for operations in the region. 

He then left the navy and moved straight into the marine industry, setting up Sail Oman, then working for a who’s who of marine brands. When Andy eventually moved to his current role at Protector it was not his first time in the captain’s seat. 

Europe’s biggest boat brokerage

PB Boats Europe is a subsidiary of Ancasta International Boat Sales, one of Europe’s largest yacht brokerages - specialising in the sale and support of new and used vessels. It was founded in 1982, is headquartered in Hampshire UK, and has 22+ offices across Europe.

This established business forms a solid foundation for Protector Boats Europe, with Andy’s capable hands at the helm. Andy says he’s getting the old address book out and seeing where he ends up:

“This is not a job that you can do sitting behind a keyboard - it’s 80% travelling out of the office all over Europe. I’ve done some work in Croatia, I’ve got a trip to southern Ireland coming up. We’re off to the Channel Islands to push Protector as the ideal commuter between the islands and the mainland,” 

Once you’ve driven a Protector, you understand

Andy does a tremendous amount of work to promote the Protector brand all over Europe - but he says his job is made much easier by the strength of the product:

“Some people say I could buy something for less, but nothing compares. Once you’ve driven a Protector you understand. The capability of these boats, the seakeeping ability, the strength, and the build - it’s completely unique.”

“Pros who’ve used them professionally understand this and they’ll always buy them for private use. It’s a boat that will get you out of trouble in gnarly weather, your clients, your team, your crew and your family will always get home safe.”

The vast Ancasta network strengthens the value of Protector in Europe, by bolstering the brand’s aftersales, and warranty service in Europe. This This means less downtime, less hassle, and fast, local service when you need it, which makes Andy’s job even easier:

“Previously Protector Boats customer service was remote via New Zealand, and they did a great job, but the distance made it difficult. Now thanks to Ancasta, we have offices throughout Europe, mobile engineers - we’re incredibly well established.”

Secretly a Kiwi

It’s a lot easier to represent a brand when you believe in the product, but also the team behind it. And Andy says the Protector team back in New Zealand make it easy:

“I’m a bit of a closeted Kiwi. I’ve spent lots of time in NZ, and get on really well with Lyndsay and Matt and Dean and very excited to have Karen on board. All the other brand managers struggle with their boat builders but they look at me and think I have such an easy life.”

The obvious downside is the 13 hour time difference, but Andy reckons the good stuff makes up for it:

“I’ve got complete faith in the brand. I can stand in front of my team and my clients and educate them about Protector because it’s an amazing product. And I always say, the best way to sell these boats is to find some bad weather and get your ass onboard.”

“It's great sending Gregor design feedback and they actually act on it. I feel like part of a big family. At the end of the day, I really believe in this brand, I believe in the product, and the people behind it so it’s not hard to sell these things.”

“I’d love to sell more, but the only problem is they last forever!”

Visit the PB Europe website to find an office near you, or enquire about Protector vessels.