What to do if your yacht has experienced storm damage?

From the tropical sheltered waters of the Whitsundays to Fraser Coast and Moreton Island to the iconic harbor sailing in Sydney Harbour, Pittwater and Port Stephens in New South Wales, sailing has been a long favoured haven for many. Unfortunately, the cost of sailing in this part of the world are the severe storm systems that regularly tear across Brisbane and South East Queensland. Known for their ferocity, these storms bring destructive hail, violent winds and widespread chaos and infrastructure failure.

In the significant trail of damage across the marine sector, we have seen that the impact is indiscriminate. From superyachts and classic sailing yachts to commercial workboats, ferries, and tugboats, the damage is often random and sometimes unpreventable. Whether your vessel is base in the marinas at Manly, Brisbane River, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, or Northern NSW, the storm systems move at their will.

While some marinas emerge largely unscathed, others report smashed windows, broken moorings, damaged vessels pushed into pontoons or neighbouring hulls. Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron for example saw broken windows and vehicle damage in the recent 24th November 2025 storm. While Rivergate in Brisbane remained operational, they were forced to assist in the salvage of yachts torn free during this same storm. Across the region, owners woke to the realities of boat ownership in our beautiful but unpredictable climate.

The reality to these risk exposures is an urgent, widespread need for expert marine repair, restoration specialists, insurance assessment, and refit capability by experienced service providers.

This is where Marxcraft has been a depended and experienced partner for owners, marinas and insurers since our inception in 2000.

Storm damage is rarely straightforward. A vessel may appear superficially damaged, but the real concerns often lie beneath the surface:

  • Sub-structural twisting or stress fractures
  • Impact damage along hull, keel, or deck
  • Water ingress into interior substrates
  • Damaged bulkheads, cabinetry, or joinery
  • Electrical, engineering, and systems failures
  • Corrosion accelerated by saltwater exposure
  • Delamination in composite vessels
  • Damage to teak decks, cap rails, or superstructure
  • Upholstery and interior soft-furnishing contamination

For insurers, surveyors, and owners, the priority is partnering with a repair yard capable of both rapid assessment and world-class restoration.

Marxcraft has been that partner for owners, shipyards and marinas for more than 20 years.

Contact Us about your Storm damaged vessel

As Creators of Custom Interiors & Fit-Outs for Marine, Aviation & Luxury Spaces Marxcraft’s experience spans:


1. High-end superyacht interiors
2. Classic timber sailing vessels
3. Commercial maritime fleets
4. Ferries, barges, tugboats and workboats
5. Composite vessels and modern lightweight builds
6. Naval vessels
7. Restoration of historical and vintage craft
8. Refits following severe storms, groundings, collisions and sinkings

Our workshop and marine partners across Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Queensland have handled everything from structural rebuilds to complete interior refits following extreme weather events.

Contact Marxcraft

WHAT HAPPENS IF YOUR BOAT HAS BEEN DAMAGED BY A STORM?
( A Step-by-Step Guide for Vessel Owners)

1. Conduct a Safe, Initial Inspection. Look for:

  • Cracked windows
  • Broken hatches
  • Damaged railings
  • Impact points on the hull
  • Standing water inside
  • Detached or loose deck fittings
  • Damage to solar, radar, sat domes or mast assemblies

But do not assume visible damage reflects the full picture.

2. Contact Your Insurance Provider Immediately: Most insurers require early notification.

Marxcraft works seamlessly with major insurers, surveyors, and assessors to streamline approvals and costings.

3. Notify Your Marina: Marinas are coordinating cleanup and reporting structural issues. Stay updated to avoid further damage during recovery operations.

4. Engage a Qualified Marine Repair Specialist: This is essential. Storm-damaged vessels require:

  • Certified timber
  • composite, and joinery repair
  • Expert teak decking restoration or replacement
  • Structural surveying and photographic reporting
  • Water ingress remediation
  • Full refit capability if necessary

Marxcraft provides all of this, including the detailed documentation insurers rely on. Crucially, we can help secure your vessel against further damage whilst the insurance assessment is being conducted.

Talk To a Marxcraft Specialist

The Marxcraft Process Where We Take Your Vessel From Damaged to RESTORED

1. Initial Damage Survey & Report

Our team conducts:

  • Visual inspections
  • Moisture readings
  • Structural assessments (internal & external)
  • Photographic documentation
  • Insurer-ready reports outlining recommended rectification

2. Emergency Works & Salvage Support

Where required, Marxcraft collaborates with:

  • Salvage operators
  • Marine towing companies
  • Marinas
  • Shipyards
    to stabilise or relocate the vessel.

3. Corrosion & Water-Damage Mitigation

Following saltwater exposure:

  • Freshwater rinsing
  • Corrosion inhibitor application
  • Timber drying and stabilisation
  • Immediate removal of contaminated interior substrates

This prevents further deterioration while insurers process claims.

4. Structural Restoration

This may include:

  • Hull repairs (timber, composite, carbon fibre, aluminium)
  • Deck replacement or recore
  • Bulkhead and frame reconstruction
  • Mast/rigging coordination (for sailing vessels)

5. Teak Deck Restoration or Replacement

Marxcraft’s specialised teak decking division offers standout service offerings equipped to handle:

  • Teak repair
  • Full deck replacement
  • Modern composite teak solutions
  • Caulking repair
  • Margin board reconstruction
  • Classic yacht deck restoration

6. Interior Refits & Custom Joinery

As a premier superyacht interior builder, Marxcraft restores or recreates:

  • Custom cabinetry and luxury joinery
  • Veneered panels
  • Furniture
  • Upholstery
  • Flooring
  • Ceiling panels and linings
  • Galley and accommodation areas

7. Final Survey, Insurance Sign-Off & Relaunch

Our entire Marxcraft Standard of Operation process, including documentation, visual and documented progress reports of our work & workmanship is created to support and ensure smooth insurer approvals and client’s confidence when their vessel returns to the water.

Our Proximity

As South East Queensland’s premium superyacht restoration partner. Marxcraft’s location in Brisbane puts us in immediate proximity to Rivergate, The Yard Brisbane, RQYS Manly, Wynnum/Manly Marinas, Gold Coast Shipyards, Sunshine Coast Harbours and Northern NSW Marinas.

CONTACT MARXCRAFT
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