Hello to you all! Winter is well and truly here – which means it’s even more important to make sure your boat is stored and maintained correctly – see a couple of our top tips below – because let’s face it, no one wants boat issues come springtime.

For trailer boaties, we have the perfect solution: our dedicated trailer storage space. Not only will your boat be safe and secure, but you’ll also have instant access to the boat ramp. And if you need a place to store your motorhome or caravan, our storage space is more than happy to accommodate them too.

Need some work done? Winter is also a great time to get your boating projects and maintenance sorted – and our resident marine service providers have everything from electrical to spraying covered.

Till next time, stay warm, stay safe, and most importantly, keep your boat happy this winter – we look forward to seeing you around TMP.

With the boating season winding down, now is the perfect time to get your vessel out of the water and give it a thorough cleaning – especially if your boat is moored in our marina.

Although the growth happens out of sight (under the waterline), it’s important to maintain a clean hull. Plus, boaties shouldn’t forget to make sure their cabin is free of pests.

On top of that, boaties should be careful not to spread invasive species to other areas – remember – our waters are a place we can all enjoy, and we are all responsible for their protection. With that in mind, we wanted to give you some simple tips around keeping a clean boat. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

Did you know that a fouled hull can slow your boat and increase fuel consumption?

Barnacles, algae, and other marine growth can create drag, forcing your engine to work harder and burn more fuel. By keeping your hull clean, you can ensure optimal performance and save money on fuel costs.

Don’t grow baddies on your boat.

Moreover, a clean boat helps prevent the spread of invasive marine species. In Auckland, the level of fouling (LOF) on your hull and niches must not exceed ‘light fouling’ – meaning no more than a slime layer and scattered barnacles, with total coverage not exceeding 5%.

This rule applies to all boats in the Auckland area, whether they are moving or not, and includes parts such as inlets, outlets, rudders, and propellers.

The cabin counts too.

It’s not just the hull that needs attention; a clean cabin is just as important. Pests like mice and ants can easily spread from one place to another when you’re on the move. By maintaining a tidy and pest-free cabin, you can help protect the environment and prevent the spread of unwanted creatures.

Too busy? We can clean your boat for you.

At Tamaki Marine Park, we offer comprehensive boat cleaning services to help you keep your vessel in top condition. If you guide your boat to the slipway, we can haul it out and water blast for you.

To make it official, Tamaki Marine Park can then issue a certificate to take with you. This will reassure the marina manager that you have a clean hull, and this can be arranged prior to traveling. Not only does this help with your booking, but it also shows you care about this topic and the region you are visiting.

If you’d prefer to DIY, we have a dedicated cleaning bay in the Boatyard. On top of that, we have a drainage system that captures chemical runoff, so it doesn’t leak into the Tamaki River and local waterways.

And remember, if you also want your boat polished or antifouled while it’s out of the water, you can book one of our resident suppliers, a contractor or DIY too!

How to Store Your Boat Over Winter

‘Winterise’ Your Boat

As the boating season winds down, it’s time to start thinking about properly storing your boat for the winter months. Doing a bit of preparation now can save you a lot of headaches come spring. (The Tamaki Marine Park team hear plenty of stories about boats that don’t go after winter!) With that in mind, here’s what you need to know:

Engine Maintenance

The engine is one of the most important areas to focus on when storing your boat. Stale or water-contaminated fuel can cause all sorts of issues, from starting problems to loss of power.

• Flush the engine with fresh water using muffs or a flushing port.
• For carbureted engines, spray fogging agent into the air intakes and let the engine burn off the fuel in the lines.
• Remove the spark plugs and spray fogging agent into the cylinders to coat the interior surfaces.
• For inboard engines with closed cooling systems, flush with antifreeze. Outboards need to be stored upright to prevent water damage.
• Change the engine oil, transmission fluid, and fuel filters before storage.

Exterior & Trailer Prep

Good boat storage isn’t just about the engine – you also need to take care of the exterior and trailer.

• Wash the hull thoroughly and inspect for any damage or growth. Also consider waxing or applying a protective coating.
• Clean all through-hull fittings and open any drain plugs to allow the boat to fully drain.
• If storing the boat on a trailer, ensure the tires are properly inflated and the wheel bearings are well-greased. Move the trailer periodically to keep everything moving.
• Tilt the trailer slightly bow-up to allow water drainage.

Interior Storage

Just as important as the exterior, you’ll want to prepare the boat’s interior for storage.

• Remove all loose gear, cushions, and other items that could get damaged or cause mould/mildew.
• Prop up cushions and mattresses to allow airflow and prevent dampness.
• If shore power is available, run a dehumidifier periodically to control moisture.
• Charge the batteries and turn off all electrical systems.

Moored or Marina Storage

Boats kept in the water over winter face their own unique challenges. In addition to the tips above:

• Top up fuel tanks to minimise condensation, and add a biocide for diesel engines.
• Change engine coolant and oil for inboard engines.
• Flush raw water cooling systems, and seal any openings to keep moisture out.
• Regularly visit the boat to check batteries, run the engine, and air out the interior.

Storing your boat properly is essential to ensure it’s in tip-top shape when you’re ready to hit the water again next season. By taking the time for some basic maintenance and preparation, you can rest easy knowing your vessel is protected over the winter months.

Hello to Autumn Adventures!

Welcome to the latest edition of the Tāmaki Marine Park newsletter. It’s been another busy month, and as we mentioned last time, it’s been great to see so many TMP boaties making the most of the prime autumn weather conditions.

Lithium Batteries: Staying Safe on the Water

Lithium batteries (typically LFP – lithium iron phosphate) are becoming an increasingly popular power source for boat owners. When installation involves a retrofit – the process requires careful planning and expertise to ensure safety and optimal performance are achieved. (It’s not just a matter of pulling out lead batteries and popping in new lithium).

LFP batteries operate differently from lead-acid batteries in terms of their power characteristics, such as charging and discharging behaviour, voltage stability, and energy storage capabilities.

Because of this, the devices controlling the batteries, including charge controllers, alternators, and DC converters, may need to be modified or replaced to accommodate the unique requirements of LFP batteries.

Without proper installation by knowledgeable professionals, boat owners risk failing to realise the full potential of LFP batteries in terms of performance, reliability, and longevity.

Be careful with devices stored on-board.

Meanwhile, recent boat fires have been linked to high energy lithium-ion battery powered devices, tools, and toys stored on board boats. These items include power tools such as portable drills, household smart devices, power banks, rechargeable vacuums, and toys such as electric foiling boards and e-bikes. In most cases, these devices use NMC batteries (lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide).

The actual cause of these fires has been linked to charging practices – such as not using chargers recommended by the original equipment manufacturer or charging for too long. With that in mind, boat owners should follow these simple safety steps:

• Charge a device on a surface that is non-flammable
• Don’t charge lithium-ion batteries near flammable material
• Charge your battery in a cool, dry place
• Never charge a battery that’s been sitting out in the sun
• Don’t overcharge (disconnect after 3 hours of charge time)
• Don’t charge overnight or when your boat is unattended

There’s no doubt that lithium batteries provide efficient power for a wide range of devices, and as a marine power source. But boat owners need to be vigilant about their use and installation. We hope this article helps and if you have any concerns, please talk to a marine electrical professional.

Get out there!

This summer just keeps on giving. And once again, I hope you have all been making the most of the warm days and smooth seas. We’d love to share with you our latest newsletter, packed with updates, special offers, and essential boating tips to make your boating safer and more fun. And also just a couple of quick reminders with Easter not too far away.

What a long, hot boating summer!

Happy New Year! We hope you’ve all been making the most of these prime boating conditions with friends and family. If the buzz around Tamaki Marine Park is anything to go by, you have been! There’s been a constant flow of happy boaties heading into the Gulf. Long may this glorious weather continue! In our latest news, we introduce Ice Boy, a handy new addition to Tamaki Marine Park. Plus, we bring you the latest news from the Boatyard and Marina. Otherwise, we hope to see you getting on the water soon!

Tamaki Marine Park: Next Level Service

Next Level Service.

As the Service Manager for 36 Degrees Yacht Brokers, Blair McNaughton is responsible for commissioning every new Beneteau boat that comes into the country, as well as organising regular maintenance when required. Blair regularly uses Tamaki Marine Park’s Boatyard facilities and the marine service providers based there. We caught up with Blair and got his take on why The Boatyard has become his go-to facility.

36 Degrees are agents for Beneteau Boats, and one of our biggest jobs is commissioning new boats when they arrive in New Zealand. In most cases, this is a two-week process—ensuring these vessels are seaworthy, safe, and fully operational.

From a purely functional point of view—other Auckland boatyards have the haul-out service and hard-stand facilities we need. But from a service standpoint, Martin and the Tamaki Marine Park team are on a different level.

First and foremost, they offer the kind of flexibility we struggle to find at other yards. This really comes into play when we receive new boats from overseas—because the date of arrival is constantly changing.

I can get on the phone to Martin, let him know we have a boat being loaded on a truck, and he’ll find a way to make it work, right then and there. No hassle. No fuss. He just gets the job done, whether it’s weekends or other awkward times.

The other big bonus at Tamaki Marine Park is the marine service companies we can tap into. Gloss Boats are there; we’ve worked with them for a while now and they always do a thorough, professional job. The guys at Aquaplumb are also top-notch operators.

To be quite honest, we are super happy working with Martin and the TMP team. It’s a great facility with great contractors, and the service ethos is all we could ask for.

TMP Boatyard – Flexibility, Quality and a Can-Do Approach

Al White, a Senior Marine Broker with Ray White Marine, shares his experiences and insights into The Boatyard services of Tamaki Marine Park. Here’s what he had to say:

I’ve been using The Boatyard services at Tamaki Marine Park for the last 2 or 3 years. This includes haul out, water blasting, storage and use of their canopy service area.

First off, Martin and his team are refreshingly easy to deal with. It’s a real headache when boatyards give you ‘take it or leave it’ availability, but at TMP the guys will check their service schedule, and always find a way to get my boats out of the water. And crucially, they get the work done promptly and professionally.

This combination of flexibility, quality workmanship and a can-do attitude is key for us.

And even more so, as we’re exclusive distributors for the Ferretti Group. We represent super premium brands like Pershing and Riva, and our clients expect a certain level of service. Working with TMP, we’re able to give our clients options that suit them – which is something they genuinely value.

As a note, I recently hosted Ferretti Group’s Head of Service for the Asia Pacific region. We took time to tour the TMP facilities and met with Martin. He was very impressed with the set-up and the can-do attitude of the TMP team – coming from a senior guy like that, it spoke volumes.

– Al White, Senior Marine Broker, Ray White Marine

Marina Tips

4 things to check on your boat when moored in the marina

1. Check that your boats mooring lines and fenders in the marina are in good shape. It is a good idea to have pre-measured and fitted bow, stern and spring lines made up to fit your boat in the marina. Having the correct mooring lines set up makes coming into the berth much easier when you can just pick up the lines and they fit quickly and easily. Having the correct system of mooring lines also means that your boat is secured safely in the marina berth countering the effects of wind and tide. A good grade of line is important so as to offer sufficient strength and spring. A good source of information is Damon at Hauraki Fenders who has fitted out a majority of berths in the marina.
2. All lose objects are tied down such as paddle boards, seat and instrument covers, dinghies, etc.. With a bit of wind, it doesn’t take much for these objects to get lose and either be lost into the tide or cause damage to your boat or your neighbours.
3. Your power cord should fit firmly and lock into the power pedestal at the marina. The power lead must be test and tagged and has the correct screw cap fitting for the power pedestal. Always make use there is sufficient power lead length to play out should the boat move in the berth due to wind and tide. If too tight or gets caught up, this can result in the plug being pulled out while you are not there resulting in flat batteries. The team at TMP do try to keep an eye out for this when doing their dock walks.
4. Check that the office has your most up to date copies of insurance, EWOF and power lead test and tag dates. Insurance is annual, EWOF is every 4 years and test, and tag is annually. As part of your annual boat system checks it would be worth while having the galvanic isolator tested to ensure your boats electrical systems are well protected.

If you’ve been wondering how best to store your boat or how to make getting out in your boat even easier, it might be time to consider drystack storage. Gone are the days queuing at the local boat ramp, reversing down the ramp on a busy weekend and reducing maintenance. By choosing drystack storage, you’re not just choosing a spot to park your boat – you get a whole host of extra benefits that make the overall boating experience a lot more pleasurable.

1. Easy Access

Our storage facility is designed to optimise space without compromising accessibility. Whenever you wish to get out, your boat is quickly and efficiently launched within an hour.

2. Protection from the Elements

Drystack storage shelters your boat from the harmful effects of UV rays and other natural elements. This not only prolongs the life of your boat but also retains its resale value.

3. Say Goodbye to Antifouling

Stored above water, your boat and drive system remain free from marine growth, saving you the regular chore (and cost) of hull cleaning and antifouling.

4. A Hull Wash After Every Trip

Once you return from a journey, there are hoses on the docks to wash down your boat and tidy the inside at the end of a day’s boating. Our team will meticulously wash the exterior hull down, so it’s always in top shape for your next adventure.

5. Engine Flush for Longevity

A good engine flush can significantly extend the life of your boat’s engine. At Tamaki Marine Park, we don’t just store your boat; we ensure that its engine gets flushed out after every use.

6. Maintenance Made Easy

Take advantage of the onsite marine professionals to keep your boat running smoothly and looking great. At Tamaki Marine Park, there are professionals with expertise in marine engines, electrics, plumbing, painting, boat building and valet/detailing. Just text to have your boat placed in a work cradle to allow your professional boat technician or yourself to perform maintenance easily.

7. Less Wear and Tear

By storing your boat in a dry stack, you reduce the wear and tear it would typically face – from constant water exposure and the potential dirt, dust, and stone damage from trailering.

8. Eco-friendly Option

Believe it or not, drystacking is an eco-friendlier alternative. By reducing the need for antifouling paints, which can leach harmful chemicals into the water, we’re contributing to a cleaner marine environment.

9. Economical in the Long Run

While the upfront costs might seem more, when you factor in reduced maintenance, fewer repairs, and longer boat life, drystacking proves to be a cost-effective choice. Plus, you’ll get out more! You can’t put a price our leisure time.

10. Fuelling

Take advantage of fuelling up at the on-water petrol pump operated by GO fuel. Use the GO Fuel card to receive discounted rates on pump price.