Quin Marine and Whitworth’s to share Port Adelaide precinct

by Mike O'Reilly on 27 Mar 2003 Whitworth’s Nautical World will soon open a new boating parts supermarket in part of the Quin Marine premises at Port Adelaide to create the most comprehensive boating facility in S.A.

The Port Adelaide precinct is surging forward as a vital hub to the commercial and recreational marine industry.

Quin Marine Managing Director, Mr. Stan Quin, said the leasing of space to Whitworth’s would enable both companies to better serve their traditional clients. Both companies will be entirely separate in their operations and management.

“Quin’s is strong in the commercial shipping and fishing marine market, and we have long believed that Whitworth’s has the right approach for the recreational end of the marine parts and chandlery market,” Mr. Quin said.

“This is not a sudden decision, I have been looking for a long time to find a way to combine the best of commercial and recreational marine facilities in one operation. I knew the company founder Craig Whitworth when he sailed in Adelaide in the 60’s – so I have a respect for what this company has achieved.

“Yachties and boaties can have the best of both worlds with a renowned discount organisation like Whitworth’s with its huge range and depth of products. We will work together very well and our clients will save money – simple as that.

Quin Marine will now focus on 3 boat brands and Bombardier outboards, the fishing industry, shipping supplies, liferafts, commercial & sports netting, yacht brokerage and boat sales as well as leading marine electronic brands such as Simrad Koden and Wesmar.

“Whitworth’s and Quin’s are a perfect fit to give SA boat people every conceivable item they may ever want. If Quin’s and Whitworth’s do not have it in stock – you can be safe in saying that it no longer exists,” Mr. Quin said.

Managing Director of Whitworth’s Nautical World, Mr. Peter Woolley, said his company had always had a gap in their national coverage, with stores ranging from Queensland across to W.A – but with no store in South Australia.

Whitworth’s is a world leader in marine trends and management of stock. The company has over 10,000 lines in stock and readily available through its stores and extensive catalogue sales network.

“The arrangement we have come to with Stan Quin is good for all parties – and especially for local customers who will see real savings and competitive prices in South Australia,” said Peter Woolley.

“Both our companies are totally respectful of our long traditions in the marine industry and we will continue to respect each other’s special skills in serving the marketplace.

“Whitworth’s has developed its own world-leading proprietary stock system over 20 years that is tailored to what Australian buyers are looking for.

“Our products are permanently discounted and priced considerably below manufacturer or distributor recommended retails. Where recommended retail prices are available, we show them, so buyers may compare.

“In all other cases we still offer a very competitive low price using the narrowest profit margin necessary for us to maintain our service.”


Whitworth’s Marine & Leisure is Australia’s largest marine accessories retailer and has been serving the public since 1962. With its Mail Order department and current supermarkets Australia wide, Whitworth’s offers the best service, convenient locations, a huge selection of quality products, and unbeatable prices.

Whitworth’s will begin trading from a purpose built, stand-alone 500 square metre segment of the Quin Marine St Vincent Street Port Adelaide store on June 1. Work on the new store will begin in early May, with minimal disruption for Quin’s customers.

For information: Stan Quin 8447 1277, Peter Woolley 02 9907 3344.