John was a professional cray fisherman for more than 40 years and has many years involvement with numerous marine businesses and pursuits.  Including leadership of the Geraldton Fishermen’s Co-operative, Geraldton Boat Builders, Strategic Marine, and Dongara Marine.

John’s design experience is long and hard learnt as he had to prove his designs by using them for his own boats. The development over a number of boats proved to other owners that his design was far superior to others being offered on the market. Since the beginning of his design career he has kept pace with the varied demands of clients by developing a very successful range of commercial & leisure vessels with the Southerly Designs team.