Business Details
27 Years
experience
Your Trusted Marine Engineering Partner in Gold Coast
Watson Marine Engineering has been delivering expert marine engineering solutions on Australia's Gold Coast since 1999. With over 50 years of industry experience through owner Greg Watson's career journey from apprentice to seasoned professional, our team of 10 skilled tradespeople provides comprehensive services across South East Queensland, the Whitsunday Islands, and Vanuatu. Our state-of-the-art workshop at Gold Coast City Marina houses modern equipment for precision propeller work, stern gear manufacturing, and custom fabrication projects. We maintain rigorous quality standards through computerized propeller scanning, certified Prop Speed application, and specialized welding capabilities. Our expertise spans survey inspections, shaft alignment to 0.001 precision, and emergency repairs for both pleasure and commercial vessels.Backed by partnerships with major marine insurers and a reputation for solving complex engineering challenges, we combine traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology. Our commitment to excellence extends to educational consultations about electrolysis prevention, bearing maintenance, and optimal propulsion systems. With flexible service options including interstate shipping of critical components and 24/7 emergency response availability, we ensure minimal vessel downtime. Our longevity in the industry reflects our dedication to continuous improvement while maintaining personal service relationships with boat owners and commercial operators alike.
Services
Propeller Sales
Stern Gear Repairs
Shaft Seals
Bearings
Anodes
Seacocks
Exhaust Systems
Survey Inspections
Propeller Repitching
Custom Fabrication
Details
- Year established: 1999
Highlights and features
- We have over 50 years of combined marine engineering experience
- Our team of 10 experts serves from South East Queensland to Vanuatu
- We use computerized propeller scanning equipment for precision diagnostics
- We are certified Prop Speed applicators for antifouling solutions
- We offer precision shaft alignment to 0.001 tolerance standards
Services
Propeller Sales
We supply precision-engineered propellers for all inboard applications, from high-performance sports cruisers to commercial fishing vessels. Our inventory includes Austral, Veem, Faster, Mercury, Volvo, and Solas brands, with both new and refurbished options available. Our in-house calculation program determines optimal propeller specifications based on vessel characteristics, ensuring maximum efficiency and performance for every installation.
Stern Gear Repairs
Our workshop performs complete stern gear overhauls including shaft straightening to 0.001 precision and manufacturing replacement components up to 4" diameter. Using premium 316 and 2205 stainless steel, we fabricate custom stern gear solutions while maintaining strict tolerances for commercial survey requirements. Our services include crack testing, keyway repairs, and precision coupling machining for both pleasure and commercial vessels.
Shaft Seals
We install and service advanced PSS and Tides Marine shaft seal systems that eliminate leakage while reducing maintenance requirements. Our technicians specialize in fitting self-aligning seals that prevent shaft wear and vibration, with options available for shaft sizes from 20mm to 150mm. Both metric and imperial systems are supported with immediate spare parts availability for emergency repairs.
Bearings
Our Australian-made rubber bearings provide maintenance-free operation through dual-compound construction that resists wear while protecting shafts. We stock sizes from 7/8" to 4" with custom machining capabilities for unique installations. The workshop also rebushes white metal bearings for large motor cruisers and trawlers, with shipping available Australia-wide for both standard and custom bearing solutions.
Anodes
We supply a comprehensive range of zinc anodes conforming to Australian Standard #2239 for complete cathodic protection systems. Our inventory includes propeller nut, shaft, rudder, and engine anodes in various sizes to suit all vessel types. With expert guidance on proper anode selection and placement, we help boat owners prevent electrolysis damage and protect critical metal components from corrosion in marine environments.
People
Greg Watson
Owner
With over 50 years in the marine industry since his apprenticeship in the 1960s, Greg Watson brings unmatched expertise to Watson Marine Engineering. He relocated the business to Gold Coast City Marina in 1999, establishing a reputation for precision engineering solutions across Australia and the South Pacific.
Questions
What marine engineering services do you offer?
We provide propeller repairs, stern gear manufacturing, shaft alignment, bearing replacements, anode installations, and custom fabrication for commercial and recreational vessels.
Do you service boats outside the Gold Coast region?
Yes, we operate throughout South East Queensland, the Whitsunday Islands, and Vanuatu with mobile service capabilities and interstate component shipping.
Are you certified for Prop Speed application?
Yes, we are officially approved applicators for Prop Speed antifouling systems on propellers, shafts, and underwater running gear.
Can you handle survey inspection requirements?
We perform complete survey inspections including shaft and rudder bearing checks, crack testing, and certification for commercial vessels operating under survey class requirements.
What payment methods do you accept?
Please contact our office for current payment options and terms applicable to your marine engineering project.
Reviews (4)
Peter Cushing
Oct 18, 2021
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I had my propellers and rudders repaired by watsons after running aground and bending them, the service was excellent and the pricing was very good, props came back looking like new, would highly reccomend this company
Karyn-Lee Miyoshi
Oct 22, 2019
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Carla & Todd were a great help recently when I had a steering wheel that I couldn't remove from the hub. They used their handy 'puller' gadget and had me sorted out in no time. Wonderful family business - I highly recommend them for all jobs big and small.
Amanda B.
Sep 29, 2016
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Terrible customer service, exorbitant prices, staff that shout and swear at you... avoid at all costs. I had my boat out of the water in April, Brad the boat builder made mistakes, then they wanted to charge me for his time fixing the mistakes. The woman in the office threatened me and my boat, stating that they were going to come and rip out the skin fittings, and park their vehicles in front of my boat to prevent it from being put back in the water. She said that " I don't care about people like you" because I have a small boat, said that I was "a joke" . A truly nightmare experience. Unfortunately
Dianne Hayes
Sep 24, 2016
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We recently had our boat on the slipway at Coomera and needed some small but detailed jobs done. Fortunately we used Watson Marine and I was so impressed with their customer service and attention to detail. Each job was completed within the timeframe I was told and in a more than satisfactory manner. Great work and highly recommended.
