There has never been such an unprecedented demand for boats since the start of the pandemic, with used boat sales up 50%, and new boat sales up 30%, if not more.
Family businesses that make up the boating industry’s marine trade professionals are seeing the supercharged renewed growth and are working to meet the demand. The boatyard is seeing the influx and also meeting the demand evolving with the further investment to expand yet again.
The ever-evolving Boatyard & Marina has welcomed yet another dimension to the 55-acre comprehensive resort for your boat. Opening a dedicated 5,000sqm of additional hardstand has provided a welcome opportunity for the cruising community to not only cruise together, but a chance to now work together on the hardstand.
The footprint will accommodate up to 16 cruising catamarans and monohulls. This workspace is ideal for cruising yacht owners to undertake their own antifoul and repair work, gathering with like-minded sailors, complete with a liveaboard lounge, ensuites, free laundry and even a courtesy car.
“It’s the ideal ‘Cruising HQ’ for cruising customers who can meet others from around the region and the world, take advantage of the fresh produce growing on site, bathrooms, laundry, recycled water plus access to the Super Chandlery and access to all the trades and resources in the Marine Precinct,” says Shane.
There is also a growing demand from larger vessels which are rising in number in our region. Recently, we set the record for the heaviest vessel ever to be hauled out of the water on the Gold Coast – the 292-tonne, 150-foot (45.7m) Benetti superyacht, Mistress. The Boat Works’ team took just two hours to lift the vessel out of the Coomera River to the hardstand for Mistress to then undergo a brief period of maintenance.
“This is a historic milestone for The Boat Works and the Gold Coast,” says Shane Subichin, general manager at The Boat Works. Our 300-tonne lift we call ‘Rhino’ has proven itself a very versatile machine that can adapt to any vessel.”
There is increasing demand from larger vessels, which are rising in number in the region. The influx in supply has welcomed additional major marine infrastructure with construction underway on Stage 4 of The Boat Works. The North Yard will comprise 4 x 20-metre high sheds that will accommodate massive, tri-deck and flybridge motor yachts, both commercial and privately-owned.
The new Mega sheds, 5m larger than the existing Super Sheds, will be ready for occupancy in February 2022, if not earlier.
For more information on Trades – Services – Marine Retail + Boats for Sale review our website www.theboatworks.com.au
Published in print January-March 2022
