I have found an excellent mechanic here on the Gold Coast – “Irish Pete”, as he is known. He has taken control of our engine issues for us. He knows boats intimately and he’s fast, utterly professional, inexpensive and completely at home with our Ford.
Pete’s diagnosis of our engine’s oil consumption problem – worn valve guides, stiff seals and poor valve seating – was made within 10 minutes of firing up the engine. Pistons, rings, liners and bottom end all OK. His diagnosis was confirmed when we got the head off.
Irish Pete has a mobile workshop and will travel all over the Gold Coast and Brisbane areas to work on board or on site. If you are in the Gold Coast area and need mechanical work of any kind, I can recommend Pete unreservedly. Indeed, I would come to him from anywhere on the east coast to get work done. His number is +61498 129 383.
And I must also make mention of The Boat Works, a shipyard on the South Coomera River near Southport. This is a wonderful place to get work done. The staff are genial, professional, cooperative and helpful and their prices are very reasonable. The yard provides a free courtesy car for you while you are there, and every yacht maintenance and repair facility is available on site. I haven’t met a cruising yacht which is not fulsome in its praise for The Boat Works.