For a shipwright with the right experience, ambition and business discipline, opportunities like this do not come along often.
The Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron (RQYS) is inviting Expressions of Interest (EOI) from established shipwright businesses or individuals to operate from one of its trade sheds at the RQYS boatyard in Manly, Queensland. For the right operator, the opportunity offers far more than a workshop. It provides a chance to establish or expand a marine trades business from one of Queensland’s most recognised waterfront locations, in the heart of Moreton Bay’s active boating community.
RQYS is one of Queensland’s most historic and prestigious marine organisations, proudly celebrating 140 years of sailing and on-water activity. Located at Manly, the Squadron operates a full-service marina, active boatyard and hardstand, trailer boat and dinghy fleet, and a broad racing and cruising program for its members. That combination creates a strong marine services environment, supported by an established boating culture and a steady stream of vessels requiring skilled maintenance, repair and preparation.
The opportunity should appeal to more than local operators. For shipwrights around Australia who have been considering a move north, or established marine businesses looking to add a second or third site, this is a rare chance to enter a premium Queensland waterfront precinct with an existing customer base and strong marine reputation.
The successful business will operate from a 130 square metre dedicated workshop and shed within the RQYS boatyard. The space includes an air-conditioned office, mezzanine storage area and external business signage. It is positioned alongside three other established vessel maintenance businesses, creating a working marine trades environment where collaboration and regular customer activity are already part of daily operations.
On-site equipment adds further strength to the opportunity. The RQYS boatyard has a 35 tonne Travel Lift with capacity for vessels up to 65 feet in length and five metres beam, as well as a 47 tonne Roodberg Trailer capable of handling vessels up to 65 feet and eight metres beam. The Roodberg Trailer is also used for the landing and launching of catamarans. All lifting equipment is owned and operated by RQYS staff, with the successful business coordinating lift requests through RQYS operations.
Pressure washing services are also available on site and operated by RQYS. While there is no enclosed painting shed, the boatyard has 15 dedicated shade cloth screens available for out-of-water maintenance work, with contractors responsible for ensuring maintenance works, including painting and antifouling, are fully encapsulated in accordance with environmental and workplace health and safety requirements.
The work will cover a broad range of vessels and materials, including power boats, trailer boats, cruising motor vessels, fibreglass vessels, timber craft, keelboats, dinghies and racing yachts. The EOI overview outlines required capability across general boat building, hull and structural repairs, osmotic blister treatment, fibreglass lamination and fairing, antifouling, deck hardware work, timber repairs, caulking, joinery, and keel and rudder inspection and repair.
The business will also be expected to support trailer boats, the marina and hardstand, and the RQYS dinghy and sailing fleet. Detailing work, including polishing, teak and timber deck restoration, cosmetic finishing and stainless-steel maintenance, also forms part of the scope.
Interested businesses are required to submit a Capability Statement outlining credentials, key personnel, qualifications, licences, staffing, relevant project experience, service capability and professional references. A current ABN, public liability insurance of at least $10 million, and evidence of a current Environmentally Relevant Authority Certificate are required. The submission should also address workplace health and safety, environmental compliance, regulatory compliance and alignment with RQYS policies and procedures. The contractor will be required to hold or obtain (ERA ) Environmentally Relevant Activity licence.
RQYS will engage one business for the shed, with the successful operator expected to commence from 1 October 2026. The business must have the capability to maintain a minimum of 10 vessels per month for out-of-water maintenance and be available during standard Monday to Friday working hours, with emergency availability outside hours and on weekends as required.
Expressions of Interest close on 31 July 2026.
Prospective businesses are welcome to contact Glen Scott, Marina Manager, before submitting to discuss the scope of works, visit the boatyard or ask questions about the opportunity.
Submissions should be sent to Glen Scott at Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron, 578 Royal Esplanade, Manly QLD 4179, or by email to .
Full submission requirements are included in the attached Expression of Interest overview.
Click here to view the full Expression of Interest
For more information about the RQYS, visit their website HERE
