Devastating fire damage to a $60 million super-yacht has thrown New Zealand's top-end boat building and refit business into sharp focus.

Auckland-based McMullen & Wing, despite its strong international reputation, is facing an uncertain future as it could be forced to find a new project to replace its fire-ravaged Starfish.

The 50m vessel was seven months from completion when it was badly damaged by fire at the company's Mt Wellington workshop on Sunday.