MASTER STROKE BUOYS MARINA
A general upswing in boat numbers across the Gold Coast is being pegged as the reason for increased use of the city’s bona fide third marina
THE marina formerly known as Hope Harbour is building its reputation as a viable option for boaties needing servicing work. Hope Harbour Marina was recently renamed Boat Masters to shake off its previous reputation as a haven just for Maritimo boats.
Boat manufacturing giant Maritimo owns the marina but it is wide open for use by general boat owners – and its numbers are picking up.
With its 70-tonne travel lift and rebranding back in May during the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, its numbers are picking up.
Boat Masters service manager Gary Klein said the marina had lifted and worked on 129 vessels in the past quarter.
Despite not being in the same size bracket as city marina main players – The Boat Works and Gold Coast City Marina – it was proving a viable option for picking up some slack, Maritimo general manager operations Phil Candler said.
“We are picking up general work, getting new customers. People know we are there more now, it’s convenient,’’ Mr Candler said.
“We are deliberately marketing the business now.
“It did happen before but not as deliberately as we are doing now – and overall it is producing good results.’’
Mr Candler partly put the fact Boat Masters was busier down to the simple fact there were “just more boats around” on the Gold Coast.
“Every week, every month, there are more boats on the Gold Coast so there is an opportunity to service those boats and look after them.
“It’s just a general trend – there are more boats here and we are able to service those boats. We are also doing our own ones, too.”
Boat Masters’ services cover antifouling, electrical work, mechanical repairs, upholstery work, varnishing, cabinetry and fibreglass repairs.
The marina has eight to 10 permanent staff plus additional contractors, six to eight undercover marina berths and business was “gently, gently growing”, Mr Candler said.
Late last year the marina completed a major upgrade including its service centre and shipyard, turning it into a one-stop shop for boaties with craft ranging from trailer boats up to 70-tonne yachts.
As well as servicing the general public, the facility was home to the Maritimo Coomera-based research and development division.
The vessels and moulds of the recently acquired boutique luxury sports yacht manufacturer Elandra are also based at Boat Masters.
Mr Klein said it was an exciting time for the Gold Coast marine industry to have Boat Masters firing on all cylinders.
“The thing many of our customers comment on is the ease of access to our travel lift. We have had customers able to get lifted sometimes with only one hour’s notice.
“Our geographical location just off the southern arm of the Coomera River, and the fact we have both open hardstand and undercover capacity, is a bonus for boaties.
“I think the word is spreading fast about our facility and the services on offer.”