FAQ
Commonly asked questions about our Hardstand, DIY, and Berthing.
HARDSTAND
What size boats can you lift?
Our 50-tonne Straddle Carrier can accommodate vessels with a beam of up to 5.9 metres. We regularly lift everything from small tinnies to cruisers up to 75 feet, depending on their design and weight distribution.
Need work completed on a larger vessel? The Gold Coast offers excellent facilities purpose-built for larger boats, making it a great opportunity to combine maintenance with a getaway.
What about sailboats?
Due to the railway and road bridges we are restricted at our marina, so access for sailing vessels is limited.
As a general rule, yachts over 30 feet (9.5 metres) are difficult. Bridge clearance is approximately 38 feet (11.8 metres) at mean high tide.
If your yacht is unable to access our facilities, there are several local yacht clubs and marinas that may be able to assist.
Disclaimer: Bridge clearances can vary with tide, vessel design and equipment fitted. Please contact us before your visit to confirm access for your vessel.
Why can't I stay on the hardstand longer?
Unfortunately, with many slipways and boatyards across NSW having closed over the years, demand for hardstand space has increased significantly. As a result, we're primarily geared towards annual maintenance and planned works rather than long-term hardstand storage.
The more notice you can provide, the better chance we have of scheduling your haul-out when it suits you and ensuring adequate time for your maintenance work.
How do I book my boat in?
The easiest way to book your boat is through our online Enquiry Form. All enquiries, whether submitted online, over the phone, or in person are entered into the same system and sent directly to our Operations Manager, Tim.
Don't worry, Tim hasn't gone anywhere! He's spending his time where he's needed most, out in the marina and hardstand, ensuring work is completed safely, efficiently, and to the high standard our customers expect.
As a family-owned business, every boat matters to us. Tim reviews enquiries and scheduling when he's back in the office and will get back to you as soon as possible.
We want to simplify your boating lifestyle and we are trying to simplify Tim's workload.
Can I visit the Marina to discuss my boating needs?
You're welcome to visit the marina, however, we recommend calling ahead to ensure a member of our team is available to assist you. There are times when it's "all hands on deck" and our team may be assisting customers or working in the yard.
If you'd like to speak with one of our marine trades, it's worth contacting them directly, as they are often busy working on boats.
Please note that all booking requests are submitted through our online Enquiry Form and reviewed by our Operations Manager, Tim. While we're happy to discuss your requirements in person, bookings cannot always be confirmed on the spot.
Does Fenwicks do all the work on my boat?
No, Fenwicks doesn’t complete every aspect of boat maintenance, but we do offer a one-stop shop.
Onsite, we have qualified electricians, mechanics, shipwrights, and marine trimmers, along with a trusted network of contractors who regularly work at our facility, including surveyors, transporters, and other specialist trades.
We can handle the essentials such as lifting your vessel for survey, transport, cleaning, or hardstand storage. Our in-house team also provides services including water blasting, scraping, antifouling, Propspeed application, and polishing.
Just email or call us, and our reception team will be happy to provide your trades contact details.
DIY
DIY
Do you allow DIY?
Yes, DIY is currently permitted, but all customers must complete our site induction video and form before starting any work.
This is strictly subject to WHS, insurance, and operational requirements, and access may be restricted or suspended at times.
Doing the right thing helps us continue to offer DIY access. If staff give instructions, they must be followed at all times.
Failure to comply with site rules may result in work being stopped and future DIY access being withdrawn.
Can I airless spray?
No, you are only allowed to roll paint on.
Can anyone do aluminium repairs onsite?
No, Aluminium (alloy) repairs are not permitted on site due to the close proximity of other vessels and the associated safety and fire risk.
These types of works are better suited to industrial workshops where they can be carried out in a controlled environment.
Can I work on the weekend?
Yes, weekend work is permitted, however noise restrictions apply.
There is no noise after 1pm on Saturdays, and no noise is permitted on Sundays or Public Holidays. These times are generally best suited for quiet tasks such as painting or finishing work.
Weekend & Public Holiday hours:
9:00am – 4:00pm
You must not arrive before 9:00am. Pack-up should begin from 3:30pm, and all customers must be offsite by 4:00pm.
More Information on our
DIY Page
MARINA
Can we just rent for the weekend?
Most of our berths are permanent. However, we do have a limited number of casual berths available for short stays, typically used by onsite tenants and visiting vessels coming in for works or short-term requirements.
If you're looking for a base to explore the local cruising grounds, you're welcome to contact us to check availability. All visiting vessels must hold valid insurance of 20 million liability.
Casual berths are subject to availability and cannot always be guaranteed.
How long is the waitlist?
It’s not possible to give a set timeframe.
When a berth becomes available, the current holder must provide one calendar month’s notice before vacating. We then work through the waitlist based on vessel size and berth suitability.
Availability also depends on whether people on the list are ready to move at that time, or choose to remain in their current berth, so position on the list doesn’t always reflect timing.
Is there Parking onsite?
Yes. We have onsite sealed parking available for both clients and staff.
Parking is a valued convenience at our facility and is generally easier than many other sites in the Brooklyn area.
Is there Fuel Nearby?
Yes, we have onsite fuel available for both vehicles and vessels, including Diesel, ULP and PULP.
Please note the fuel system is a slower pump and is not self-serve. A staff member will need to assist you with fuelling.
NEW CLIENTS
What Information do I need to provide?
We’ll need your contact details, including your billing address, along with your vessel details such as boat name and current location.
You’ll also need to provide details of the work required and your preferred timeframe.
Our online Booking Form will guide you through everything step-by-step. If you have any photos of the work needed, feel free to include them as they can help us assess your request more efficiently.
Why do you ask where my boat is kept?
We ask for your vessel’s location to understand the conditions it’s kept in, which can affect how well the antifoul performs.
This helps us assess performance and recommend changes if needed.
Why Choose Fenwicks Marina?
Fenwicks is a family-owned marina with over 40 years of experience, offering a complete one-stop marine facility.
Over 80% of our customers come to us through word of mouth and industry referrals, reflecting the trust and reputation we’ve built in the boating community.
Our team takes pride in knowing our customers, maintaining a clean and welcoming facility, and our aim of simplifying your boating lifestyle.