Collaboration is key
A complex stabiliser upgrade project demonstrates the work ethic and collaborative approach of the marine professionals, contractors and suppliers at The Boat Works.
23 June 2022
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The groundbreaking stabiliser upgrade on a 30-metre charter vessel was undertaken by Ocean Degree Yacht Services, Stella Marine, ATL Composites, Marine Trade Supplies and Chandlery and The Boat Works team.
Installing the Stabiliser at Rest, or STAR System, to the superyacht required complex reinforcing of the vessel’s hull through infusion, using the haul-out, berthing and hardstand facilities at The Boat Works. This kind of project had only been undertaken once before in Australia and by the same expert team.
Stella Marine, specialising in the design, engineering, supply and installation of marine equipment are the Australian agents for the ABT-Trac stabiliser and carried out the installation and commissioning.
Gary Cooper, Director at Stella, said the new system was around 50 percent larger than the existing system, which was only for underway stabilisation. “The larger system involved bigger fins at anchor and thus bigger forces through the hull. The STAR system is built for heavy-duty service. It eliminates the discomfort cause by the phenomenon of crowded waterways and choppy conditions.”
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Levi Duncan, Director at Ocean Degree Yacht Services said the four-week project took many weeks of preparation ahead of the actual work.
“We built massive, 5-metre x 5-metre custom-designed benches that could be wheeled under both sides of the hull so we could carry out the upside-down vacuum bagging and infusion, which was also an innovation in this type of process.”
Ocean Degree’s expertise spans project management, design, CAD, CNC fabrication, shipwright services, composites, solid surface installation and full cabinetry fit-out.
ATL Composites, based at Molendinar on the Gold Coast, supplied the KINETIX R118 epoxy infusion resin and 1200g E-glass Quadraxial reinforcement for the project. Quadraxials provide excellent longitudinal, transverse and shear strength, and provide a good thickness build-up per layer.
After the successful installation, the popular charter vessel returned to the water and a full season of bookings. The vessel’s Captain and owners were ecstatic with the work completed to deadline and with brilliant results, making the on board experience extremely comfortable in all sea states.
Shane Subichin, General Manager at The Boat Works said “This complex project and its success are testament to our ethos of collaboration.
“The skilled marine professionals on site, and their positive approach and passion for this industry, are characteristic of every project undertaken at The Boat Works to ensure the customer gets the best experience every time.”
Levi Duncan said he and his team were satisfied with the outcome and thrilled that the project won the 2022 Award for Superyacht Industry Project / Design or Manufacturer of the Year at the Australian Marine Industry Awards.
“We appreciate the recognition of the talent within our team,” Levi said. “Demonstrating the ease of collaboration with the diversity of professionals on site puts us in good stead moving forward with other projects like this.”
Winning the award for this project was gratifying, Gary Cooper said. “Every day we work with trades and other marine professionals on significant superyachts projects, and it’s rewarding to be recognised for the effort put in.”
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