The holistic approach of Ancasta Yacht Services
by Mark Jardine 18 Apr 05:00 NZST
Laying out a section of teak deck © Ancasta Group
Take a look behind the wood, gelcoat and trim panels on any modern yacht or powerboat, and you'll see that they are complex things. An array of cables, hoses and pipes interconnects electronic devices and amenities which make life on board more comfortable.
This technology, together with modern engines, requires servicing and a marine environment can be harsh on just about anything, so upkeep is essential.
Ancasta has recognised this, and very much think of a yacht sale as the first step in the relationship with their customers, which is why it has invested in Ancasta Yacht Services, to help owners protect their investment and keep their boat in top condition.
I went to visit Ancasta Yacht Services to talk with Kevin Ashworth, Technical Aftersales Manager, to find out more about what's on offer and how they work with clients and the marine industry.
Refit & Servicing
A classic Swan was in for deck re-caulking, hull sanding/antifouling and rudder checks, which was also a good opportunity to check for any other problems, which could become expensive if not found early.
Communication with the client is key, as Kevin describes, "With any boat that comes in, our project managers always look over the boat and are very much involved in the day-to-day processes. As soon as we see any emergent issues, they are reported to the owner with photographs, and estimates if there's additional work to be done. Good communication with our customer is really important.
"Checking the rudder bearings should be part of an extensive maintenance plan and with our sister company within the group, Advanced Rigging, doing rig checks for us, we provide a total package."
All materials are pre-ordered to ensure an efficient workflow, key when keeping the client fully up-to-date on progress. This keeps costs under control, while also ensuring that all the required materials are available when needed for a job.
Engineering
Having dedicated departments means parts can be taken off the boat for servicing in a clean environment, which isn't in the confined position while installed and in use. In the engineering department there is a pump system for twin fuel tanks being checked over, and a Saildrive having its seal replaced.
Customisations
While I toured the yard a Protector RIB was in to have a synthetic teak deck fitted, a dive bottle cage fitted, as well as modifications to the interior cabinetry and new navigation equipment.
The Ancasta team can customise yachts so that an out of the box production boat becomes exactly what the new owner wants, as Kevin explains, "Our client relationship managers will always sit down with the clients after the initial contract has been signed, understand their boating, what their requirements are, suggest upgrades and then we'll project manage that during the commissioning process."
Out in the marina a new Beneteau Swift Trawler 35 is having synthetic teak decking fitted, an upgraded navigation suite, heating installed and upgraded cushions for the flybridge.
Kevin details how this is achieved in collaboration with the builder and owner, "With modern synthetic decking you can have multiple colours, where a factory might only offer one colour. Someone might want a certain brand of equipment, where a factory will only have a preferred supplier. Heating and air conditioning is an example of where we can specify a certain brand, such as one that will work off a lithium system. We take an off-the-shelf yacht, with certain items not added from their build list, understand the owner's requirements, talk to them to understand their boating, and then build the boat to the specification that's going to be best for their boating."
Upgrading
Ancasta owners may sometimes upgrade their yacht, and a Riva was in after the owner bought a new Sanlorenzo. This is then sold through the Ancasta brokerage, but not before it goes through full engine servicing and systems checks, going out for a sea trial to check the stabilisers, and then re-varnish and upholstery work to ensure the yacht is pristine for its new owner, becoming 'Ancasta approved'.
This allows the upgrading owner to use their previous boat towards their new yacht without delaying their purchase.
Working on boats in other locations
In support of their customers, the Ancasta Yacht Services team will also travel to where the boat is, rather than the boat having to come to Hamble.
This level of service is very convenient for our owners as Kevin summarises, "At the moment there is a team in Dartmouth undertaking some work on a Swift Trawler 48, carrying out a yearly inspection to extend its warranty. While they're in the west country they will visit other Ancasta customers boats which need work in the area, making the best use of their time.
"We've also got a team at Swanwick working on a Sanlorenzo carrying outsome upgrades and another team at Saxon Wharf in Southampton fitting jet thrusters to a Lagoon 46."
Multiskilled workforce
The heart of Ancasta Yacht Services is the highly skilled workforce and it's become clear that you can't just be a specialist in one area, which Kevin says has evolved over the years, "I think the days of just having a plumber or an electrician are over. Now you've got to have someone who is an all-round technician, as all the systems are interconnected. We do have engineering and shipwright apprentices who are trained by the department leads when not attending college. We also use a lot of manufacturer support for training on new products, such as resins and glues. We're trying to make sure that they're trained with all the traditional skills, but also modern technology and techniques."
Some of the workforce have been with Ancasta for decades, and there are regular wellbeing checks to ensure everyone is working in a safe environment.
Happy customers make sailors for life
Keeping clients happy isn't just good for Ancasta, it's good for the entire marine industry. A bad episode with a yacht can put a newcomer off boating completely, while a good experience can lead them to wanting to spend more time on the water, as well as recommending the lifestyle to their friends.
Ancasta Yacht Services allows the Ancasta Group to take the holistic approach to yacht ownership, keeping their owners on the water for longer and happier with their investment.
Find out more at ancasta.com/yacht-services