The Boat Works have announced that the Marine Trade Supplies & Chandlery store, the on-site mega-store for every aspect of boat repairs, maintenance and supplies related, will expand yet again.
Since opening nine years ago, the Chandlery has evolved from a modest trade store into the leading chandlery in South-East Queensland, bursting with international and Australian brands and a product range that is second to none.
In the past two years since the Superyacht yard began to attract larger boats, more vessels and more people to the area, Marine Trade Supplies & Chandlery has outgrown the 1,000 m2 facility and will now expanding to an additional 500 m2 from 1 September.
Director, John Lance, previously a Superyacht Captain with experience in the Med and Caribbean, says their growth is a sign of the rising take-up of boating. “We’re really doing well and we can now expand to fill the entire building,” says John. “We need to bring on more stock to keep up with more boats and bigger boats.
“We’ve had five expansions over the nine years. Downstairs in the new area will be anchors, chain and more chandlery all on display. A bigger range of Highfield tenders and more lifestyle gear, such as water toys, scooters, fishing gear – the fun stuff!
“Upstairs will be boardroom and offices, and eventually incorporate a new crew apparel division encompassing all the major brands. The latest & greatest in sailing gear. In total, we’ll be nearly 1,500 m2. Our entry will move around the end of the building near The Galley Restaurant.
“September will be a month of renovations and reorganising to take occupancy of the entire buildings space which is close to a massive 1,500 m2. By October we hope to have all the structural changes done and the new stock arriving!”
On average, 300 people a day visit the store, from tradies and marine professionals to DIY boat owners – all of them amazed at the breadth and extent of the products on shelf.
Products range from boating accessories and deck hardware, paint, fibreglass, resin, plywood sheeting and thermo-lite board, to a full selection of marine safety equipment, all detailing supplies, antifoul, anchors, plumbing, electrical, LED lighting and Australian-made specialist ropes.
Among the brands represented are 3M, Gurit Composites epoxy range, RF Composites poly and vinylester range, Hella Lighting, Garmin and Fusion, Highfield Boats, Festool, Rupes, detailing products including 3M, CleanAworx, Farecla Profile and G range, Collinite. Aqualuma lighting, IRB Ropes and Braids, PWB anchor chain, Force Anchor Chain, Vetus Maxwell Winches and Rocna Anchors, Cathodic Anodes, Sail Racing and Musto Apparel.
On the paint side, all the big brands like International Yacht Paints, Awlgrip, Altex Yacht and Boat Paint, Jotun Marine, PPG Marine Paints, Hempel Paints, Wattyl Paints, Seahawk plus Prop Speed and Lightspeed for underwater lights.
Earlier in the year, the store added a dedicated Marine & Protective Coatings Division, overseen by paint expert, Kasey McAllan.
According to Kasey, an increase in refit projects & maintenance all round has led to a rise in demand for paints and various other products. “We are struggling to keep up with demand,” he says. “A boat we are currently servicing has just spent over $100,000 in paint and consumables. Staggering to see the reinvestment back into the boat, it certainly is a very busy time.”
Currently, there are 11 trained staff who are all boaties and know the ins and outs of thousands of products. And if it’s not in stock, their team is willing to place special orders for rushed delivery. Marine Trade Supplies is now looking to bring on more staff to keep pace with demand.
The Boat Works’ owner, Tony Longhurst’s commitment to the major marine facility in South-East Queensland has attracted vessels from all over Australia.
“We congratulate John and his team on the next giant leap in expanding their business,” he says.
“The Superyacht yard is truly a world-class facility which has brought in bigger boats, more boats and more people, spending on refit projects and maintenance. This precinct employs thousands of people and the flow on to the economy throughout the region is phenomenal, as vessel owners and crew spend locally.”
