‘Elysian’ launched at Burnett Heads Marina

Local boat builders Mason Marine Industries recently launched their largest ever build, the ‘Elysian’, at Burnett Heads Marina.

We asked Leah Mason about the significant achievement for the team of dedicated professionals.

What is your business?

We are a boutique boat building business operating out of the Bundaberg Port Marina.

Our team is headed by Harley Mason, who did his apprenticeship with internationally renowned boat building company Riviera Marine.

Our focus is on custom made quality boats.

What is your experience in the industry?

Our previous projects include a number of one-off sports fisher boats, and a very unique luxury houseboat, moored in the Noosa River.

We are a Bundaberg family owned and operated business.

We have been based in Bundaberg for 15 years now, but in business as Mason Marine Industries T/A Coral Coast Cats for five years.

What is special about the ‘Elysian’?

This is our biggest build to date, and it is a real credit to the Bundaberg Region that our clients chose a local builder to bring their dream to life. 

‘Elysian’ was designed by internationally acclaimed ship builders Incat Crowther, who have their own build sheds in Tasmania. 

Creating high class, elegant boats such as ‘Elysian’ is a nod to the excellent skill base of Bundaberg.

All of our own team are local tradesmen, who are truly masters of their trades, including welders, cabinet makers, fiberglassers.

We were also joined by a number of outstanding local businesses: Beasley’s Hydraulic Services, K .Electrical, Combined Plumbing and Gas, Signature Laser, Benchworx and Murchie Constructions.

We were also able to utilise local suppliers such as Reeses Plumbing, Harvey Norman, Anderson’s Carpets, The Bolt Place, Wilson’s Industrial, Rev’s Paint, ACL, BOC and a myriad of other Bundaberg based suppliers.

We also chose to engage a Gold Coast painting crew to undertake the mammoth task of painting the vessel.

Josh and Pete Leonard, a father and son team from BBA Marine, and their crew made the temporary move to Bundaberg to undertake the job.

The team did a world class job, and some of them were so enamoured by our idyllic coastal living they’ve made the permanent move up here.

What benefits did it have for the local community?

It’s not often we see a vessel of this calibre ‘born and bred’ in regional Queensland.

It was an honour to be part of the build, to create something so outstanding for the owners, whilst also creating jobs in our local areas

As the crowds gathered (to see the launch), there was speculation that the vessel was an international creation.

But all credit to our local team for pulling this build off.

How did it feel for your team to see the ‘Elysian’ launched?

It’s been an absolute pleasure to bring this build to life at the beautiful Bundaberg Port precinct, utilising local trades and suppliers, as available.

The local team from Wide Bay Cranes were on point with lifting the vessel into the water, such a skilled team.

The driving skills (not to mention the amazing truck) from Queensland House Removers were admired by all.

A crowd of around 100 gathered early Monday morning to watch ‘Elysian’ try her sea legs.

A mix of curious locals, friends of the owners, and family and friends of our fabulous teams joined in to watch, with coffee supplied by local coffee van Cruz n Brew, sweet custom biscuits from Misstteeq Sweets and breakfast from Paradise Bakehouse Burnett Heads.

Fit out works will continue on ‘Elysian’ for a little while yet.

Whilst there was huge excitement from the team yesterday, works will resume while she is moored down at the new berthing development at Burnett Heads Marina.

Visitors to Oceanfest will be able to catch a glimpse of this stunning vessel moored at the Burnett Heads Marina.

 When she is complete, she will make her way home to Hervey Bay.