Expert Craftsmanship for Every Vessel
From structural repairs to custom fabrication, our shipwright team delivers results you can trust.
Call for a QuoteProfessional structural repairs, fibreglass work, timber restoration and custom marine fabrication from our experienced shipwright team in Hornsby.
A qualified shipwright is the backbone of any serious marine workshop, and at Marine Garage in Hornsby we are proud to offer comprehensive shipwright services that address the full spectrum of structural and cosmetic repairs for boats of all types and sizes. Whether you own a small runabout with minor gelcoat damage, a fibreglass cruiser requiring osmosis treatment, or a classic timber vessel in need of plank replacement and recaulking, our shipwright team has the skills, tools and experience to deliver results that meet the highest standards of marine craftsmanship.
Structural integrity is the foundation of any seaworthy vessel, and it is something that should never be compromised. Impact damage from grounding, collision with debris, or accidents during berthing can cause cracks, delamination and fractures in hull structures that may not be immediately visible but can worsen rapidly if left unaddressed. Our shipwright team conducts thorough structural assessments using visual inspection and moisture detection equipment to identify damage, determine its extent and develop a repair plan that restores full structural integrity. We do not cut corners on structural work, because your safety and the safety of your passengers depends on it.
Fibreglass repair is one of the most common shipwright services we perform at Marine Garage. Fibreglass (GRP) is the hull material of choice for the vast majority of recreational boats in Australia, and while it is remarkably durable, it is not immune to damage. Stress cracks, impact damage, delamination between laminate layers, and water intrusion through damaged gelcoat are all issues we see regularly. Our fibreglass repair process involves cutting back damaged material to sound laminate, rebuilding the structure with appropriate weights and types of fibreglass cloth and marine-grade resin, and then finishing the repair to match the surrounding hull surface. We use vinylester and epoxy resins depending on the application, ensuring the best possible bond strength and water resistance for each repair.
Hull modifications are another area of expertise for our shipwright team. Whether you need a new transducer pocket faired into the hull, additional through-hull fittings installed for a new washdown system, or structural reinforcement for a larger engine package, we carry out hull modifications with precision and an understanding of how changes affect the vessel's structural integrity, water flow and performance. Every modification is engineered to integrate seamlessly with the existing hull structure and finished to factory standards.
Gelcoat is the protective outer layer of a fibreglass hull, providing both the aesthetic finish and the primary barrier against water intrusion into the laminate structure beneath. Over time, gelcoat can become damaged through impact, UV exposure, crazing and general wear. At Marine Garage, our shipwright team performs gelcoat repairs ranging from small chip and scratch repairs through to large-area respray work that restores the hull to a showroom-quality finish.
For minor gelcoat damage, we carefully colour-match the repair material to your hull, fill and fair the damaged area, and polish to a seamless finish. For more extensive damage or ageing gelcoat that has become chalky and faded, we may recommend a full gelcoat respray of affected areas or the entire hull. Our gelcoat work is carried out in controlled conditions to achieve the best possible cure and finish quality, and we use premium marine gelcoat products that offer excellent UV stability and colour retention in the harsh Australian sun.
Osmosis, often referred to as "boat pox," is a condition that affects fibreglass hulls when water penetrates the gelcoat and reacts with the polyester resin in the laminate, creating small fluid-filled blisters. Left untreated, osmosis can spread throughout the hull, weakening the laminate structure and significantly reducing the vessel's value. Our osmosis treatment process involves hauling the vessel, removing all antifouling paint, grinding out all affected blisters, thoroughly drying the hull over an extended period using moisture monitoring, applying multiple coats of epoxy barrier coating, and then reapplying antifouling. It is a time-intensive process, but it is the only proper way to address osmosis and prevent its recurrence.
Keel repairs are a specialised area of shipwright work that we handle regularly for sailing vessel owners in Sydney. Keel damage can result from grounding, impact with submerged objects, or fatigue in the keel-to-hull joint. We repair keel structures, rebuild keel fairing, address keel bolt issues and reinforce keel attachment points to ensure the keel assembly is structurally sound and safe for continued use. Given the critical nature of keel integrity on sailing vessels, we take particular care with these repairs and always err on the side of caution.
The transom is one of the most structurally stressed areas of any powerboat, bearing the weight and thrust of the engine while absorbing constant vibration and impact forces. Over time, transoms can develop water intrusion into the core material, leading to softening, delamination and eventual structural failure. A soft or compromised transom is a serious safety issue, particularly on vessels with outboard engines where the full weight and thrust of the motor is transmitted through this critical structure.
Marine Garage provides complete transom rebuild services that restore this essential structural element to full strength. Our transom rebuild process involves removing the engine and all transom-mounted hardware, carefully cutting away the damaged outer skin to expose the core, removing all compromised core material, installing new marine-grade plywood or composite core, re-laminating with heavy fibreglass layup, and refinishing to factory specification. We then reinstall all hardware with proper bedding and fastening to prevent future water intrusion. A properly rebuilt transom will provide decades of reliable service and give you complete confidence in the structural integrity of your vessel.
Custom fabrication is where the art and science of shipwright work truly comes together. At Marine Garage, we undertake a wide range of custom marine fabrication projects, from building custom storage compartments and rod holders to fabricating swim platforms, boarding ladders and cockpit modifications. Our shipwright team works closely with clients to understand their needs, develop practical designs and execute the fabrication to the highest standards using appropriate materials for the marine environment. Whether you want to add a bait board, reconfigure your cockpit layout or install a custom hardtop, we have the skills and creativity to make it happen.
For owners of timber vessels, we offer specialist timber shipwright services including plank replacement, frame repair, caulking, deck plank replacement and refinishing. Traditional timber boat maintenance requires specific skills and knowledge that are becoming increasingly rare, and our team respects the heritage of these beautiful vessels while applying modern techniques and materials where appropriate to extend their lifespan and improve their performance. We work with a range of marine timbers and understand the unique properties and requirements of each.
Complete structural assessment and repair of hull damage, stress fractures, delamination and impact damage on all vessel types.
Professional fibreglass laminating, rebuild and repair using marine-grade resins and cloths for lasting structural integrity.
Colour-matched gelcoat repairs from minor chips to full hull respray, restoring your vessel's finish to factory quality.
Complete osmosis diagnosis, blister removal, hull drying, epoxy barrier coating and long-term prevention treatment.
Keel structural repair, fairing, bolt inspection and reinforcement for sailing vessels of all sizes.
Complete transom core replacement, re-lamination and hardware reinstallation for powerboats and sailboats.
Bespoke marine fabrication including storage, platforms, cockpit modifications and custom structural components.
Specialist timber shipwright services including plank replacement, frame repair, caulking and traditional restoration.
Quality new and used boats for sale across Sydney.
Complete vessel restoration from hull to helm.
Engine servicing, mechanical and electrical repairs.
Installation and repair of navigation and communication systems.
Professional cleaning, polishing and paint protection.
Hull antifouling, engine commissioning and pre-launch services.
Secure boat storage and maintenance facility in Hornsby.
Premium EVA foam and synthetic teak decking installation.
