The Boat Works at Coomera completes first phase of $100M expansion with new dry marina

THE Boat Works at Coomera has completed the first phase of its $100 million expansion with demand expected to outstrip supply for the dry marina by the New Year.

THE Boat Works at Coomera has completed the first phase of its $100 million expansion with demand expected to outstrip supply for the new dry marina by the new year.

The dry marina, which is marketed as being cheaper than berth space, while keeping boats out of the water, currently is home to 16 vessels and has capacity for 150, including wide-bodied cruising catamarans, yachts, and power boats.

The Boat Works general manager Shane Subichin said he expects the space, which occupies a 1.5ha fenced parcel at the Boat Works’ base, to be full by the new year.

“Many owners who’ve spent the past few months cruising the Whitsundays want to store their boats out of water while they return to work or visit family in Sydney or Melbourne until cruising season begins again in May,” he said.

The Boat Works at Coomera has completed the first phase of its $100 million expansion with demand expected to outstrip supply for the new dry marina by the New Year.

“Cheap flights to Coolangatta and Brisbane mean owners can come to the Gold Coast at any time and head out in their boats.”

Mr Subichin said overseas-based boat owners are also expected to use the facility.

“They can store their boats here and head off and see the sights. Some plan to come back in December and cruise to Sydney for New Year.

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TONY LONGHURST'S NEW CATAMARAN HITS THE WATER

“We have 16 vessels here already and shipping tracking shows there are up to 60 large foreign-flagged vessels off Bundaberg right now. Many of those will head south to the Gold Coast.

“Interstate berth costs have risen considerably and there’s a shortage of wide-beam berths everywhere. The beauty of dry storage is it’s considerably cheaper than berth space and it’s out of the water.”

The Boat Works at Coomera has completed the first phase of its $100 million expansion with demand expected to outstrip supply for the new dry marina by the New Year.

The dry marina, which opened this month, is the first phase of a $100 million expansion for The Boat Works, which is owned by Tony Longhurst.

The next stage, which is under way, involves a new 50-berth, in-water marina to accommodate vessels from 15m to 35m.

It will nearly double the existing shipyard’s footprint from 23ha to 43ha.

Superior Jetties won the contract and the first section is scheduled for completion by May next year.

The Boat Works at Coomera has completed the first phase of its $100 million expansion with demand expected to outstrip supply for the new dry marina by the New Year.

Other plans for The Boat Works include the creation of a new dining and shopping precinct on the edge of the Coomera River to rival Marina Mirage at Main Beach.

Mr Longhurst, a two-time Bathhurst motor racing champion, is the son of John Longhurst, the entrepreneur who created the Dreamworld theme park.

His brother Rodney Longhurst owns luxury boat building giant Riviera.