THE STORY
WHITEPOINTER IS BORN
Erick Hyland founded Whitepointer Boats in the early 2000s. His original moulds included the Haines Hunter 243 and Haines Hunter 488C, which later evolved into the Whitepointer 263 and the 5m SuperHornet. Erick recalls, “Word got around, and before long I had abalone divers lining up for boats that were ‘on the edge’—huge fuel tanks, kill tanks, maximum deck space, wave-breakers, and high-powered engines.”
DAVE TRIMBLE TAKES OVER
Dave Trimble took over Whitepointer Boats in 2024. A South Coast local, he knew the reputation — and saw the opportunity to carry the legacy forward. “I’m a big believer in quality, hand-built products — creating things with a personal touch.” On his customers: “I enjoy talking to the owners of the boat, usually when I’m lying in their hull.”
With a background in construction, Dave brings a sharp, detail-driven approach to the build. “People know Whitepointer boats are tough as fuck, but they’ve had a commercial finish. We’re always refining — new deck and hardtop liners, better weight distribution through fuel tanks, even making room for a Seakeeper if someone wants one. We’re not standing still.” One thing is non-negotiable: the strength and quality Whitepointer is known for will never be compromised.
Why the name: “Whitepointer”?
Because Eden local Eric Nerhaus literally headbutted a great white shark and lived to tell the tale. Off Cape Howe in murky water, a huge white took a bite—but Eric, a black belt ab diver in a lead vest, fought back with an ab iron and pure grit. His son pulled him out, bleeding but alive, and another boat rushed him ashore.
He needed 75 stitches—and a new wetsuit (his old one had 14 shark tooth holes). Erick Hyland helped cut the wetsuit off and thought, “What better name for a boat than the one that nearly ate my mate?”
