At Firefish Fabrication, we’ve recently seen a surge in enquiries and jobs related to insurance claims for damage to stainless steel and metalwork on boats. As specialists in marine stainless steel fabrication Auckland, we provide insurance quotes and expert repairs to help get your boat back to its best. Whether it’s a collision at the marina, storm damage, or accidental scrapes involving another vessel, dealing with repairs and the insurance process can feel daunting. That’s why we’re here to guide you through it smoothly and professionally.

How We Assist with Insurance Repairs

1. Comprehensive Assessments and Quotes

The first step is a thorough assessment of the damage. Our team of experienced fabricators will inspect your boat’s stainless steel components and provide a detailed, accurate quote that meets insurance requirements. This includes photographic evidence and descriptions that help insurers understand the extent of the damage.

2. Insurance-Ready Documentation

We understand what insurers need to process claims efficiently. Our quotes are detailed and transparent, providing the information required to expedite approvals. We can liaise with your insurance provider if necessary to ensure a seamless process.

3. Expert Repairs You Can Trust

Our core expertise lies in stainless steel fabrication, and we pride ourselves on delivering repairs that not only restore but enhance the durability and appearance of your boat. From railings and fittings to structural components, we ensure every repair is crafted to withstand the harsh marine environment.

4. Fast Turnarounds Where Possible

We know how important your time on the water is. Once the insurance claim is approved, we work to get your boat back to pristine condition as quickly as possible, without compromising on quality.

When to Consider an Insurance Claim

• Collision at the Marina: Accidents happen, whether it’s docking mishaps or run-ins with other boats.
• Storm Damage: Strong winds and rough conditions can wreak havoc on stainless steel components.
• Accidental Damage: If you’ve accidentally caused damage to another vessel, we can assist with repairs and quotes for their insurer too.

Why Choose Firefish Fabrication?

With years of experience in marine stainless steel fabrication, we understand the unique demands of the marine environment. Our commitment to quality craftsmanship ensures that your repairs are not just a fix but a long-lasting solution. We work closely with both boat owners and insurers to make the process as stress-free as possible.

If you’ve experienced damage to your boat and need assistance with insurance quotes and expert repairs, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. We’ll help you navigate the process and get you back on the water with confidence.

Thank you Callum Smith for the use of your image.

Working with stainless steel often requires achieving a flawless, high-shine finish. Polishing is such a significant part of what we do, so we thought we’d share some insights into the process. Let’s break it down step by step.

Step 1: Sanding—The Surprising First Step

It might seem counterintuitive, but the first part of polishing is actually sanding. We use a hand sander with a low grit to buff out impurities and imperfections in the surface. This leaves a textured finish. On a job of this size (a boat pedestal base) the sanding process typically takes around 1.5 hours.

Step 2: Polishing for the Perfect Shine

Next comes the polishing itself, using a hand polisher. For a project like this pedestal, the polishing process from start to finish can take approximately 8 hours. In the time-lapse footage, you can watch the stainless steel transform as that iconic mirror-like shine starts to come through.

During this stage, we use a variety of polishing blocks. Different blocks are suited to different jobs and finishes, so we select the right range to achieve the best results. At the start, you’ll see the light blue block—pristine and ready for action. As the polishing progresses, it begins to show signs of heavy use, a testament to the effort we put into every piece.

Step 3: Protecting the Finish

The final step is taping up the job with green masking tape. This crucial step protects the polished finish during transport and fitting, ensuring it arrives looking sleek and shiny when installed.

Other Polishing Techniques We Use

While hand polishing is essential for many jobs, we also use other polishing methods depending on the project requirements. These include:

– Electropolishing: A process that enhances the corrosion resistance and shine of stainless steel.
– Laser Polishing: Ideal for achieving precision finishes on complex shapes.

No matter the method, as long as stainless steel is involved, there’s usually some form of polishing required—and we always take our time to ensure the result is polished to perfection.

At Firefish Fabrication, we understand that every project is unique, whether it’s a custom handrail for your home or bespoke stainless steel fittings for your boat. Our focus is on making the process as smooth and easy as possible for you. With over 25 years of experience and a commitment to quality, we guide you through every step, from initial consultation to installation, ensuring you get a solution that’s not only functional but built to last.

Here’s how we make it easy for you:

1.     Personalised Consultation and Site Visit
We begin with a friendly chat about your ideas and needs, followed by a site visit to fully understand your project—whether it’s for a boat or home. This helps us deliver solutions that fit seamlessly and solve your specific problems.

2.     Expert Design and Material Recommendations
With extensive knowledge of stainless steel, aluminium and mild steel, we’ll advise you on the best design and material choices. Our recommendations are tailored to your environment, ensuring durability, whether you’re enhancing a pool area or upgrading your boat’s hardware.

3.     Precision Craftsmanship
Once your design is finalised, we handle all the fabrication in-house. From sturdy handrails to custom lighting, every piece is crafted with precision and care, ensuring it meets the highest standards.

4.     Stress-Free Installation
We manage the entire installation process at your home or marina berth, so you don’t have to lift a finger. Our team ensures everything is fitted perfectly and hassle-free, saving you time and effort.

5.     Ongoing Support
After installation, we’re here for any future needs. We can provide advice on care and maintenance, ensuring your custom project stays in great condition for years to come.

At Firefish Fabrication, we’ve had the pleasure of collaborating on a number of exciting projects for Huffer, from their stunning Westfield Newmarket store to the new Te Awa store in Hamilton. Our involvement in these retail fit-outs has allowed us to showcase our expertise in custom fabrication and metalwork, creating unique shelving and racking solutions that elevate the store’s aesthetic while being functional and durable.

A Solid Partnership with Huffer

Our journey with Huffer began over 5 years ago when they were our very first confirmed business project. Since then, we’ve forged a strong partnership, providing custom fabrication solutions for their retail spaces. One of the standout features we’ve created for Huffer are the bespoke metal clothes racking and custom shelving systems that seamlessly blend industrial design with refined detailing. The raw steel and timber combination brings a bold yet elegant feel to their stores, striking the perfect balance between functionality and design.

Northbeach Stores, Huffer Westfield Newmarket & Huffer Te Awa: Custom Fabrication in Action

The first cab off the rank for our fabrication relationship with Huffer was a number of mobile clothes racking stations that were rolled out across a number of Northbeach stores, exclusively displaying  Huffer clothing.

At Westfield Newmarket, we had the opportunity to showcase our skills in a major retail fit-out. We crafted mobile steel & timber racks that run through the centre of the store, adding a dynamic element to the layout. Alongside this, we designed steel fixed racking on the walls and sleek steel merchandise shelves, creating a streamlined, industrial look that enhances the shopping experience. The addition of high triangular hanger displays adds a striking visual appeal while remaining practical for the store’s needs. The clear-coated raw steel finish ties everything together, delivering an industrial yet refined aesthetic that is unmistakably Huffer.

Our work at Te Awa was equally exciting, with standalone shelving, wall mounted clothes racking and the standout project being a giant yellow counter that was a first for us. It was a true testament to the versatility of our team in creating custom solutions to meet the specific needs of our clients.

Reflecting on Our Growth

Looking back at these projects, it’s amazing to see how far we’ve come. We’re incredibly proud to have been part of these retail fit-out projects for Huffer, creating custom solutions that help their stores stand out and function at their best. Each piece, from the mobile racking to the custom shelving, has been carefully crafted with attention to detail and durability.

We’re excited about the future and the continued opportunity to work on projects like these, delivering innovative solutions in custom fabrication that make a real impact in the retail world.

At Firefish Fabrication, we’re always eager to bring our expertise to new projects, whether it’s for a retail space like Huffer or a residential or marine project. If you’re in need of custom fabrication services for your next fit-out or build, we’d love to discuss how we can help bring your vision to life.

As experts in marine stainless steel fabrication in Auckland, we understand the importance of maintaining your boat’s stainless steel hardware to ensure it stays functional and looks pristine.

A few months ago, the team at Gulf Harbour Marina invited us to share our top care tips with berth holders, helping them protect their stainless steel fittings from the harsh marine environment. Below, you’ll find the practical advice we provided—perfect for keeping your boat’s stainless steel in top condition.

We hope you find it as useful as they did!

At Firefish Fabrication, we share your love for boating and the need to care for the stainless steel components on your vessels. In the boating world, 316 marine-grade stainless steel is the go-to material due to its corrosion and saltwater resistance. At Firefish Fabrication, we work with it more regularly than any other metal. However, despite its toughness, even 316 stainless steel benefits from proper maintenance. Regular care can extend the life of your stainless components, especially those exposed to the elements.

Here are a few tips to keep your stainless steel looking bright and sleek.

Post-Outing Wash Downs
After a trip in saltwater, it’s essential to wash down your boat. Products like Salty Captain, which we connect to the hose, make this task easier by providing a thorough rinse without the need for scrubbing. Don’t forget to rinse the stainless steel on the underside of canopy tops, as these areas are often neglected and can accumulate salt, leading to discoloration. This is also a good time to check for loose or rusted screws and parts, so they can be replaced, fixed, or tightened as needed.

Light Cleaning
For light stains and fingerprints, warm water and mild dishwashing soap usually do the trick. Clean with the grain to avoid scratches, rinse thoroughly, and dry well to prevent water spots. Use a soft cloth, such as microfiber, and avoid abrasive or harsh materials that can damage the stainless steel.

Tough Stains and Restoring Shine
For tougher stains and to restore polish and shine, use a gentle marine-grade cleaner like Autosol. Apply it with a soft cloth and use a good amount of elbow grease. Rub vigorously until the stainless turns black and the cleaner starts to dry, then use a clean cloth to wipe off the residue.

Professional Polishing Options
For a more thorough spruce-up, consider removing the stainless components and having them professionally machine-polished or electro-polished. We are happy to help you work through those options.

Dealing with Pitting
If your stainless steel has pitted or developed surface rust, professional help may be needed. In some cases, the surface can be ground down if the stainless is thick enough. If you encounter this issue, feel free to reach out to us for guidance on the best repair or replacement options.

By following these tips, you can ensure your stainless steel components remain in top condition, extending their life and keeping your boat looking its best.

Firefish Fabrication is your onsite metal fabrication workshop at Gulf Harbour Marina, tucked behind the Brin Wilson shed at 779 Laurie Southwick Parade. We always welcome walk-ins from berth holders and locals.

For inquiries and no obligation, complimentary quotes, please email us on steve@firefishfabrication.co.nz

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As the summer boating season starts to winds down and winter will again approach, it’s crucial to give your vessel the care it deserves before storing it for winter, especially if you don’t have intentions to get out on it as much.

Proper maintenance now can save you time, money, and hassle when you’re ready to hit the water again. One key aspect of this preparation is looking after your stainless steel fixtures. Here’s our guide to protecting your boat’s stainless steel so it stays in top condition.

1. Thorough Cleaning is Key

Salt, grime, and other environmental contaminants can cause staining or corrosion if left on stainless steel surfaces. Before storage, give your boat’s stainless steel fixtures a thorough clean:

• Use a mild detergent and warm water.
• Avoid abrasive cleaners that can scratch the surface.
• Rinse thoroughly with fresh water to remove all cleaning residue.
• Dry completely with a soft cloth to prevent water spots.

2. Inspect for Damage

Take the time to inspect your stainless steel fittings, railings, and other components for any signs of damage or corrosion.

• Address any scratches or pitting as these can lead to rust.
• If you notice early signs of corrosion, polish the surface with a high-quality stainless steel polish.

3. Apply a Protective Coating

After cleaning and drying, apply a protective coating to help shield stainless steel from moisture and environmental factors during storage.

• Marine-grade protective sprays or waxes are ideal.
• Ensure an even application and buff it gently for a protective shine.

4. Cover and Protect

Where possible, cover your stainless steel fixtures to protect them from dust and moisture.

• Use breathable covers to prevent condensation.
• Ensure that covers are securely fastened to avoid rubbing or chafing against the metal.

5. Store in a Suitable Environment

If your boat is stored outdoors, ensure it’s well-covered and protected from the elements.

• Ventilation is essential to reduce humidity and prevent moisture buildup.
• If possible, choose indoor or covered storage for added protection.

Final Thoughts

Taking the time to properly care for your boat’s stainless steel fixtures during the winter months will ensure they remain in pristine condition, ready for the next season. If you’re unsure about the best products or techniques to use, or if your stainless steel requires professional attention, Firefish Fabrication is here to help.

Planning ahead this winter ensures that your new fixtures and fittings are ready to go for the summer season—don’t wait until the last minute to get your new toys installed. So if you have any ideas for your boat that you would like to ensure are completed before the warmer months roll around again, talk to us early for advice and your complimentary quote.