Ensign Ship Brokers recently handed over two exceptional new vessels to proud owners, commissioning them on site at The Boat Works, where tenants and boat owners have access to 40+ marine professionals, a complete service centre, dry stack, marina berths and sheds to suit vessels up to 110ft, mono and multihulls.
As Dealer Principal, Lee Randall explains, “The two boats are the current biggest offerings in the Bavaria S-series, the S45 HTC and the S40 HTC. Both were constructed at our primary manufacturing plant in Giebelstadt in Germany, with custom details specifically to our owners’ requirements.”
Ensign Shipbrokers are exceedingly proud to be the Australian importer of Bavaria Power, Sail and Catamaran since 2012, asserting that “no other manufacturer that can deliver the same range and calibre of product”.
“The owners of these two boats have very different stories, both very relevant to our business and equal in their importance,” says Lee. “The couple who have purchased the S40HTC are brand new to boating and have trusted our team to guide them through the process from order to delivery. We are very excited to have them join our family.
“The owner of the S45SHTC has a ve
ry long boat ownership history and is the epitome of what we would call a discerning buyer. He looked at all of our competition and the Bavaria product stood
apart. His order was taken at Dusseldorf Boat Show 2017 and he is already on the water enjoying his boat.”
Comfortably ensconced on the marina at The Boat Works, Ensign prides itself on providing “a true turn-key experience” for owners.
“Right from the outset, we try to ensure that we are giving our owners the best advice on what boat matches their expectation of usage rather than just trying to upsell. It’s very important to us that Bavaria owners feel like part of our family. We hold several owner events during the year so we can all get together and catch-up. Our owners event at SIBS was a huge success, according to feedback.”
With powerboats such as the Bavaria range, much of the appeal lies in the semi-customisation and array of options, explains Lee. “Even though we represent the best production brand in the world, we do give our owners opportunities to apply some personal touches through the process. The sailboats are a different kettle of fish but we will talk about that next time.”
The Ensign philosophy is that the process of buying and owning should be a pleasurable experience, especially when there are niggles to take care of.
“Like all boats, there are the occasional issues that need to be dealt with quickly and professionally. This falls to our aftermarket team and we rely very heavily on Alexis and the team at Sea Spray to co-ordinate and undertake works on nearly all our Bavaria boats. Those guys are awesome!”
Alexis Bisbas, director at Sea Spray, describes his role as “preparing the boats for handover to their new owners’, plain and simple, but requiring an exceptional depth of expertise and meticulous attention to every detail.
“We organise the various appointed trades and make sure that the new boats are checked and prepared according to strict procedures,” he continues. “Once the boats have been antifouled, we will then remove the shrink wrapping and ensure that there is no damage from shipping. We then begin fitting the ancillary parts of the boat such as targa arch, rails, antennas. Then we clean and detail the interior of the vessel at the same time checking that everything is in good working order.
“Prior to launching, we detail and polish all exterior fibreglass from the water line up. We use Dulon Polish as our preferred protection for all our boats. This gives the new owner the very best chance of keeping his gel coat in perfect condition.
“Once the boats go to water we try to keep them at The Boat Works for a few days in the marina berth so that we can ensure everything is working properly and we are also able to organise all the pre-delivery checks on the motors and systems on the boat.”
The Bavaria S40 HTC is now berthed at Paradise Waters. Her owners are keen to experience boating on the Gold Coast and have yet to plan itineraries further afield, but the sensational 40-footer has the capacity to take them anywhere their hearts desire.
The S45 HTC will split its time between our home base at Mariners Cove and Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron for the next few months while the owner plans his extended cruising options, including the alluring Whitsundays.
Lee Randall has the final word on the recent work and the team at The Boat Works. “I have been to nearly every boatyard in Australia and I have never ever come across anywhere like TBW. The professionalism and ability to cater for our ever-changing requirements is sensational… great work!”
