There’s nothing quite like owning a boat. Having the opportunity to grace the waves of the world’s oceans on a whim is incredible, especially when you can enjoy that experience on a comfortable, customised vessel.
One major part of owning a boat is maintaining and upgrading. As time progresses, more and more technology emerges that can make sea voyages safer, more comfortable, and faster. This is where boat refits come into play.
Circa Marine has been offering boat building services for vessels of a variety of applications and sizes for many years. If you’re considering a refit, read on to learn more about what refits are, key considerations for a successful refit, and what it looks like to work with our team on a refit.
Boats are just like any other piece of machinery, meaning they’re subject to wear and tear over time. These vessels are designed to endure life at sea, constantly exposed to the elements in a way that can damage even the finest boats over time.
Along with frequent use and evolving technology, this wear and tear creates the need for updates, improvements, and repairs as time goes on. That is what we call a boat refit – when a vessel needs something removed and replaced with a better version of itself.
Refits usually involve renovating, restoring, or upgrading various aspects of your boat. This can look like an aesthetic renovation, essential safety upgrades to keep your vessel seaworthy, or a combination.
Some of the most common boat refits we tackle include:
Safety Enhancements
Ensure your vessel is structurally sound and equipped with modern safety features. Refits allow for safety upgrades as well as the repair and replacement of any vital structural components that may be worn. This includes upgrading essential systems like navigation and communication and installing additional safety equipment to meet current standards.
Performance Optimisation
Technology is constantly advancing, and marine engines have not been left behind in terms of new developments. Refits are an excellent opportunity to enhance your boat’s performance on the water, driving fuel efficiency, manoeuvrability, and reliable navigation.
Customisation and Comfort
Finally, every boat is just as unique as its owner. For yachts, in particular, comfort and customisation play a major role in boat refits. A refit enables you to tailor the interior and exterior of your vessel to make things more comfortable and convenient. From adding more living spaces to luxurious entertainment features, make your vessel your own.
Boat refits are significant undertakings. They require careful assessment and planning, especially if the refit goes beyond purely essential repairs and upgrades. Here are some key aspects to keep in mind before jumping in:
Professional Assessment
No one knows your vessel better than you, but it’s always best to have a team of professionals assess your boat before work begins. Not only does this ensure all necessary repairs are found, but it also ensures your work is well-planned to meet your budget.
Goals for the Vessel
Some refits are purely out of necessity, while others are about bringing your vessel to new levels of comfort and convenience, so it’s important to identify your goals before getting into the work. This usually looks like a detailed consultation with your boat-building team that establishes your wishlist and flags areas that we feel could benefit from refitting.
Budget
The cost to refit a vessel can vary widely. Factors include the work's extent, the materials' quality, and the cost of any additional upgrades your refit team identify as the work progresses. Before diving in, it’s vital to establish a realistic budget for your project and factor in any contingency funds for unexpected expenses that can arise during the course of the work.
Regulatory Compliance
Make sure your team is aware of and proactive about relevant regulations and standards governing boat construction and environmental practices in your area. New Zealand has stringent regulations around biofouling management, sailing regulations, and maritime transport. Therefore, the purpose of the vessel will define which standards influence the refit.
We specialise in the fabrication of aluminium yachts, catamarans, fishing boats, ferries, workboats, barges, and launches. In other words, Circa Marine can take care of your refit regardless of the vessel type.
When you work with our team on a refit, you can rest easy knowing that all work is completed in-house by our highly experienced staff. Every member of the refit team is NZMITO-trained.
Our process looks like this:
1. Design. Our team works with some of the world’s best designers and marine engineers to ensure you see the best possible results.
2. Project management. The Circa Marine team will guide you through every part of the process, providing helpful feedback while liaising with the shipyard, designers, and naval architects on all changes.
3. Sea trials & delivery. We conduct exhaustive sea trials before delivery to ensure your vessel is seaworthy.
A boat refit is an excellent opportunity to make your vessel your own. Whether it’s a working or comfort vessel, it’s important to contract boat building services with an experienced team.
Enjoy confidence at sea.
Circa Marine offers boat refits with excellent craftsmanship - partner with a team of highly experienced NZMITO-trained staff to maximise your enjoyment and meet your potential.
Get in touch with Circa Marine to set up your initial consultation today.