About Us
Afloat NZ is a kiwi company founded by a couple of boaties who were frustrated with what NZ had to offer yacht dogs. After a lot of research, testing and validation from our hounds, Afloat was born. We aim to deliver practical solutions to boaties, dogs and mini crew members, that will make life on the water just a little better. So keep an eye out for our Stern Slings out and other Afloat product.
We love feedback so please let us know what's working, what's not and how we can be better. See you out there.
Our Test Pilots
Coco and Moki have been our loyal supporters from the beginning. As avid water lovers these two were always frustrated with boating and water access. The validation from has been unreal and have been the true pioneers of the Stern Sling in NZ.
The Origin Story
For years, the Bay of Islands became a place of frustration for our family especially when it came to our dog and many other boat dogs. As much as we loved sailing, taking her on board was always a challenge. She wanted to explore but the islands are kiwi zones and the stern of our boat was
simply too unsafe, and we were constantly worried about her slipping or jumping into the water. Then came our solution: the stern sling. It was initially
designed with our dog in mind, offering her a safe and comfortable space to
roam between boats and enjoy the water without the risk of falling overboard.
It became an unexpected lifesaver for the entire family. With a young child, we discovered that the sling was the perfect spot for him to play. It became like a rock pool, where he could splash around and explore.
Parents no longer had to jump in and out of the water on the stern, instead enjoying a leisurely moment in the sun, while the sling transformed into a "sea hammock" of sorts, floating around while we relaxed with a cheeky afternoon sipper.
The stern sling isn't just limited to boats. It's great for pools, lakes, and wharfs too. We’re thrilled to share the Stern Sling with you, and we can't wait to see it being used on the stern of many more boats, not only in the Bay of Islands but across New Zealand. This simple concept has changed the way we experience the water, making it safer, more enjoyable, and ultimately more fun for everyone.