The Businessman.
I have written this web-page as a warning to any potential customers or people considering conducting business with this man, As he has a rich history of dodgy deals, cutting costs in boat construction and putting lives at risk.
Derek started his days designing sun shades for fuel pumps, too my knowledge this is the extent of his design career, he did not design any of the boats in the Voyager Catamarans range, all vessels where either purchased from a third party or acquired via corrupt and underhanded deals. (See The Boats Below).
During the contracting of Rex McGrath (Plug & Mould Development) to build the deck of the V1040, Derek struck a deal, and hand shake agreement with Rex to form a partnership, Rex sold his boat and put some $90k into the business along with tools, this agreement run smoothly with Rex completing the V1040 and working with Derek to relocate the factory from an old grain shed in Jacobs creek to a production facility in Yatala, during this time Rex and a team of 10 men constructed nine V1040′s.
The point came where Rex wanted to make the hand shake agreement legal, unfortunately it quickly became apparent that Derek was not going to do this, and had never intended on doing it, after 2 years of hard work, $90k invested Rex was locked out of the factory and all the staff told to take two weeks unpaid leave while Derek went to Korea with family for a holiday.
No explanation given, a plain and simple illegal business move, Derek knew however that Rex had put everything into the business and could not afford to fight it in court. Derek then had two staff members try and steal Rex’s personal boat during the night, which ended up in police arresting the two and the boat returned, Derek continued with harassment and tried to run Rex off the road on several occasions.
It was only at this point alot of Derek’s previous deals and dodgy practices became apparent, his own Brother in law committed suicide after an argument with Derek about money Derek had borrowed and refused to pay back.
Finally, an issue that I am passionate about. I have looked for information of this caliber for the last several hours. Your site is greatly appreciated.