Full house
The Boat Works at Coomera on Queensland's Gold Coast, has experienced an expansion burst, adding talent, trades and tools.
Photography by The Boat Works
21 August 2017
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Four seasoned marine industry professionals have recently bolstered the talent pool which now exceeds the 40 onsite trades: RT Marine surveyors, C Worthy and Bayliner Boats, Yachtsmen International management and crew services, and upholsterer, Melfi Designs.
The Boat Works is also investing in boosting its facilities to accommodate increasing demand from local and interstate boats.
Bellingham Marine has been contracted to rebuild A Arm, adding 12 additional deepwater berths to the current 40, and accommodating boats up to 30m. Security cameras will be part of the new works, giving owners peace of mind around the clock.
Other additions include a new handstand area to accommodate 10 50-foot vessels up to 20-foot high, new ensuites, laundries and the Bridge deck Lounge, a serene retreat overlooking the yard. There are 40 refit sheds, more than 7,000m² hardstand working area, a covered hardstand area and the option of long-term storage. Additional hardstand and covered hardstand area are under construction and will be available soon.
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Shane Subichin, The Boat Works General Manager said the enhancements add to the offering for clients and visitors to The Boat Works.
“The new hardstand area frees up the sheds for other boats and provides all-weather options for boat owners who want to undertake their own works.
“The four new tenants complete the package. Clients now have access to everything they need in one place.”
RT Marine has recently relocated from Gold Coast City Marina, now occupying its own modern waterfront office at The Boat Works.
Rod Twitchin, AMSA accredited Marine Surveyor, Master 5 and qualified mechanic, heads up the business which he founded in 2011 after a diverse career in as a Ships Master and Engineer, and onshore in Marine Surveying, maintenance and safety management.
RT Marine offers thorough pre-purchase condition reports, insurance assessing and reports, valuations, and can prepare vessel operation guides as well as provide skipper training.
Rod said the move to The Boat Works made sense as he is the sole Marine Surveyor onsite and can provide a broad range of services to recreational and commercial vessels.
“It’s a very friendly, close community at The Boat Works, which is passed on to customers. We are looking forward to assisting boat owners and with all aspects of surveying, project management and vessel management.”
Cam Ward who heads up C Worthy has relocated from the other end of the Coomera precinct, setting up the Bayliner Boats dealership in a purpose-built showroom at The Boat Works.
C Worthy is a full-service company providing mechanical diagnostics, repairs and servicing, electrical, antifouling, detailing and trimming, and is the south-east Queensland headquarters for Bayliner.
“Our service includes spare parts, mobile service vehicles, engineers who are marine qualified and trained, re-builds to re-powers, antifouls, pre-purchase inspections through to managing complete refurbishments and total vessel management,” said Cam.
“We also deal with all insurance work that is required for your boat and can offer competitive insurance quotes.”
On the street front, the impressive modern showroom is home to the full range of Bayliner Boats, versatile, US-built vessels that are ideal for family boating, fishing and other watersports.
“They are a great all-rounder,” says Cam, who has represented the brand since 2011. “Bayliner is the sister brand to SeaRay, and makes classic, user-friendly boats that are extremely good value and offer the best warranty in their class: a lifetime warranty on the boat and 5-year motor warranty.”
Currently on display are nine boats, and Cam plans to raise that number to 13 in time for summer.
Melfi Designs, run by Michael Melfi and his wife Lia managing operations and administrations, specialise in upholstery design and manufacture for all marine, commercial and automotive applications, using Italian materials.
An upholsterer in the classic style, Michael has a background in restoring antiques and custom manufacturing furniture, with numerous testimonials praising his attention to detail and superb craftsmanship.
Michael has made furniture and helm chairs under the Melfi brand for boat brands Riviera, Maritimo, Roger Hill, Palm Beach Motor Yachts, Precision Curisers and Elandra over the past 10 years in business, and has worked on projects as diverse as movie sets, interiors for boutiques and businesses and beds and lounges for the iconic trans-Australia train, The Ghan.
Poised to launch new products, the move to The Boat Works was strategic.
“We are showcasing the range of Melfi helm chairs, which we are starting to export,” said Michael. “We’re at the stage after 10 years that we have perfected the product, available in seven different designs – all locally made – and we are now working on getting our products to the broader public. Here on the marina, people can come in and touch and feel the product.”
One week in to their tenancy at The Boat Works and Michael said they are “having a great time already”.
“People are very friendly and there’s a great sense of pride and professionalism.”
The new tenant retinue is rounded out by Yachtsmen International, which facilitates the complete luxury yacht experience, including sales, management, servicing, charter and support.
Director, Sean Madwgick said his company has expertise across the full gamut of the luxury yacht market. “Whether you are looking to purchase, charter or crew a luxury yacht, Yachtsmen International can assist. We also facilitate luxury yacht management and technical services.”
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