There’s a lot in a name, especially when it’s Short...

by John Curnow on 4 Dec 2012 Ferguson’s Boatshed Marina in Mosman has new operators. Martin Thompson and his team are now looking after this great and wonderfully scenic facility. However, the real news also extends to the fact that the well known duo of Nick and Anna are there managing Plonk Café, Jamie MacPhail and the Pantaenius Australia insurance team have taken up residency in the front office section and also that Ryan Short Marine have taken charge of the travel lift, slipway and yard.

All in all, this is not just about names, for those are some pretty well credentialed ones in themselves. In short, and yes that is a deliberate play on the name, it is simply fantastic to see Ryan Short Marine Services come of age. After three incredibly hard years for Ryan, it is simply wonderful to see him emerging with his own destiny, which is something a lot of people believe his dad would be most proud of.

Part of the bigger picture here is that by taking over the management of Ferguson’s, Martin ‘Tacka’ Thompson has been able to combine it with the marina he owns next-door, Smiths Spit Boatshed. As two marinas, there is now one very impressive and comprehensive boating facility that includes boat brokers, trimmer, mechanics, slipway, café, restaurant, shipwright and insurance brokers, all in the one location and all are literally the best in each specific field of endeavour. By being complimentary and working with each other, there is a linear delivery to the customer that is often spoken about, but rarely delivered. This ‘one stop shop’, if you will, allows you to get the work done on your vessel managed and completed in the one location and importantly, at the same time, which saves you time and money. Nice!

Of getting this project to the launching point, Martin said, 'The first order of business with the new management of Fergusons has been the establishment of Ryan Short Marine Services. This follows and rewards a changing period at the marina, where Ryan has stood by the family business and endeavoured to deliver the best service for the marina’s patrons. Ryan Short Marine Services now ensures that this service is delivered entirely from him, by him, which in turn delivers a high level of certainty for customer satisfaction. This starts a new chapter of the Short family at the marina, continuing the late Andrew’s vision for a family business run from the marina. Ryan's brother, Sam, also works at the marina in parallel with being one of Rugby League’s most promising recruits at the Manly Football Club.'

Something that will not be lost on the many mariners on Sydney Harbour, is that Ryan Short Marine Services operate the only travel lift to service the North end of Australia’s iconic waterway and is also the only travel lift North of Bradley Head. It can be a long transit for a displacement boast and a big fuel bill for powerboats to go to facilities closer to the Harbour Bridge and with the new developments at Ferguson’s Boatshed Marina, there really is no need. You can enjoy a coffee or meal whilst work is performed or appraised, Ryan Short Marine Services also provide a photo report, so you can see what went on whilst you weren’t there. If you’re purchasing a boat from one of the eight local brokers, then extra work can be completed in the one location, so it saves time and makes it easier when the left and right hand know what the other is up to.

When asked what an owner can expect from the excellent collection of businesses available to boaters from the combined marina, Martin said, 'An owner can expect the enthusiasm and commitment that young generation of business people tend to stamp on their area of speciality within our great industry. The management of these businesses offer as a high a quality of service as can be found anywhere on the harbour. Owners’ are also spending their money at a family business that cares about them and will survive off their returned loyalty. Out of all the marina facilities on the Harbour, this is the most dynamic, enthusiastic and comprehensive around and it is all in the one location, something that experience tells me owners will love!'

Now whilst the facilities may be typically better suited to powerboats, the fact that Pantaenius Australia is set up at Ferguson’s Boatshed Marina will be more than enough of a reason for any mariner to stop by Mosman. Jamie MacPhail is a long time industry expert and is known to have a keen eye for market movements.

Martin said of Jamie, 'He is aware that The Spit is quickly becoming the boat sales location on Sydney Harbour, with something like 380 moored boats, 500 car spaces, a collection of brokers, great eateries and 80,000 cars passing by each day. Combine all that with the most beautiful waterways Sydney has to offer and you can see why it is a smart move. I have a feeling it will be just one of many coming in the pipeline.'

If you have need for marine services of various natures, want it performed by specialist who care and happen to be driving or steaming past, it seems like a trip to Ferguson’s Boatshed Marina will be well worth your while.

See fergusonsboatshed.com.au, ryanshortmarine.com.au and pataenius.com.au for more information about this marvellous collection of marine specialists.