The Boat Works to double footprint of superyacht yard

Australia-based shipyard and marina facility The Boat Works is launching the fifth phase of its development plan, which will see its North superyacht yard double in size.

The expanded 55-acre (4,047 sqm) facility will increase overall yard capacity and marina jobs, servicing up to 100 boats undercover, plus new marine showroom premises.

“[The expansion] gives us the opportunity to service the full spectrum of yachts, monohulls, and cruisers through to superyachts that visit the Gold Coast,” says owner, Tony Longhurst. “We couldn’t have predicted being at capacity over the past two years since opening the North superyacht facility 2020. The success of the superyacht yard has exceeded our expectations, with bookings secured months in advance,” he adds.

Works on phase five have already begun, with completion estimated by mid-2023. In February, MIN reported that The Boat Works had successfully installed four new ‘mega sheds’, which are the tallest refit sheds on the Gold Coast offering a 20-metre height clearance. The four sheds are designed for major refits and refinishing works on superyachts up to 50 metres in length.

The yard claims the latest construction represents one of the largest investments in recreational marinas and shipyards in the southern hemisphere.

“With the help and support of the local authorities and Gold Coast Waterways we will continue to increase capacity and infrastructure to meet the incredible influx of vessels here to the Gold Coast,” says Longhurst.

Gold Coast mayor Tom Tate says: “Our city has faced the challenges of Covid-19 and we are now seeing the economy start to recover across a range of industry sectors.

“Throughout these challenging two years, The Boat Works remained committed to its long-term vision and we are celebrating that today with stage five now underway at their facility within the Coomera Marine Precinct. As our city grows, we need to keep broadening our economy and the marine sector is pivotal to that plan. I applaud the team at The Boat Works and wish them success into 2022 and beyond.’’

Coinciding with the expansion, The Boat Works will welcome a new 90-tonne lift, allowing haul-out and service for up to 150 boat movements per week. The Italian-built Boat Lift is the first of its kind in Australia and will take The Boat Works’ fleet to five, including the largest travel lift on the Gold Coast at 300 tonnes.

“We are at the forefront of the industry offering a state-of-the-art, environmentally superior facility and are extremely proud of The Boat Works’ reputation,” continues Longhurst.

“We continue to support our collective marine trade professionals, reinvesting for future growth and jobs, creating countless opportunities in the Australian marine industry.”