Rod Twitchin and his team at RT Marine have undertaken a refit project of the M/Y OSCAR II. The yacht is a 31m luxury charter vessel constructed by Warrens Yachts on the central coast of New South Wales.
The RT Marine team flew to Sydney to consult with the owners to identify priority works and finalise the worklist. The owners decided to conduct upgrades and maintenance work to finish in time for the chartering season. The budget and timeframe were tight, and although interstate travel was a challenge, RT Marine team and the owners decided on the right time to drive the vessel up to the Gold Coast.
The priority works included replacement of 95m2 of teak planking on the upper deck, repairs and paint work on the bow and the jacuzzi, interior upgrades, with extensive maintenance works to the main propulsion and auxiliary systems aboard. RT Marine went straight to task with on water-permitted works, and then eventually started other works once the yacht was secured within the refit shed.
When the works commenced, the list of requirements increased, requiring additional shipwright and engineering type works.
The project worklist starting on the deck replacement to the upper deck, paint repairs and preparation around the vessel’s bow and hull areas, required various trades. The interior and the engineering works were all undertaken at the same time. This project utilised the diverse in-house team at RT Marine, including shipwright, painters, engineers, a client-and-crew liaison, all under the watchful eye of the project management.
Always with safety in mind, ahead of aesthetics, RT Marine prioritised watertight integrity, as well as propulsion and system reliability to ensure seaworthiness.
Despite the requirements of very detailed essential work, the RT Marine team completed all works within the projected time frame, and most importantly, on budget. The seatrials were then conducted without any issues arising, with the entire project being achieved in eight weeks.
Nico from Prima Classe 11.11, assisted with various shipwright tasks with the increased requirements. Additionally, Con from Sweep Marine cleaned and repaired the aft fuel tank, and Rod from Stripe n’ FX applied new load line decals. All of these could not have been achieved on time and within budget without the substantial support of very professional industry colleagues.
The administration and yard members at The Boat Works played an important role in the project’s success. The Boat Works is a wonderful location to refit any vessel of any size. The southern and northern yards offer hardstand (open and undercover), refit sheds large or small, and the lifting capacity of 300t. The cleanliness of the entire site is important when supporting world-class trades.
In today’s world of technology, video calls and online meetings have helped conduct project meetings with clients from interstate or even further afield. Using this technology, the team at RT Marine are able conduct project walk-throughs via video call, showing clients what is actually happening onboard and finalising some decisions that previously may have taken days or even weeks to firm up.
The RT Marine are steadfast in their advice to all yacht owners to conduct meticulous routine and preventative maintenance for longterm and safe boating.
RT Marine is a local family-run business based at The Boat Works. They welcome vessel owners of all shapes and sizes.
www.rtmarine.com.au or email rod@rtmarine.com.au
M/Y OSCAR II is a luxury charter vessel that is primarily based in Sydney Harbour for charter. However, due to her recent refit and COVID restrictions, she is on the Gold Coast and available for charter here in the southeast corner of Queensland. At 31m, she can take up to 60 passengers on day charters in sheltered water or sleeps 10 for the more adventurous.
Contact Natasha Gravanis (m. 0423 221117 or e. info@oscar2.com.au) for any booking information or visit www.oscar2.com.au
Published in print October-December 2021
