The Boat Works expands superyacht services hub

According to The Boat Works, the completion of the stage three works have included a workshop expansion that it said was “the final opportunity for marine businesses to secure tenancies in the two yards added as part of a wider $100 million expansion.

The Boat Works has transformed its 55-hectare Gold Coast marine precinct site into what it says is a world-class superyacht facility and marina berths. It said a driver for the project had been high demand for boats ranging from 24 to 75 metres requiring in and out of water services, maintenance and refits.

The Boat Works general manager Shane Subichin said the boating industry was booming, and more boats meant more jobs.

“COVID-19 travel restrictions mean Aussies are holidaying at home,” Subichin said. 

“Owning a boat gives them the freedom to explore the coastline and islands all over Australia.

“We are seeing a tremendous increase in boating and boat sales, additional haulouts and survey inspection lifts each week. 

“The 80-plus tenants based on site are experiencing a steady flow of work and many are reporting a marked rise in demand and are hiring more skilled trades to keep pace.”

As an indication of how busy the yard has become, The Boat Works will handle about 5000 boat movements a year – an average of almost 100 a week. 

The Boat Works said one of the first tenants to move into the new precinct would be Choice Stainless, a 30-year-old stainless steel manufacturing and fabrication business.

Choice Stainless already employs 12 workers, but the addition of a new laser cutter and CAD software meant it soon would be on the hunt for more skilled staff.

However, the expansion works are still not completed, with The Boat Works planning to add more refinishing works sheds to its site.