Late Summer Update
Hi everyone,
I hope you’re making the most of these warm days and getting plenty of time out on the water. As we roll through the final part of summer (which to be fair has been off and on), there are a few things worth keeping in mind, from looking out for other river users on the Tamaki, to making sure what’s under your hull is as healthy as what’s above it. We’ve also got some great info on staying self-sufficient with fresh water on board, why our drystack customers rarely look back, and a reminder that if something does go wrong, the team here at TMP is ready to help get you sorted quickly. There’s plenty happening around the yard, and as always, we’re here to make your boating as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
See you soon,
– Martin and the Tamaki Marine Park Team
Please Respect River Users
The Tamaki River can be a busy stretch of water, and we’re not the only ones enjoying it. From rowing crews and waka ama paddlers to kayakers, there are plenty of users out there, especially during these warmer months. When you’re heading out or coming back in, please stay vigilant, keep a good lookout, and stick to the posted speed limits. A bit of courtesy and awareness goes a long way toward keeping the river safe and enjoyable for everyone.
Pure Water, Protected Systems: Is Your Boat’s Filtration Up to Scratch?
Whether you’re brewing a morning coffee in the galley or rinsing salt off the teak, the quality of your freshwater matters more than most boaties realize. At Aquaplumb, based right here at Tamaki Marine Park, we see firsthand how the wrong water leads to more than just a bad taste—it leads to expensive repairs.
The "Hidden" Danger in Your Tanks
Many New Zealand vessels are fitted with aluminum water tanks. While durable, these tanks have a natural enemy: Chlorine. When chlorinated "town water" sits in an aluminum tank, it can produce aluminum oxide. This byproduct doesn’t just ruin your tea; it creates a gritty sludge that blocks pumps and degrades your hot water cylinder.
Tiered Solutions for Every Vessel
The crew at Aquaplumb provides a range of defenses to keep your systems running smoothly and your water tasting crisp:
At the Dock: Stop the problem before it hits your deck. Our dock water filtration kits use carbon and sediment filters to strip out chlorine and impurities before they ever reach your tanks.
At the Tap: From simple inline carbon filters to the high-tech Acuva Arrowmax UV-LED system, we can ensure your drinking water is bottled-quality without the plastic waste.
The Watermaker Advantage: For ultimate independence, our NZ-assembled Reverse Osmosis (RO) watermakers (available in AC100, AC200, and AC260 models) provide the purest water possible. Bonus: Because RO water is mineral-free, it leaves zero water spots when you’re washing down the hull.
Don’t Forget the Maintenance!
Filters aren’t "set and forget." To prevent bacterial growth, standard carbon filters should be swapped every 12 months, while premium silver-impregnated filters can last up to 2 years.
If your water tastes "off," or you're worried about what’s lurking in your tanks after a long summer, come chat with the Aquaplumb team at the yard. From Davey Acquasafe treatments to full RO installs, we’ve got you covered.
Marine Pests: What’s Lurking Underneath?
You’d be surprised what can hitch a ride on your boat. Hulls, anchors, ropes and even intake pipes can all carry unwanted stowaways around the Tamaki River and wider Gulf.
Keep an eye out for pests like Mediterranean fanworm, Asian paddle crab, droplet and clubbed tunicates, Undaria, and exotic Caulerpa. They might look harmless, but they can seriously impact our local marine environment if they spread.
Thankfully the fix is pretty simple. Keep your hull clean, check your anchor and gear before heading to a new spot, and if you see anything unusual, let MPI or Auckland Council know. A clean boat means better performance and a healthier harbour for everyone.
Once You Go Drystack You Never Go Back
There’s a reason our drystack customers tend to stay put. It’s simple, convenient, and takes the hassle out of boating. No trailer queues, no ramp drama, just call ahead and your boat’s in the water, ready to go. When you’re done, tie up and head home. We’ll lift, wash, and store it safely until next time. More time boating, less time mucking around. That’s why once people come on board, they don’t look back.
“Takes away the treachery out of having to use a boat ramp!”
– Ross, drystack member
When Things Don’t Quite Go to Plan
Summer should be about good weather, good company, and plenty of time on the water. But every now and then, something breaks, leaks, rattles, or simply refuses to start. If that’s you, don’t panic.
The marine pros here in the TMP boatyard are geared up to help. They can get you hauled out quickly, work out what’s going on, and get you back on the water as soon as possible. It’s never ideal when unexpected issues arise, but if you give us a call, we’ll help get things sorted.
