Cove Marine

About Cove Marine

Cove Marine is a family-run marine service yard at Oyster Cove, positioned between Port Stephens and the Myall Lakes. Operating since 1991 on seven hectares of waterfront land, it is better described as a boatyard, engineering and storage base than a visitor marina. What stands out to us is the hands-on ownership model: customers deal directly with the Bailey family while accessing a broad mix of mechanical, shipwright, slipping and chandlery services.

The yard's slipping facility handles vessels up to 25 tonnes and is designed to accommodate multihulls up to about 10 metres wide, subject to hull geometry and the final lift plan. That beam capacity is especially valuable for catamaran owners, who often have fewer haul-out choices. Hardstand space supports planned maintenance, surveys and repair work, while waterfront access keeps the operation connected to local boating routes.

Mechanical work covers inboard and outboard engines, servicing and repowering, with Honda outboard and MerCruiser products among the lines promoted by the business. Shipwright and general marine engineering capability supports repairs and upgrades beyond routine engine care. An onsite chandlery supplies parts and boating equipment, reducing the number of separate trips required during a project. Owners should still confirm brand expertise, parts lead times and warranty arrangements for the proposed job.

The location suits boats based around Port Stephens, Newcastle and the Myall Lakes, and can provide a practical maintenance relationship for owners who cruise those waters regularly. This is not a polished holiday stop with restaurants and guest lounges. Its attraction lies in space, technical capability and personal contact. Storage is also offered, but the precise mix of wet, hardstand or covered options and current availability should be confirmed with the yard.

Our take is that Cove Marine is strongest for owners who need real work completed, particularly multihull crews or vessels approaching the 25-tonne handling range. A successful visit begins with accurate dimensions, photos and a written scope rather than a casual arrival. Discuss haul-out timing, hardstand, trades, parts and relaunch as one project. For the right boat, this long-established Oyster Cove yard offers practical depth that a berth-only marina cannot match.

Services

Cove Marine provides slipping and hardstand services for vessels up to approximately 25 tonnes, including multihulls up to about 10 metres in beam where hull form and lifting arrangements permit. The yard offers shipwright work, general marine engineering and mechanical repairs. Owners can also discuss inboard or outboard servicing and repowering, with Honda and MerCruiser products among the promoted specialties.

An onsite chandlery stocks parts, equipment and consumables, while storage options are available by enquiry. The seven-hectare waterfront property gives the operation room for working and storage activities, but customers should confirm the current format, security, access and duration offered. This is principally a service yard rather than a casual visitor marina with resort amenities.

Before booking, provide overall length, beam, draft, displacement, hull material, propulsion details and known lifting points. Request a written quotation covering slipping, hardstand days, labour, parts, environmental fees, outside contractors and relaunch. Ask about insurance, owner access, power, water, waste and delivery arrangements. Multihull owners should confirm cradle support and cross-deck clearance, not rely on beam alone.

Ideal for

Port Stephens and Myall Lakes boat owners needing mechanical, shipwright or engineering work, especially multihulls requiring a wide slipping facility and vessels up to the yard's 25-tonne limit.

What we love

• A family-run waterfront operation established in 1991.
• Slipping capacity for vessels up to approximately 25 tonnes.
• Unusually useful multihull capability up to about 10 metres wide.
• Mechanical, shipwright and engineering expertise in one yard.
• An onsite chandlery supporting repairs and repowering projects.

To keep in mind

This is primarily a working boatyard, not a resort or guaranteed visitor-berth marina. Handling depends on hull form and lift points as well as weight. Obtain a detailed written scope and confirm storage availability before arrival.