What BtB Marine does

BtB Marine is an Australian aluminium workboat builder headquartered in Hervey Bay, Queensland (legal entity: thinkfish pty ltd), founded in 2007 by Chris and Eva Hough. The company designs and constructs specialised commercial aluminium vessels from 5.3m to 12m, including centre consoles, open boats, work punts, the 7.5m Ultra Long Range, offshore, RIBs, work barges, landing craft, and a 12m passenger vessel, all built to Australian NSCV survey standards using 5083 marine grade aluminium and in-house CNC cutting, plasma cutting and welding. A parallel Private & Non-Survey line of plate boats is offered as finished craft on trailers or as RAW hull/flat-pack kits for self-assembly. BtB Marine is the first Australian builder authorised to integrate the COX 300 V8 diesel outboard and holds authorised-dealer status for both COX and D-Torque diesel outboards, while also offering Sea Machines SM 300/SM 200 autonomous control retrofits and 3D scanning services.

The company generates revenue across multiple streams: vessel sales (custom-quoted by specification), general fabrication of ferrous/non-ferrous metals, marine surveying, crew services with AMSA/STCW-certified personnel, marine electrical installation (Garmin and Navionics), interior outfitting (including SEADEK), CAD drafting and design, 3D scanning, and authorised diesel outboard distribution. The GTM motion is direct enterprise field sales via website, phone, email, and industry events (notably IndoPac Expo), with a strategic emphasis on Asia Pacific export markets (Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji, Papua New Guinea) where the company ships kits, raw hulls, and provides on-site construction assistance and training. Customer mix spans commercial marine operators, federal and state government agencies (Queensland Government EHP, Solomon Islands Government, Gladstone Ports Corporation), enterprises (Ocean Infinity, Jetwave Marine, Neptune Australia, Vision Environment, Y.SATO Marine), and SMB/private leisure buyers.

In January 2024 BtB Marine relocated to the custom-built VesselLab facility at Urangan, positioning the site as an innovation and advanced-manufacturing hub. Ongoing technology exploration includes collaborations with RAW Idea and CEAD on large-format robotic 3D printing for marine components. The business has received the 2019 BOA AUS Best Multi-Purpose Workboat award for the INDIGO vessel and a 2020 Small Business Award, and operates under an ISO 9001 quality management system certified by DNV.

Name

BtB Marine

Legal name

thinkfish pty ltd

Website

https://btbmarine.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2007

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

BtB Marine is an Australian aluminium workboat builder in Hervey Bay, Queensland, designing and constructing commercial NSCV-compliant vessels from 5.3m to 12m for marine operators, government agencies, and Asia Pacific export markets, with authorised dealer status for COX and D-Torque diesel outboards.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Aluminium Commercial Workboats

NAICS

Boat Building (336612), Ship Building and Repairing (336611), Ship and Boat Building (3366)

SIC

Miscellaneous Transportation Equipment (3790), Special Industry Machinery, Nec (3559)

akta.pro primary industry

Landing Craft & Amphibious Workboats (LCM/LCT-style, Beaching Craft) (IMAJADAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

Government & Municipal Service Craft (Research, Survey, Inspection, Buoy Tenders) (IMAJADAL), Production Design & Detailed Engineering (3D CAD, Drawings, BOM, Nesting) (IMAJAGAK), Accommodation & Interior Outfit (Cabins, Galleys, Sanitary, Furniture) (IMAJAIAF)

Keywords

• Aluminium workboats
• Commercial vessel building
• Marine fabrication services
• Diesel outboard engines
• Autonomous vessel control

Headquarters

HQ city

Urangan

HQ country

Australia

HQ region

Oceania

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Vessel Sales: Sale of new aluminium workboats ranging from 4.2m to 12m. Vessels available as complete boats or as kits/raw hulls for DIY fitting.
2. Fabrication Services: General fabrication of ferrous and non-ferrous metals including plasma cutting, CNC routing, and custom metalwork for various sectors.
3. Marine Surveying: Marine survey services for commercial and pleasure craft including new construction, annual surveys, pre-purchase surveys, and SMS development.
4. Crew Services: Provision of qualified crew members with AMSA and STCW certification for vessel operations.
5. Marine Electrical: Sales, installation and service of marine electronics including GPS systems, chart plotters, radar, fish finders, and radio communications.
6. Interior Outfitting: Cabinetry, upholstery, PV/EVA foam flooring (SEADEK), rope splicing, refits, and design styling services.
7. Diesel Outboard Sales: Authorised dealer of COX300 V8 Diesel and D-Torque diesel outboard engines with sales and support.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

BtB Marine designs and builds custom aluminium commercial workboats ranging from 4.2m to 12m for marine operators, government agencies, and leisure buyers, with vessels built to Australian NSCV survey standards using in-house CNC and plasma cutting of 5083 marine grade aluminium. The company also supplies private and non-survey plate boats (as finished boats or RAW hull kits), serves as an authorised dealer for COX and D-Torque diesel outboards, integrates Sea Machines autonomous vessel control, and delivers marine surveying, crew, fabrication, electrical, drafting, and 3D scanning services.

Product overview

BtB Marine is an Australian-based builder of specialised aluminium work boats and commercial vessels, founded in 2007 by Chris and Eva Hough. The company operates from VesselLab in Hervey Bay, Queensland, and exports to the Asia Pacific region. Its core product range spans commercial aluminium vessels from 5.3m to 12m, including Centre Consoles, Open Boats (Aussie Traveller), Work Punts, the 7.5m Ultra Long Range, Offshore, 8.5m RIB, Work Barges, Landing Craft (9.6m and 12m), and 12m Passenger Vessels — all built to Australian NSCV survey standards. Complementing the vessel range is a parallel Private & Non-Survey (P&NS) plate boat line for the leisure market, also available as finished boats or RAW hull/KIT flat packs for DIY. BtB Marine serves as an authorised dealer for COX 300HP V8 and D-Torque 50HP diesel outboard engines. The company also integrates Sea Machines SM 300 and SM 200 autonomous vessel control systems as retro-fit options. Supporting services include marine surveying, crew services, marine interior outfitting, general fabrication, marine electrical, CAD drafting and design, 3D scanning, and export logistics.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Commercial Aluminium Vessels (5.3m–12m) BtB Marine's core range of aluminium workboats spanning 5.3m to 12m, including 5.3m Centre Console, 5.7m Open Boat, 7m Work Punt, 7.5m Ultra Long Range, 8m Offshore, 8.5m RIB, 9.5m Work Barge, 9.6m Landing Craft, 12m Landing Craft, and 12m Passenger Vessel. Designed for commercial and government operators and built to Australian NSCV survey standards.
• Private & Non-Survey (P&NS) Plate Boats Aluminium plate boats for the leisure market and vessels under 12m in Non Survey exemption, including 420 Open Boat, 450 XWIDE Open Boat, 550 Centre Console, 570 Open Boat, 610 Walk Around, 610 Centre Console, 610 Cuddy Cab, 650 Cuddy Cab, 500 V-Nose Punt, and Aussie Traveller. Available as finished boats on trailers or as RAW hulls for self-fit-out.
• RAW Hull / Boat Kits (Flat Packs) Boat kits available for all models, packed on a pallet with numbered parts, an instruction manual and welding schedule. Includes surveyor sign-off options at different construction stages. Raw hulls available for self-fit-out, enabling economical export in 20ft containers.
• 7.5m Ultra Long Range (ULR 750) 7.5m Ultra Long Range vessel designed from the ground up for the COX diesel outboard, with 800L fuel capacity and double-bottom diesel fuel tank giving it a range unrivalled in its class. Safe, reliable long-range commercial vessel.
• COX 300HP V8 Diesel Outboard Engine Authorised dealer offering the COX 300HP V8 diesel outboard, the only high-powered diesel outboard to achieve BSO-II certification alongside EPA Tier 3, IMO II, and RCD II. Class-leading torque up to 1,052 Nm, specific fuel consumption as low as 260 g/kWh. Retro-fit compatible with existing industry standards.
• D-Torque 111 50HP Diesel Outboard Engine Authorised dealer for the D-Torque 50HP diesel outboard, the world's smallest diesel outboard engine with common rail fuel injection and best-in-class fuel economy.
• Sea Machines SM 300 Autonomous Control System Retrofit-ready autonomous control technology for commercial vessels featuring control via autonomy computer, intuitive user interface for remote operator, payload control, stream-from-ship data, and line-of-sight or over-the-horizon communication.
• Sea Machines SM 200 Vessel Control System Industrial-grade control hub with flexible sensor integration and joystick for remote control navigation, enabling vessel control from beyond the wheelhouse.
• Marine Surveying Services Marine survey services for commercial and pleasure craft, including new construction/alteration surveys, annual/periodic surveys, pre-purchase surveys, on/off-hire surveys, damage and repair surveys, and NSCV-compliant SMS development.
• Crew Services Provision of qualified marine crew including recruiting, training, compliance according to industry standards, and travel coordination. Crew members hold Australian AMSA certification (Master Class 5, Marine Engine Driver Grade 3, Master Class 4) and STCW certification.
• Marine Interior Outfitting Full interior outfitting services including cabinetry, upholstery (awnings, seats, cushions, mattresses), PV/EVA foam flooring (SEADEK), rope splicing, refits, and custom design and styling.
• General Fabrication General fabrication of ferrous and non-ferrous metals for most sectors. Plasma cutting up to 50mm steel and CNC cutting capabilities, with in-house drafting, cutting, and machining. Products can be signed off by applicable engineers or marine surveyors.
• Marine Electrical Services Sales, installation, and ongoing service of marine electronics including GPS systems, chart plotters, radar equipment, fish finders, radio communications, and internet solutions. Uses Garmin and Navionics products.
• Drafting and Design Services CAD drafting and design services, including the ability to adjust existing drawings or create custom designs from scratch for marine and commercial clients.
• 3D Scanning Services 3D scanning using Artec EVA structured-light scanner technology with 0.1mm accuracy and 0.2mm resolution. Target-free scanning using hybrid geometry and color tracking for applications including rapid prototyping, reverse engineering, quality inspection, and design.
• Export Services (Asia Pacific) Export of vessels, boat kits, raw hulls, and fabricated components to the Asia Pacific region. Services include on-site construction assistance, training for local operators, and programming of electronic navigation devices for the area of operation.
• Vessel Lease Vessel lease/hire service. Enquiries handled via email; no lease vessels currently advertised as available.

Quantifiable outcome

• Every vessel built by BtB Marine is still in service with satisfied owners
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration10 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• RAW IdeacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBtB Marine is exploring collaborations with RAW Idea for large-scale additive manufacturing using robot-based 3D printing to create complex, high-quality components with precision and flexibility.
• CEADcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration with CEAD for 3D printing and other marine applications. CEAD specialises in large-scale 3D printers and local microfactories for maritime applications using CEAD HDPro material.
• Sea MachinescoreTechnology or IntegrationBtB Marine has adopted Sea Machines innovative technology for remote and autonomous vessel operations. SM 300 and SM 200 systems enable control via autonomy computer, remote operation, and payload control.
• Peter Holmes (Direct Marine Solutions)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBtB Marine has been developing specialised vessels in close collaboration with Naval Architect Peter Holmes BEng(Hons) CEng MRINA RPEQ from Direct Marine Solutions.
• COX MarinecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBtB Marine is an authorised dealer of COX300 V8 Diesel Outboard engines. First Australian builder to integrate this diesel outboard technology.
• Neander Marine (D-Torque)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBtB Marine is a dealer for D-Torque diesel outboard engines, the world's smallest diesel outboard with common rail fuel injection.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Others

• Oceanmax (Sea Machines competitor): Autonomous vessel control technology provider whose SM 300/SM 200 systems BtB Marine integrates. Comparable as a technology ecosystem partner; informs the addressable market for autonomous workboats that BtB Marine is positioning into.
• COX Marine: Swedish diesel outboard engine manufacturer whose COX 300HP BtB Marine distributes and integrates. Comparable as the upstream technology partner whose product roadmap and dealer strategy directly influence BtB Marine's competitive position in long-range vessels.

Broad incumbents

• Incat Tasmania: Large Australian aluminium shipbuilder famous for high-speed passenger ferries. Overlaps with BtB Marine on aluminium hull expertise and 12m passenger vessel segment but operates at dramatically larger scale in export markets.
• Austal Ships: Major Australian commercial and defence shipbuilder producing aluminium vessels including high-speed ferries and naval craft. Tangentially comparable through aluminium vessel construction but operates at vastly larger scale and serves defence/ferry segments BtB cannot address.

Direct peers

• Steber International: Australian fibreglass and aluminium boat builder based in NSW, producing commercial, recreational and government-spec vessels up to ~14m. Direct competitor in the same Australian workboat market segment with overlapping government and commercial customers.
• Stabicraft: New Zealand aluminium plate boat specialist producing commercial fishing, government, and recreational vessels. Closest peer in terms of aluminium plate construction methodology and Asia Pacific export orientation, though larger in scale.
• Haines Hunter: Long-established Australian boat builder producing fibreglass and aluminium trailer boats for commercial and recreational markets. Comparable in serving small-craft commercial operators in Australia, though more recreational-leaning.

Emerging players

• Surtees Boats: New Zealand-based aluminium plate boat builder with strong Asia Pacific dealer network. Comparable in plate-boat construction technique and recreational/commercial crossover; slightly larger and more brand-led.
• Sea Blade Boats: Australian builder of multi-hull commercial and recreational vessels including plate aluminium workboats. Comparable in serving niche commercial applications with custom aluminium construction; smaller-scale operation.

Regional players

• Yamba Welding & Marine Services: Australian east coast aluminium boat builder and general marine fabricator serving commercial fishing and government clients. Comparable in size and service breadth but more regionally focused on NSW rather than Queensland and Pacific export.

Market position

Strengths1 record

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCPbm3og6cQiM6ywuIpwR_Ag
• Facebookfacebook.com/btbmarineherveybay
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/btb-marine
• Xx.com/btb_marine

Compliance21 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about BtB Marine