Bayside Boat Licensing training boat refit and refurb

WE would like to thank all our previous Bayside Boat Licensing students who have completed training with us.

After several years of dutiful service, we took a close look at our training vessel Assessor and found while structurally it was a great boat, the cosmetics were starting to look a bit ordinary. We recently had an issue with vandals, so made the decision to remove her from her normal weekly duties and give her a well-deserved facelift and refit. The boat was taken to the new Evinrude dealership at Redland Bay called Marine Care Queensland where she was totally stripped back to a bare alloy hull and had all the flotation and wiring removed.

Once the boat was completely stripped, we had her ready for blasting. Thanks to Sales Agency QLD for arranging a blaster to look after the vessel. They completed the entire hull, centre console and middle storage locker. Then it was off to the metal fabricators for some panel repairs.

With the boat back in the shed after being washed out and cleaned, it was time to put things back together. First job was to run all the new wires for the electronics, lighting and so on. And boy, don’t the metres of wiring add up quickly. We then had to refit the transducer, bilge pumps and nav lights. We also replaced the underfloor fuel tank with all new hoses and breathers, and it’s always a good idea to double hose clamp your lines.

Then we started on the flooring. If replacing your floor, try to keep any old pieces to be used as templates, which will make cutting out a lot easier. Once all the pieces were shaped, it was time to start the flooring process. We decided not to carpet the deck again because it is hard to keep clean and holds moisture. So our first step was to resin coat both sides of the marine ply, then 400g/sq m fibreglass the top.

Once dry, we flow coated the top, adding flake to the finish, topped off with two coats of poly clear. Do we need to say it should last a long time? Hours and hours were spent placing and securing all the flotation into its rightful spots. We then placed the floor down and were sure while fitting it to use a resin or Sikaflex to fill the holes when screwing the panels down. We also used a product called Tef-Gel, which is similar to Duracryl to prevent any corrosion at the fixing points. A few splashes of paint were thrown around the place, leaving some places bare, while all the gunwales were covered in SeaDek.

The refit continued by adding the console in place, running wires and installing new switch panels. Whenever you are running wiring through your boat, always leave a spare wire or line in place as a pull-through may be required down the track. With the interior starting to take shape, the hull was sanded and prepared for the team at Bonza Graphics to fit a newly designed wrap.

The design and installation of the wrap was a rewarding process to be a part of, and what a transformation it creates.

Now getting close, we put the engine back on, connected all linkages and cables, bolted the bimini back down with a new canvas and windscreen for the console and wow, it was starting to look complete again. Just when you think you are getting close, it’s time to reassess. We found we still had heaps of little jobs to be tidied up.

The new upholstery arrived and securing the seating was another time-consuming but rewarding job. We were really happy with the way the vessel turned out and very thankful for the effort everyone put in to make it happen. It was an eye-opener to have the help we did – thanks guys!

Also, a big thanks to the team at Marine Care Queensland for the expertise during the refit. I can definitely recommend these guys for any work you may be considering on your boat, whether that’s a refit, a repower with a new engine, trailer repairs or a motor service. Give them a call on 07 3816 5270.

Bonza Graphics and the team as always delivered another great-looking product and really brought the boat to life. If you are looking for a boat wrap, get in touch on 0415 828 293. Keep an eye out for our sharp and refreshed vessel on Moreton Bay.

If you are looking at completing your boat and/or jet ski licence, please give us a call to discuss on 0434 148 705 or email boatlicensing@optusnet.com.au

We are here to help.

www.baysideboatlicensing.com.au