Steber International

What Steber International does

Steber International is a family-owned Australian boat builder founded in 1946 that relocated from Sydney to Taree, NSW in 1974. The company designs and manufactures custom fibreglass (FRP) commercial and recreational vessels ranging from 6.5 metres to 20 metres LOA, plus unmanned surface vessels and FRP composite components for external clients. Its commercial fleet (Steber 28 through 52, plus the 34-38 Patrol and 38 Commercial Utility) serves defence, coast guard, customs, fisheries, police, marine rescue and commercial charter operators, while a recreational line spans the Steber 22 Mk II Offshore through the Steber/Precision 65 Luxury Motor Cruiser. Core manufacturing technology includes 25+ years of sandwich construction (foam, balsa or other core materials), resin infusion in a climate-controlled factory, 2D/3D CAD design (AutoCAD, Rhino, Inventor) integrated with CNC routing, and ultrasonic thickness testing. The company is pioneering diesel-electric hybrid propulsion through a partnership with Ampcontrol and the University of Newcastle, delivering a 600kW plug-in hybrid system on the Steber 43 platform.

Name

Steber International

Legal name

Steber International

Website

https://steber.com.au

Company type

Private

Founded year

1946

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Commercial Boat Manufacturing

NAICS

Boat Building (336612), Ship Building and Repairing (336611)

SIC

Ship & Boat Building & Repairing (3730)

akta.pro primary industry

Patrol, Interceptor & Law-Enforcement Craft (Coast Guard, Customs) (IMAJADAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Search & Rescue (SAR) & Lifeboats (IMAJADAI), FRP/GRP & Composite Materials (Resins, Fibers, Core Materials) (IMAJAKAC), Naval & Government Vessel Maintenance & Modernization (TLAKAKAB)

Keywords

• Commercial boat building
• Fibreglass vessel manufacturing
• Marine composite production
• Hybrid marine propulsion
• Boat refit services

Headquarters

HQ city

Taree

HQ country

Australia

HQ region

Oceania

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Custom Boat Manufacturing: Design and manufacture of custom commercial and recreational vessels ranging from 6.5 metres to 20 metres LOA. Vessels built for defence, government, commercial fishing, charter, patrol, rescue, surveillance and recreational use.
2. Boat Refits and Repairs: Repair, maintenance and refit services for Steber and other brand vessels. Services include gelcoat repairs, FRP repairs, re-survey, re-power, and full refits.
3. Chandlery and Parts Supply: Stock and supply of chandlery items, ship hardware, marine engines, propellers, electronics, upholstery and composite components.
4. Composite Component Manufacturing: Manufacture of Fibre Reinforced Plastic (FRP) components for external clients including Zodiac Milpro RHIB components and custom composite products.
5. Professional Marine Services: Naval architect services, stability testing, damage assessment, CAD design, ultrasonic thickness testing, engineering calculations, pre-purchase surveys and operator training.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Steber International designs and manufactures custom commercial and recreational fibreglass (FRP) vessels ranging from 6.5m to 20m LOA, including patrol, rescue, research, charter, defence and recreational motor boats. Beyond complete vessels, the company produces FRP composite components for external clients, provides boat refits and repairs, supplies marine chandlery and parts, and offers professional naval architecture, stability testing, CAD design, and survey services.

Product overview

Steber International is a family-owned Australian boat builder (established 1946) offering a portfolio of commercial and recreational motor vessels ranging from 6.5 metres to 20 metres LOA. The commercial fleet includes the Steber 28, 34, 38, 38 Commercial Utility, 38 SLR, 43, 48, and 52 Commercial models, plus the 34-38 Patrol. The recreational range includes the Steber 22 Mk II Offshore, Steber 2800/3400/3800/4380/4800/5200 Super Sedan and Luxury Motor Cruiser series, and Steber/Precision 65 Luxury Motor Cruiser. The company also offers the Steber Hybrid plug-in diesel-electric vessel, FRP Composite Products for external clients, comprehensive Boat Refits and Repairs services, Professional Services (naval architecture, survey, stability testing), and Chandlery. The Bluebottle USV represents their entry into autonomous surface vessels. All products are built to survey standards with in-house manufacturing of hulls, fitouts, engineering, cabinetry and upholstery at their Taree, NSW facility.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Stebercraft: Primary brand name for commercial and recreational fibreglass motor vessels manufactured by Steber International.
• Steber Hybrid

Products and services

• Steber 52 Commercial An 18m (52ft) commercial vessel with exceptional performance, robust construction, and award-winning hull design, featuring low speed low wash capabilities and superior top end performance for commercial applications.
• Steber 48 Commercial A 15.3m commercial vessel with exceptional sea-keeping capabilities, preferred for commercial applications requiring speed, carrying capacity and performance in varying weather conditions.
• Steber 43 Commercial A 13.83m commercial vessel with wide beam and soft riding capabilities, used by Australian Defence Force and government departments for varied sea conditions while maximising comfort.
• Steber 38 Commercial A 12.2m exceptionally high-performance seagoing vessel with capabilities tested and proven by Government Departments such as Fisheries, Shark Meshing, Charter and Dive operators.
• Steber 38 Commercial Utility A 12.2m vessel offering first-rate performance and exceptional seaworthiness for roles such as coastal research, hydrographic survey, rescue, surveillance, security, dive, charter and game fishing.
• Steber 34 Commercial A 10.4m high speed planing hull vessel proven by Police, Rescue and Commercial Operators with custom fitout options for difficult sea conditions.
• Steber 28 Commercial A versatile smart vessel ideally suited for day use or short-term overnight stays, featuring a unique variable deadrise hull and excellent cornering capabilities for commercial work.
• Steber 34/38 Patrol A versatile patrol vessel built for adventure and performance in rough conditions, featuring an innovative bridge deck delivering full 360-degree visibility for game fishing, diving, rescue missions or surveillance work.
• Steber/Precision 65 Luxury Motor Cruiser A 65ft custom-built luxury motor cruiser renowned for precision engineering, proven offshore capability, and uncompromising build quality, suitable for game fishing and luxury cruising.
• Steber 5200 Luxury Motor Cruiser A 52ft executive style luxury motor cruiser showcasing elegance and boardroom comforts, first-rate performance and exceptional seaworthiness, customisable with various engine options from twin 400hp to twin 1000hp.
• Steber 4800 Sports Motor Cruiser A 15m sports motor cruiser combining the best in sea craft with international luxury and Australian authenticity, world-class and recognised for durability.
• Steber 4380 Luxury Motor Cruiser A 14.2m luxury motor cruiser emphasising design excellence with classic tradition, contemporary boating concepts and modern technology, available with engines from twin 400hp to twin 700hp.
• Steber 3800 Sports Fisher A 38ft anniversary model featuring high speed level planing, excellent cornering, dry soft riding and good all-round vision, winner of the AMIF Power Boat of the Year Award 2007.
• Steber 3800 Twin Cabin Family Cruiser A 38ft cruiser featuring twin cabins and spacious interior for families, visitors and extended fishing trips, based on the same proven hull as Steber commercial models.
• Steber 3400 Super Sedan An 11.6m refreshingly spacious flybridge vessel suited to a variety of on-water activities, distinguished by a flybridge and spacious cockpit ideal for game fishing, entertaining and serious boating.
• Steber 2800 Super Sedan An 8.4m versatile vessel fulfilling the needs of serious recreational boaters and demanding light duty commercial fishers, featuring a large cockpit deck and a variety of internal layouts.
• Steber 22 Mk II Offshore A 22ft recreational offshore boat powered by Mercruiser 170hp diesel sterndrive, including Simrad plotter/sounder, 180 litre fuel tank, full safety gear and galvanised trailer; AUD $98,000 gst inclusive fully equipped package.
• Steber Hybrid (Plug-in Diesel-Electric) A plug-in hybrid diesel-electric vessel combining a traditional diesel engine with high-efficiency electric motors and a battery system in a series hybrid configuration with 600kW system output, twin 300kW electric motors and 600kWh battery bank.
• Composite Products (FRP Components) Premium contract manufacturing of Fibre Reinforced Plastic (FRP) components for external clients, including tooling/mould making, specialised sandwich construction, resin infusion, FRP exhaust systems, and structural fire protection.
• Boat Refits and Repairs Comprehensive repair, maintenance and refit services for Steber and other-brand vessels, including re-survey, re-power, motor servicing, jet engine installation, engineering upgrades, and upholstery.
• Chandlery (Marine Parts and Equipment) Stock and supply of marine chandlery items including ship hardware, safety equipment, propellers, marine engines, upholstery, electronics, radios, entertainment systems and timber cabinetry.
• Professional Services (Naval Architecture, Survey, Testing) Range of professional marine services including naval architecture, stability testing, damage assessment, CAD design, impact and laminate testing, ultrasonic thickness testing, engineering calculations, and pre-purchase survey reports.
• Bluebottle USV (Unmanned Surface Vessel) A solar and wind powered autonomous surface vessel developed with Ocius Technology using Rigid Opening Sails (ROS) and Hybrid Marine Power (HMP) technology for low-cost wide-area ocean surveillance by Defence and security agencies.

Quantifiable outcome

• Vessels in service for 25+ years with original operators (10 x 43ft boats for Navy entered service 1999-2000 and still operational)
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers11 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered minor, core and major.

• CSIRO RISE Accelerator ProgramminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Steber International joined CSIRO's RISE Accelerator Program to explore access to emerging India market. Part of commitment by Australian and Indian Prime Ministers to reduce emissions and become more sustainable. Presented at India Energy Efficient Summit in Hyderabad.
• Refuelling SolutionsminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Partnership for first-ever refuelling of electric hybrid vessel with 100% Renewable Diesel (HVO100). Refuelling Solutions supplies renewable diesel and supports decarbonisation initiatives.
• Hunter Precision AgricultureminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Partnership to build unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs/drones). Steber manufacturing all FRP components including fuselage, wings, tail assemblies. HPA provides robotics and agricultural drone expertise. Project involved regular Teams meetings with Canadian robotics personnel.
• AmpcontrolcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Strategic collaboration with electrical engineering specialist Ampcontrol for development of diesel-electric hybrid propulsion systems. Combined expertise in electric motors, control systems and vessel engineering. Multiple awards received for the 22ft and 43ft hybrid prototypes. Partners on the 600kW plug-in hybrid system development.
• University of NewcastlecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Research partnership with University of Newcastle School of Engineering for hybrid vessel development. Contributed research input at granular level and testing facilities. Associate Professor Galina Mirzaeva involved in electrical and computer engineering aspects.
• Zodiac Milpro AustraliamajorOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 1 January 2021Manufacturing agreement signed to produce Zodiac Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBs) under license. Steber manufactures the fiberglass hull and components. 9.2m Zodiacs provided to police, navy and rescue organisations. Rights to sell into South-East Asian markets.
• Northern Beaches MarineminorOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 1 January 2021Partnership to produce Sea Devil range of pleasure boats under license from Northern Beaches Marine, Sydney.
• Ocius Technology (formerly Solar Sailor)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on Bluebottle USV (Unmanned Surface Vessel) development. Steber manufactures the vessel hull and provides marine expertise. Ocius develops the autonomous navigation and solar/wind power systems. Project has grown to include Defence Innovation Hub Contract deployments.
• Confederation of Indian IndustriesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnered with CSIRO at India Energy Efficient Summit. Part of commitment between Australian and Indian Prime Ministers on sustainable technology collaboration.
• Thales AustraliacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProject Sea 1778 Phase 1 managed by Thales Australia. Steber builds MCM support boats as part of Thales Australia's mine countermeasures capability. Steber 38ft boats delivered under this program.
• TAFE NSWminorOthersIn-house apprenticeship training program with TAFE teaching staff visiting factory weekly for classroom and practical sessions. Part of regional job creation and skills development.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Bar Crusher Boats: Australian plate aluminium boat manufacturer producing recreational, fishing and light commercial vessels. Overlaps with Steber on commercial fishing, charter and government vessel use cases with comparable size ranges and Australian-made value proposition.
• Maritimo: Family-owned Australian luxury motor yacht and offshore cruiser manufacturer based on the Gold Coast. Directly comparable to Steber's recreational cruiser line (Steber 4380/4800/5200) with overlapping premium positioning, in-house composite build and similar Australian pedigree.
• Metal Shark Boats: US aluminium boat builder producing high-performance patrol, defence and response vessels for military and government clients. Closely comparable to Steber's defence/government patrol and harbour support boat offerings and similar vessel class sizes.
• Stabicraft: New Zealand-based manufacturer of plate aluminium commercial and recreational boats. Comparable to Steber in serving government, patrol and commercial fishing markets with vessels in similar LOA ranges, though using aluminium rather than fibreglass construction.
• Halmatic: UK-based commercial vessel builder (now part of Bourne Group) producing GRP and composite patrol, pilot and workboats for government and commercial customers. Direct functional comparable to Steber's fibreglass commercial vessel range and government customer base.
• SAFE Boats International: US-based manufacturer of aluminium patrol and defence boats serving Coast Guard, police and military customers. Comparable to Steber's commercial patrol/defence vessel portfolio with similar customer profile (law enforcement, rescue, defence) and platform sizes.
• Riviera Australia: Australia's largest luxury motor yacht builder, headquartered on the Gold Coast. Comparable to Steber in producing premium Australian-built fibreglass recreational motor yachts in a similar size range (40-70ft), competing for the same high-end domestic buyer segment.

Broad incumbents

• Austal: Australian ASX-listed global shipbuilder producing aluminium commercial and defence vessels including naval, patrol and high-speed ferries. Comparable as an Australian defence shipbuilder competing for overlapping navy/coastguard contracts but at significantly larger scale and broader platform portfolio.
• Zodiac Milpro: Global manufacturer of inflatable and rigid-hull inflatable boats (RHIBs) for defence, rescue and professional markets, and Steber's licensing partner. Comparable as a broader incumbent in small professional/defence marine craft with overlapping patrol, police and navy customer base.

Emerging players

• Ocius Technology: Australian unmanned surface vessel (USV) developer partnered with Steber on the Bluebottle platform. Comparable as a partner/adjacent player in autonomous marine systems, with overlapping Defence Innovation Hub contracts and shared commercial trajectory in unmanned vessels.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/steberinternational
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/steber-international

Compliance8 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Steber International