From its early days in the 1980s as a slipway and yard under the stewardship of legendary boat builder, Bruce Harris, it was known as the only place to come for boat service and repairs.
Bruce “Sharky” Harris was renowned for his ingenuity and craftsmanship, developing what became known as Shark Cats for leisure, commercial and patrol use, as well as the Cuddles series of displacement cruisers.
Strategically situated within the burgeoning boat-building precinct, the yard attracted a loyal clientele from all over Australia and continues to do so.
Today, owned by Tony Longhurst, The Boat Works has entered a new era of service. In the past three years, Tony has invested in a $20-million development program to elevate the premises to industry-leading standard. Thanks to the dynamic team, led by General Manager Shane Subichin, and a complete range of top marine trades, the facility has evolved into what is considered Australia’s greatest boatyard.
“The evolution has been the product of listening to our customers,” says Tony Longhurst. From the very start Tony has created the environment he would want as a discerning boat owner himself.
Located at the entrance of the Gold Coast Marine Precinct, Coomera, The Boat Works is a purpose-built facility over 23 acres, comprising world-class equipment and a team of qualified and energised marine professionals at your service, with direct water access for every type of vessel, from trailerable craft to yachts and multihulls up to 36.5-metres (110-feet).
Upon arrival, the shipyard team will provide dockhand concierge guiding you into your berth or in towards the haul-out lift bay area. Custom-designed and built superfenders are in place ensuring every boat is buffered and hauled with the utmost care. By the time the client sits down and has the welcome coffee, their boat is meticulously lifted, water-blasted and securely set down.
The team here is united in its passion, everything they do aims to take the stress out of coming out of the water. The combined experience makes them Australia’s most seasoned and dedicated operators.
Boat owners who visit are so well looked after that they comment that it is like a “resort for their boat”. There are colourful murals of tropical islands and surrounding palm trees in the areas we work, instead of warning signs against doing things and no go-zones.
We are a customer-driven and focused business and it has shown consistently through its patronage. It is the finishing touches and focus on the happiness of the boat owner that make the difference.
Doing the lifting are our 100-tonne travel lift, known as “Harry”, which carries boats up to 110-feet with a beam of 26-feet, and the 70-Tonne travel lift, “Sid”.
Then there is our 45-tonne hydraulic submersible sealift, ideal for wide-beam catamarans, particularly popular in the idyllic cruising grounds of coastal Queensland, north to the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef.
The Boat Works can lay claim to the largest concentration of marine trades in Australia, with more than 35 independent businesses on site, guaranteeing clients competitive quotes and transparent pricing. “Our customers have the choice, keeping businesses competitive to the benefit of the boat owner,” Shane declares.
The businesses all share a “can-do” attitude and are experts in antifouling, upholstery and stainless steel, shipwrights, mechanical and electrical engineers, surveyors, watermakers and desalination equipment, electronics and refrigeration, signage and graphics, project managers and boat brokers.
On site, there are 30 refit sheds up to 15-metres in height, that can accommodate boats up to 36.5 metres (110-feet). This increases the capacity to cater for major onsite refits, adding to the existing dedicated sandblast and paint bays, shed options, long-term storage solutions.
The undercover hardstand area provides a true all-weather work environment. This further establishes a controlled working environment across an extensive area, supported by the mandate to maintain a reputation as the cleanest boatyard customers have come across.
The dedicated hardstand storage facility is ideal for vessels up to 110 feet with an expansive clean and stable working platform.
On water, The Boat Works Marina has 50 work berths for smaller jobs that do not require haul out, catering up to 36-metre vessels with access to all onsite marine professionals.
Boat owners have access to a range of onsite facilities including laundry, ensuites and courtesy vehicles to assist while on site. Other major offerings already in place include retail specialists, onsite marine trade supplies and chandlery, along with a range of electronics through to fixtures and fittings, and The Galley Café restaurant and takeaway.
From the start of your experience at The Boat Works, you will be met by one of our capable team members who will keep you informed during the entire process, putting your mind at ease. While on site, enjoy a drink or a meal with a view over the marina at The Galley Café.
We have everything you need!
Experience the reason why The Boat Works is Australia’s greatest boatyard. Visit onsite today by boat or vehicle, or go to www.theboatworks.com.au.
