12 | Boat building requires collaborative approach Working from its HQ near Sulphur Point boat ramp, Marra Marine operates throughout the Bay of Plenty, servicing all the local marinas as well as some marinas further afield Marra Marine T T Richard Loader “The boat-building industry is highly skilled, and there’s a massive amount of expertise and organisation that comes into the projects that we undertake.” REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Everything from the bespoke build of a hi-spec new boat to the close collaboration with multiple businesses on a super yacht refit, and working with a diverse range of boats have added to Marra Marine’s reputation for quality. “That diversity just becomes second nature in terms of the broad skill sets that our team have,” says Maddie Marra, who established the business with her husband Tim in 2018. “We’re innovative and solutions based, and have a reputation for quality workmanship, commitment to the industry, our people, our clients and those we collaborate with.” Testament to that reputation, Tauranga-based Marra Marine was recently engaged by a Wellington client to build a bespoke 13.8-metre sedan designed by Bill Upfold from Elite Marine Design. “There’s a huge amount of collaboration between the client, the designer and us as the boat builder,” says Maddie. “There’s also collaboration with the interior designer, who has a lot of input. Each aspect flows into each other, and close collaboration must all happen simultaneously for a successful result. In addition to that, we engage and manage the engineers, painters, upholsterers, electricians and electronic specialists required for the project. It’s a turnkey build that will be ready for the client to take possession in about six weeks.” Working from its HQ near Sulphur Point boat ramp, Marra Marine operates throughout the Bay of Plenty, servicing all the local marinas as well as some marinas further afield. In addition to its local clients, there are international clients with super yachts, who stop in at Tauranga for a refit and repair work. “We do a lot of collaboration work with businesses like Super Yacht Coatings, Vessel Works, Bay Marine Electronics and other marine-based businesses who take care of super yacht work during various times of the year,” Maddie says. “People are looking for a custom boat builder who can also offer a diverse skillset offering, and that suits our profile perfectly. The defining factor in terms of the range of boats we work on is the material, which is wood and composite including fibreglass, polymer, carbon fibre and epoxy resin.” While the make-up of Marra Marine’s work varies throughout the year, depending on what is in the workshop, currently half the team is focused on the new build, while the remaining team members undertake refit/ repair/renovation marina work. “Including Tim, we have a team of eight; a mix of highly skilled tradesmen and talented apprentices. The boat-building industry is highly skilled, and there’s a massive amount of expertise and organisation that comes into the projects that we undertake. “The skills that our team have include cabinet making and fitting, window fitting, galley fit-outs, some engineering, paint work, marine flooring laying teak or synthetic decks, construction. Within the team there’s a lot of passion for the industry and the ocean. It’s an incredibly satisfying line of work, because it is technical, highly skilled, and if you can build a boat you can pretty much do anything.” Looking to the future, Maddie says there is considerable potential for growth within Tauranga’s marine sector, and Marra Marine looks forward to collaborating with marine- based business owners to help the region fulfil its potential. Each edition priority delivered to your door. . www.waterfordpress.co.nz/subscriptions . . . i i 03 983 5525 Stay informed; we work with business owners and decision-makers across all economic sectors, profiling their success. i ; i i i i - ll i , ili i . Your Business, Your Industry, Your News. r i , r I tr , r . businessnorth Volume 21 | Issue 3 | June 2022 www.waterfordpress.co.nz businessnorth The Experts in Marine Technology Proudly Supporting Marra Marine 07 577 0250 sales@baymarineelectronics.co.nz www.baymarineelectronics.co.nz New Zealand’s premier marine painters, providing an international standard of finish to the local market. From luxury yachts to work boats, we’ve got you covered! Super Yacht Coatings are proud to support Marra Marine www.superyachtcoatings.com info@superyachtcoatings.com 0800 SY COAT
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=