Time to slip? No-nonsense boat maintenance is here
We have all heard the old saying, ‘The two happiest days in a boat owner’s life: the day you buy the boat, and the day you sell the boat’. Sometimes it seems everything in between can be dominated by finding the right marine trades, arranging quotes, scheduling contractors, and sitting on deck waiting for them to arrive. Yet, does it really have to be that way? Surely there is a better approach.
The team at Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard (affectionately known as GCCM) know all too well the strains on time-poor boat owners, and they’ve come up with a straightforward way to circumvent the run-around that is usually involved in an annual slipping period. It’s an all-inclusive haul-out, hardstand and antifoul package, which aims to save boaties both time and money, and it’s getting rave reviews from nautical enthusiasts.
GCCM reinvented boat maintenance and servicing in South East Queensland when they first opened the gates over 20 years ago. The developers, all avid boaties themselves, put the boat owner at the centre of the design of the top-notch facility and went about assembling a stellar line-up of Australia’s leading marine trades and contractors onsite. It was a revolution that squarely sought to alleviate the pressure points of boating so owners could enjoy a lot more boating and a lot less hassle.
“We know our customers are pressed for time and we know their boat is their means of escape. They want their boat in tip-top condition and ready to hit the water when schedules permit, yet they often simply don’t have the time to coordinate the required maintenance. They want a trusted partner with access to leading trades, so all it takes is one phone call and it’s done,” says GCCM’s Chief of Operations, Brad Smith.
The all-inclusive package is just that, all inclusive, and based on a per-foot rate for boats up to 60 feet. It includes:
- the haulout,
- waterblast and environmental levy,
- four days of hardstand,
- a running gear check,
- antifoul preparation and application,
- a washdown and chamois,
- return to water and management of all included works. Everything included for $79 per-foot for boats up to 60-feet. Even the GST is included.
“We launched the program in 2020 in response to many of our customers stuck interstate and still requiring a solution for their boat’s maintenance. It was so popular due to its ease that we have extended the package until now,” continues Brad.
With over 90 marine businesses onsite, GCCM coordinates the trades to complete the package.
GCCM works with the best antifoul specialists. Boat owners on the package can select between Jotun’s Seavictor 40 and International Awlcraft antifouling, or opt for an upgrade to a premium antifoul package. GCCM then calls in leading marine engineers and running gear specialists to undertake the complimentary running gear check. Watson will give the boat owner a comprehensive report, and if there are works to be completed, they can immediately quote and manage it. No running around. No additional costs for lifting. All at the same time. There are also options to upgrade to prospeed and anodes, all of which is quoted before the lift so there are no surprises.
Finally, when the work is complete and the antifoul dried, GCCM calls in one of our onsite detailers, to complete a washdown and chamois before returning the boat to the water ready to go. Everything from the lift to the return to water is overseen by the GCCM team. So, there’s one call to do it all, one key point of contact, and one bill. It’s that simple.
Brad explains, “We obviously have a standard package. However, there is plenty of scope for larger boats, for add-ons, upgrades to undercover areas or even bigger job lists. Whatever the case, the principle is the same; we will provide you with a quote upfront and then manage it on your behalf. Our team can even arrange a professional skipper if you cannot move the boat. At GCCM, we truly want it to be hassle-free. Our aim is to provide boaties with a ‘service paradise’ that allows them to enjoy a lot more boating, and a lot less hassle.”
Sounds like a great package to us!
For more information contact GCCM at (07) 5502 5888
