Saratoga

Originally built in 1958, Saratoga has been fully resored by Fremantle Shipwrights and is back in the water, ready for the season ahead!

The boat was up for some extensive repairs to all the areas around the underwater gear in the hull. Shafts, props, V brackets, and rudders were removed, as well as the shaft tube palms. We found lots of rot to the hull of these areas as well. You can even see the rot spores growing!

After the rot was removed, hull repairs were underway using Oregon strip planking.

Hull repairs coming along nicely, and starting to re-fit the shaft palms!

Work continues…

Finished Saratoga, back in the water! Looking fresh with no leaks for the first time, in a very long time!

Caribbean 40 - Flooding Repairs

The Fremantle team performed extensive repairs to Caribbean 40 after a flooding accident. Caribbean 40 was leaving the Rottnest Bay, when two rogue waves went over the bow and through the front windscreen, flooding everything! The fallen glass caused excessive damage to the whole fit out. Water flooding entered the engine room and electrics too.

The boat was sent to Fremantle Shipwrights straight away to get these Insurance repairs underway. The team removed the engines and electrics, the fit out and carpets which were completely ruined.

The engines got a complete overhaul and Dyno tuned so they’re good as new! We also replaced the shattered glass screen for a durable moulded fibreglass front - just in case!

Check out the before and after pics below!

Repairs to the front windscreen

BEFORE REPAIRS

AFTER REPAIRS

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Interior Boat Restoration

BEFORE REPAIRS

AFTER REPAIRS

Fremantle Shipwrights are a preferred provider for many insurance companies. We work alongside providers including Club Marine, Nautilus Marine Boat Insurance, Trident Insurance Group and SGIO providing complete refurbishments and restorations.

Coleman 60 Completed Repairs

Completed repairs to Coleman 60. After a few months of extensive repairs, maintenance and cosmetic alterations, Coleman 60 is ready to hit the water once again. The interior levels were completely refurbished and updated to create a stylish and functional space. The timber finishes create a classic design for the boat. Coleman 60 has now been transformed and trucked to Pittwater in NSW. It’s been a fantastic journey working long distance with the owners - even through COVID-19!

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We knew these vintage porthole fixtures would come in handy!

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BEFORE REPAIRS

BEFORE REPAIRS

BEFORE REPAIRS

Riviera 47...Indulgence

The Fremantle team performed extensive cosmetic repairs to Riviera 47. An absolute beauty, we transformed the boats exterior so it’s now recognisable and eye-catching! We couldn’t be happier with the end result. We performed extensive paint work to the exterior of the boat, with specific attention to the hull and boot top. The overall purpose of the boot top is to protect the area along the waterline, where the antifouling application meets the dry part of the hull. However, the boot top can also become a point of interest with a unique paint job! The boot stripe runs along the boot top and is usually positioned a few inches above the waterline. The addition of a boot stripe can create visual interest to the exterior of a boat, but it can also make the boat appear longer. We applied boot stripes to Riviera 47, along with new cabin windows painted and finished with glass.

Paint Job

Cabin windows finished with glass

We performed extensive teak repairs to Riviera 47, building and installing new teak steps, new hydraulic lift platform and a new cockpit teak deck. Great features!

Riviera 47 is now back on the water, looking tip top!

Riviera - Landing Platform Repairs

Landing Platform Repairs - Insurance Damage

Our team has been working on the repairs and insurance work for Riviera. We’ve been working on removing the damaged landing platform and installing new teak decking for a premium finish.

Before

After

Before

After

Neried - A Thames River Boat, 1920 England

Process Shot

River Thames is a river that flows through Southern England including London. Say hello to Neried! A Thames river boat, built around 1920 England and brought to Perth. The boat is still with the original owners who commissioned, built and brought her to Perth. Celebrating her bicentennial birthday, the boat was brought to Fremantle Shipwrights for some maintenance and repairs. We installed two skins of diagonal 3mm marine plywood to the original hull to hold the boat together! Then new 8mm thick mahogany planks to the outside, to restore the boats original beauty!

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Contact us for your hull and timber repairs!

Hull Repairs - Fibreglass

Boats with damage in and around the hull is something Fremantle Shipwrights are often acquainted with in the repairs and maintenance process. Those frequent trips to Rottnest and hours on the water can effect the performance and stability of your hull. In general, fibreglass boats can usually be operated for decades. Fibreglass is very durable and with proper maintenance and care, can last for a long time with minimal ongoing repairs. However, fibreglass can start to break down from age, the elements, wear and tear. The hull of the boat is where a lot of wear can be seen as it’s constantly submerged in salty water. Outside factors such as exposure to UV rays, fatigue, water saturation and salt can enable fibreglass to break down over time and therefore, cause damage to the hull of your boat. It’s also important to keep on top of your marine growth prevention to protect and maintain your hull.

Anti-foul is required to the hulls of vessels that are stored in the water to reduce the build-up of biofouling. Biofouling is the build-up of algae, barnacles and marine organisms that make a habitat on the bottom of your boat and running gear. High levels of growth can effect the performance and fuel efficiency of your boat. Therefore, it’s important to keep on top of your antifouling maintenance. Depending on the usage and storage of your boat, will depend on your antifouling application. If your vessel is used regularly or stored afloat, it should be checked each year to assess whether it needs re-applying. 

Both antifouling application and hull repairs can be achieved in the Fremantle shed. See some of our previous hull repairs below.

Before

Before

After

After

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Other Hull Repairs

Tips for Maintaining your Boat

Owning a boat is a luxury, investment and so much fun. However, it also comes with a lot of responsibility to keep it up to date with maintenance and repairs. After all, you’ve invested into this hobby, so you’ll want keep your boat in excellent condition. Keeping on top of your boat maintenance will allow your boat to look great while having a longer life. We’ve outlined a few suggestions below to keep your boat looking fresh and performing well.

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Wash your boat!

If you’re going out to sea, it’s important to give your boat a rinse with freshwater upon your return. This ensures all salt residue and any particles have been removed from the vessel. Salt is very corrosive and can cause extensive damage to metal and various boat finishes. We also recommend giving glass surfaces or windows a quick spray with freshwater as salt can leave a stain and be difficult to remove.

Remove moisture

After you’ve given your boat a wash and rinse, it’s important to dry your boat thoroughly. We recommend keeping a few towels on board so you can remove moisture and prevent waterline stains. As we’ve discussed, salt water can be corrosive however, morning dew can encourage mildew and other nasty growth. If it’s raining, make sure to let the boat totally dry before putting a cover back on. It really doesn’t take long for mildew to grow and spread on a covered wet boat!

Know when to change your oil

Keeping an oil schedule will help you keep track on your specific oil requirements and when the oil needs to be changed. Oil requirements will vary based on the model and type of engine, so we recommend taking your boat to a certified dealer to change your oil.

Check your propellers often + propspeed application

If your boat has a propeller, it also needs regular maintenance and care. We recommend getting in the habit of checking your boat propellers on a regular basis for any damage or growth that may be occurring. If you find any damage, including dents, then we recommend booking it in with our team. We can also apply a propspeed application to the propellers or metal services at the bottom of your boat to prevent marine growth. The marine growth may seem minor at the time but can cause resistance that results in a loss of performance and a greater fuel consumption.

Corrosion

Corrosion can appear pretty much anywhere on a boat so its important to do frequent checks and keep a record where it’s found. We recommend checking metal attachments, components and the engine frequently for any signs of corrosion. If corrosion is found, its important to book in your maintenance as soon as possible to avoid it spreading and leading to more complicated problems.

Regular Servicing and Maintenance

It’s so important to keep on top of regular servicing and maintenance. Fremantle Shipwrights offer many boat repairs and maintenance services such as timber restorations, fit outs and re-fits, decking repairs, sand and soda blasting, paint repairs and re-spray, fibreglass repairs, insurance repairs and antifouling, propspeed & polishing. Get in touch with our friendly team for a quote and we’ll get back to you soon!

Fibreglass Hardtops

Canopy repairs and installations are popular within the Fremantle shed. For those after a more solid structure compared to a canvas canopy, we can design and install a custom Fibreglass Hardtop. We use quality fibreglass sheeting that will create permanent protection from the sun and sea for those on board. We’ll ensure the fibreglass hardtop design suits the style of your boat.

Fibreglass hardtops are great for creating a more family friendly and safe space on board. They also require less maintenance then a regular canvas canopy. Check out a few hardtop projects by Fremantle Shipwrights below!

Fountaine Pajet 

Precision 17 - “Vivo”

Precision 17 "Vivo" - Fire Damage Restoration, Final Images

We took Precision 17 into our care after it was damaged in a fire in Fremantle. An unfortunate accident that led to a beautifully restored boat. We’re happy to see this one back on the water! See details below.

After removing majority of the fire damage, we undertook extensive boat maintenance such as sandblasting, repairing delamination, applying fibreglass mat, priming, filling and fairing.

We then began on the cosmetic restorations to the exterior and interior of the boat. As you can see, we performed extensive fibreglass and paint repairs. We also refurbished the floors including designing and installing a table for social occasions. We made updates to the interiors as well as major updates to the flybridge. The flybridge restorations included new seating arrangements and installing new electrical equipment along with floor restorations and fibreglass repairs. Lastly, we designed and installed a new fibreglass canopy for permanent shade protection. It looks good as new!

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER - complete fibreglass restoration

floor refurbishments and new swim-board feature

New canopy design and install

Exterior table design and install

New Flybridge seating and electrical equipment

Boat Rot Damage

Rot Repairs at Fremantle Shipwrights

Rot repairs can be intense! Boat rot repairs can cause extensive damage to your boat which means less time on the water for you. When rot gets into your timber, not only does the rotten wood need to be removed, but the surrounding timber needs to be treated to kill off remaining spores! Check out our latest rot repair projects below.

Hydroflight Rot repairs -  The old Rottnest Ferry. Adding Dynel (a popular laminate fabric used for boat restorations) and started the process of filling and fairing. The process of undercoating and glossing - getting the boat ready for the new Marlin board after those rot repairs. 

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Clipper 53 - Rot repairs to the bowsprit. The bowsprit has been removed for further repairs. 

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The team repaired rot damage in this 50 foot Oregon timber mast!

Do you have rot damage? Contact Fremantle Shipwrights for your rot repairs.

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Precision 17 - Fire Damage (In Process)

We took Precision 17 into our care after it was damaged in a fire at the Fremantle Sailing Club. We undertook extensive boat repairs and maintenance such as sandblasting, repairing delamination, applying fibreglass mat with Vinylester resin, priming, filling and fairing. See our progress below!

Precision 17 with extensive fire damage sitting at the Fremantle Shipwrights yard waiting to be restored.

Wrapping the boat to prep for sandblasting off the damaged paint and filler back to fibreglass.

Hull and cabin sandblasted back to fibreglass, exposing the fire damage.

The team repaired delamination between the foam and fibreglass.

The team applied two layers of fibreglass mat with Vinylester resin. Vinylester resin has an excellent resistance to water ingression so it was perfect for the job!

We applied three coats of Awlgrip high build primer. Then it was ready for filling and fairing.

Filling the hull side of Precision 17 using Awlgrip Awlfair Epoxy Filler.

Fairing the hull side of Precision 17. Using a two man fairing board.

Hydroflight Rot Repairs - The Old Rottnest Ferry

The Fremantle Shipwrights team were stoked to have the old Rottnest Ferry in the shed for repairs. Hydroflight had extensive rot damage that required immediate removal and repairs. Our team in Fremantle began with adding Dynel (a popular laminate fabric used for boat restorations) and started the process of filling and fairing. See below!

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The process of undercoating and glossing. Getting the boat ready for the new Marlin board after those rot repairs.

Hydroflight is now back together and ready for launching!

Bertram 26 - Hardtop Installation | Before and After Images

We’re over the moon with the response to our journey with Bertram 26! Incase you didn’t know, the team at Fremantle Shipwrights designed and constructed a new Hardtop, lounge component, windows and icebox for Bertram 26 over these past few weeks. See below for the before and after pics!

FIRST SKETCH

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

BEFORE

BEFORE

AFTER

AFTER

AFTER

Bertram 26 Hardtop | Timeline Final Images

We’ve been working on the hard top construction and installation for Bertram 26 over the last few weeks. Boat tops are a great feature to add by extending your time on the water with added protection from the harsh sun. Ideal when fishing with the kids! We were given a mock-up of the end result to assist in the design and construction of the hard top. We also installed a new lounge component, new windows and an icebox. Bertram 26 is now back on the water ready for it’s next adventure.

We then added divine cell foam for strength and durability in the hard top during construction.

The team made new windows as part of the re-fit to install the hard top. 

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We pre-fitted the aluminium bar work and hardtop before powder coating. 

New seating, hardtop and icebox all painted and ready for fitting!

New hardtop and bar work ready for installation.

Taping up, ready for non skid paint!

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New lounge component moulded, layered up and released from mould ready for painting.

Hardtop and lounge painted inside the tent, ready for installation.

The lounge, new windows and icebox have been installed.

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View of Bertram 26 in the shed.

BACK IN THE WATER

Job done! From the first mock-up to the final product, Bertram 26 is now completed and fresh out of the shed at the Fremantle Sailing Club. Great to see this one back on the water.

Marko 60

Reef and Hull Repairs

Marko 60 came to our Fremantle boat shed with damage from the Abrolhos islands reef! The team completed extensive repairs to the hull. Further maintenance such as filling, fairing and antifouling was completed after the hull repairs. Now she looks good as new!

Book in your Antifouling and Propspeed Application in time for Summer!

General boat maintenance in time for the Summer boating season.

Keeping up with your boat maintenance is important for the functionality and the overall aesthetic. Ignoring minor issues can lead into expensive and time consuming repairs later down the track. Keeping on top of your Antifouling and Propspeed Application is a great way to eliminate potential problems later on and change the performance of your boat. Book your application maintenance in time for the Summer boating season.

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ANTIFOULING

Biofouling is the build-up of algae, barnacles and marine organisms that make a habitat on the bottom of your boat and running gear. High levels of growth can effect the performance and fuel efficiency of your boat. Therefore, it’s important to keep on top of your antifouling maintenance. Depending on your boat’s usage and storage, will depend on your antifouling application. Fremantle Shipwrights will examine the best approach to applying the correct anti-foul product to your boat.

Antifouling paints are formulated to prevent marine growth sticking to the hull. With many products to choose, rest assured knowing Fremantle Shipwrights uses only the best suppliers and will choose the correct anti foul application suited to your boat.

PROPSPEED

Propspeed is an antifouling coating system that prevents marine growth from bonding to the propellers or metal services at the bottom of your boat. A common problem, the marine growth on your propellers can cause resistance that results in a loss of performance and a greater fuel consumption. Propspeed applicaiton allows the propellers to be at their maximum performance, resisting marine growth and keeping fuel consumption to a minimum.

Burmese Teak - Timber Repairs and Restoration

Timber Repairs and Restoration

Fremantle Shipwrights are experienced in all kinds of timber restorations and maintenance for boats, we’ve been doing it for years. As you’ve probably noticed, we like to use Burmese Teak for a great finish and durability we can rely on. Burmese Teak is known for it’s durability, especially when in contact with water. Teak is naturally water resistant and repels rot. It also differs from other woods as it doesn’t rust or damage when in contact with various metals. We’ve used Burmese Teak in a range of projects involving timber repairs and restoration, see below!

Contact Us!

The Importance of Sand Blasting

Why is Sand Blasting Important for your Boat?

Sand blasting is an effective way to give your boat and hull a thorough clean without causing damage. If you’re thinking of re-painting your boat we recommend this beforehand to ensure any unwanted coatings and corrosions have been removed. Sandblasting makes a clean surface allowing for a smooth paint job ahead.

Sand blasting is also an effective way to remove all the built up and peeling antifoul from your boat.

Sand blasting allows valves, gears and nooks to be removed of sand and particles allowing everything to run safely and smoothly. Sand blasting is essential to maintaining a high quality finish and we highly recommend!

Benefits of Side Power Bow Thruster & Stern Thrusters

Do you struggle docking your boat? Do you want better control over your boat without a whole crew? We recommend a Side power Bow Thruster or Stern Thruster. 

Bow thrusters are great feature to add if you want added control without acquiring a crew. Side power bow thrusters allow you to have independence while boating comfortably and in control. We were one of the first Shipwrights in Fremantle to install a Side Power bow thruster 20 years ago. Side Power is the only brand of bow and stern thrusters we trust and have stood the test of time. Our clients seem to think so too!

Bow Thruster - Before

Bow Thruster - After

The major benefits of bow and stern thrusters are: 

• It makes docking easier, especially in crowded areas.

• It allows more control in tight areas. 

• Easier manoeuvring in high tides and strong winds.

• Great investment for your boat. Adding a Side Power bow thruster or stern thruster will add value to your vessel. 

• Allows you to be independent while boating.

Interested? We’re finding bow and stern thrusters quite popular for boat owners right now. Contact Fremantle Shipwrights to chat more about installing a bow or stern thruster for your boat. Visit the Side Power website!

Side Power - Stern thruster