GDI: Building Dreams on the water

GDI was established in 1957 as a small family business, by Georges Demblon, initially doing sheet metal and switchboard fabrication.

The expertise gained in detailed sheet metal work led the company to successfully expand into the building of kapenta rigs, in 1984, for the growing market in Kariba.

As a logical extension of their boat building enterprises, GDI further expanded into designing and manufacturing a wide range of boats from weekend runarounds to luxury, high end houseboats and river cruisers.

In 2020, GDI diversified further to incorporate Solar Solutions which provides energy systems for boats that are eco-friendly and sustainable.

Shortly after leaving school in the early 80s, Gerard, Georges’ son, joined the family business and worked his way up through the company from the lowest position, through every department, to become the managing director in 1995. On the way he gained an in-depth understanding of every aspect of the business, and now has years of practical experience and a wealth of hard earned knowledge.

GDI are now the industry leaders in the custom design and construction of houseboats and river cruisers from fairly modest projects to ultra high-end luxury vessels.

With a history of over 38 years in the industry, GDI has manufactured over 100 large houseboats and cruisers as well as hundreds of smaller boats, each custom designed to the owners specifications.

Through their meticulous attention to detail GDI has established a great reputation both locally and internationally.

GDI is the secret behind countless unforgettable vacation experiences for travellers and tourists from around the world – always keeping in mind both the comfort, and most importantly, the safety and well-being of the passengers.

Their vessels are specifically designed with Southern Africa’s unique conditions in mind.

Similar European boats, for example, are designed to be warm and cosy, while in Zimbabwe GDI designs boats to keep passengers cool (in temperatures that can reach up to 40 degrees) with shaded decks, natural cross ventilation and air conditioned rooms. Most of the bigger boats have Jacuzzis or plunge pools on board so passengers can relax and cool off in style and safety.

Whether it’s a monohull, a catamaran or a shallow draft hull, each boat is designed for the ideal performance in the place where it is intended to be enjoyed.

A boat planned to sail on the river at Victoria Falls needs very different specifications to a houseboat on Kariba.

Therefore each design needs to incorporate many factors such as water current, prevailing weather conditions, water depth, and mooring facilities. Weight distribution is also crucial to the vessel’s stability and safety.

Consequently careful attention is paid to the weight and placement of every section of material, every piece of engineering, all appliances, interior decor and a host of other considerations.

All the materials are selected to be of marine quality – marine quality steel and timber – to withstand the corrosive, hot and humid conditions and ensure the longevity of the structure.

GDI also takes into account the transportation of the vessels to their intended destination from the factory. Factors like weight, height, length and width are carefully considered to allow for road access.

To accommodate height restrictions on the road, all larger boats are constructed so that the top deck can be detached and then reassembled on site.

Their design, engineering and manufacturing processes are accomplished by a highly skilled and experienced team of experts with Gerard overseeing each and every detail.

They also specify and source the correct size and type of engines needed to power each boat, favouring Volvo engines which have very strict standards, limiting emissions and pollution.

As the world is moving towards greener and eco-friendly awareness GDI is rapidly following suit. Through SOLAR Solutions, headed up by Ryan Demblon, they are able to supply and install solar inverter systems to replace the old, noisy and polluting diesel generators.

On some of the latest vessels, GDI has on board water purification plants utilising water directly from the Lake, as well as environmentally conscious treatment for black water waste, so passengers can be assured that their travel experience is kind to the ecology.

In addition, GDI supplies a superior interior décor service with careful attention to the smallest detail including the interior layout, kitchen and bathroom designs with top of the range fittings, paint colours and finishes, furniture and accessories – right down to the linens and soft furnishings. They even cater for the passengers’ entertainment with a selection of books and board games.

DStv can be installed on the boats with self-seeking and self-tracking or manual systems. Interior design for boats is different to residential design; for example, there can’t be low hanging pendant lights that would swing around in a storm and all decor items need to be fixed down for safety.

As well as manufacturing and fitting out some of the most iconic boats in Kariba, Victoria Falls and the region, GDI also provides maintenance, repair and renovation services. They have recently renovated and refurbished the Nyami Nyami houseboat including all new, updated décor.

The legendary African Dream was recently hauled out of the water on rollers to allow for maintenance to the hull. GDI is currently constructing a huge dry dock for export, so boats can be lifted out of the water for inspections and maintenance.

Just a few of the most well-known and luxurious vessels manufactured by GDI include the African Dream and the Zimbabwean Dream, both owned and managed by the prestigious Croisi Europe establishment.

The boats are booked out with back to back charters for months in advance. Other vessels include the African Queen, the Lady Livingston based in Zambia, as well as the Zambezi Explorer in Victoria Falls, renowned for sunset and dinner cruises.

GDI creates dreams and magic for unforgettable holiday experiences from the relatively simple to the most luxurious. They have made an invaluable contribution to the tourism industry in Victoria Falls, Kariba and the Southern African region.

Text: Michael Nott

From: Destination ZW issue 11: