Bayline Marine Covers at The Boat Works, provides expertise in canopies, covers, clears and interior refurbishment, soft coverings and furnishings, from superyachts to tenders.
Director, Stephen Kopp built his marine business from a background working with complex life support systems, such as ejection seats, parachutes, life rafts and flying gear for defense force aircraft in WA. Prior to that, he worked on the F18s in Newcastle.
“My wife and I are both Queenslanders. I’m from Townsville and my wife, Kerri is a Gold Coaster, and we were keen to raise our children here,” said Stephen, who has run his own business for 20 years.
“Their grandparents moved to the GC and we love the lifestyle so it was an easy choice.”
The leap from fighter jets to high-end motor yachts is not a huge one. “They are both complicated,” Stephen explains. “They require different skills, obviously, as air force planes are focused on safety rather than aesthetics. But even then, while I was working on jets, I was branching out to learn other things on the creative side with a bit of work on the side. When I left WA and came to the GC, there was less call for aircraft, although I did a few helicopters and a private jet.
“The Gold Coast is the boating hub of Australia, so it seemed logical. I started contracting, then opened a small factory, added staff and it grew from there.”
From his main base in Coomera, where Bayline Marine Covers undertakes the interiors for Maritimo motor yachts, Stephen has opened an additional shopfront onsite at our Boatyard. “It works well to have a presence here – there’s so much activity and boats coming in. We have been steady to busy since day one, which is pleasing.”
Both of Stephen’s sons, Jayden 28 and Brodie 25, work in the business. Having undertaken their apprenticeships with Stephen, they followed their athletic ambitions and rose to elite levels in cycling and freestyle jetskiing.
“It’s great working with the boys. I get to see them every day. We are like one big family. I have two staff members who have been with me since day one – nearly 20 years.”
Stephen and his team of two skilled trades at TBW, plus the seven marine trimmers, machinists and a trainee at the Coomera site, handle all manner of furnishings and accessories, including repairs, replacement and retrofit of some cool products exclusive to Bayline Marine Covers.
There are plenty of gadgets new to the market that will enhance your enjoyment of your boat, including pontoon fenders, jetski covers and boat mattresses.
The latest to arrive from the US is a new sunshade system. As Stephen explained “Basically it’s a stainless flush mount fitting into the aft or foredeck, with a fiberglass pole and stainless fitting that slots into the deck socket. It’s a great way of fitting a temporary shade structure over the bow of boat. They look great too!”
Made to order by Bayline Marine Covers are upholstered ice tubs that can be customised with your boat logo or name and used as extra esky space, seating or a table.
“These are our own design and are fully upholstered in marine durable leather or vinyl, making them ideal for use on your boat or the outdoor areas of your home. They make ideal gifts for clients and friends.”
Currently, Stephen and his team are working on 105ft Horizon Motor Yacht, which he said has occupied a lot of their time and talent.
“It’s a major interior refit. The new owners are customizing it to suit their tastes and lifestyle. So we have worked on every aspect: from the galley and saloon to the four cabins and crew quarters. The job involves a full interior fitout, everything except the lounges, which is next on the agenda once the interior is done.
“We have worked in partnership with an interior designer and the owner to create the colour scheme and theme. We installed all the wall paper, paneling and feature paneling in different materials and textures. It’s an interesting job. The new owner wanted to modernize it. There was a lot of timber and hard surfaces, so the focus was on softening those and bringing it up to a contemporary apartment-style look and feel.”
As for future work in the pipeline, Stephen has a healthy list of projects on the schedule. “It takes time to build a reputation through the quality of work and approach and we are very grateful to our clients who recommend us. We rely on word of mouth and that has led to plenty of good, solid work and repeat business, which is the highest compliment.”
www.baylinemarinecovers.com.au
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