The engine experts
From Volvo Penta repairs to Torqeedo outboards, spares, tools and tips, Golden Arrow Marine is your first stop for an engine SOS
Spring is the busiest time of year for Golden Arrow Marine in Swanwick. While engineers are busy fixing and dewinterising engines, the office team are registering warranties and the parts team hard at work advising on Volvo Penta spares.
The newest of the four Golden Arrow Marine branches, Swanwick has recently welcomed branch manager Jake Hayward, who’s previously worked in parts and services. He’s thrilled to be helping boat owners solve engine problems.
“Don’t forget to go through your basic engine checks and launch checklist,” advises Jake.
Friendly phone call
Whether you’re having issues with starting or running your engine, or maybe just an unexplained niggle, the team at Golden Arrow Marine are ready to help.
“We’re happy to talk to boat owners on the phone and give them ideas of what to try,” says Jake. “It’s surprising, but I’d say a lot of problems can be resolved this way.”
If the engine fault can’t be fixed or diagnosed over the phone, Golden Arrow Marine charges a call-out rate for an initial investigation and offers a price-match promise on all ‘like for like’ work and quotes.
South Coast branches
There are four Golden Arrow Marine branches across the South Coast–in Portsmouth, Poole, Southampton, and the newest in Swanwick.
“Swanwick is the hub of the Hamble,” says Jake. “Our technical manager is based here, we’ve got all of the boat sales linked up in the main building and we’re on the main road with good access. It’s a lovely well-kept marina.”
Sales
Golden Arrow Marine provides sales and service for Volvo Penta, MAN, Yanmar, Perkins and Thornycroft inboard engines, and is the UK distributor for Torqeedo electric outboards and saildrives.
“Our work varies from dealing with small, compact engines to big commercial boats such as Wightlink Ferries so we have a vast range of expertise,” says Jake. “No two days are the same. What I love most about my job is brainstorming with the team. When engine issues become complex, it’s good trying to find the solution.”
The solution might not always be available on site, in which case, Jake will liaise with engineers at other branches and send the work to the right specialist.
New developments
“There are some exciting things going on with Volvo Penta developing more sustainable engine solutions, and the Torqeedo side of things,” says Jake. “We also supply, install and service Humphree interceptors and fins. Volvo Penta has a majority ownership of Humphree, which specialises in trim and stabilisation systems to provide that extra comfort and ease of control. They may be an ideal solution for many of our Swanwick Marina yacht owners.”
Authorised Volvo Penta dealer
Of the 80 years that Golden Arrow Marine has been serving customers, 30 of these have been with Volvo Penta. As an authorised dealer for the South Coast, the company’s factory trained engineers work with dealers from Brighton to Weymouth and the Channel Islands.
“We have a parts department and a wealth of knowledge on how they all work,” says Jake. “We only fit genuine Volvo Penta parts and that’s because we can offer a two-year warranty on those. Even with older engines we can usually find parts.”
Volvo Penta parts can be ordered online and collected in the branch using the Volvo Penta Shop link.
Tools for DIY-ers
While they have fully equipped workshops and even a 2,000hp Dynamometer test centre, Golden Arrow Marine also recognises that many boat owners like to work on engines themselves. At the Swanwick branch you’ll find a shop selling parts and tools to the trade and DIY-ers.
So if you need to pop in to the branch or call for help on new engines, rebuilds or servicing, visit Golden Arrow Marine at Unit 7/8, Swanwick Marina, Southampton, tel: 02382 513123, www.goldenarrow.co.uk