Premium Marine Engineering Services

for Private Boats

Lex Baddiley Marine Engineering in Murarrie, QLD, provides reliable and highly experienced marine engineering support for private vessel owners throughout Rivergate and across Brisbane, QLD, helping recreational boaters maintain performance, safety, and long-term reliability on the water. With more than a century of hands-on industry experience, the team understands the unique needs of private boats, from family cruisers to sportfishing vessels, sailing yachts, tenders, and high-performance craft.

White yacht in dry dock, supported by blocks and jacks. Hull is black and green.

Supporting Private Vessel Owners Through Every Stage of Ownership

Private vessels operate in a wide range of conditions, from river cruising to offshore fishing, and require tailored engineering and maintenance approaches to keep them dependable. Lex Baddiley Marine Engineering works closely with owners to understand how their boat is used, what challenges it faces, and what improvements may be required to ensure smooth, predictable operation.


For many recreational boaters, reliability is key. A day on the water should be enjoyable, not stressful. The team supports this with a combination of preventative maintenance, clear technical guidance, and practical engineering solutions that help avoid unexpected issues. Whether addressing performance concerns, resolving vibration, or updating ageing mechanical components, the team provides clarity and confidence throughout the process.

White motor yacht speeding across blue ocean.

A Tailored Approach to Private Vessel Engineering

Unlike commercial vessels, which are driven by operational requirements, private vessels are often deeply personal investments. Owners take pride in how their boat performs, feels, and behaves on the water. For this reason, Lex Baddiley Marine Engineering offers a personalised approach that focuses on vessel-specific solutions rather than one-size-fits-all servicing.

White and brown yacht moving on blue water.

Performance Enhancements for Smoother Boating

Private vessels often benefit from adjustments that refine comfort and handling. This may include improvements to propulsion components, fine-tuning for smoother running, or alignment and balance adjustments that reduce vibration under load. We also provide anode cathodic protection services to help reduce corrosion, extend asset lifespan, and support the long-term integrity of the vessel. These types of performance refinements improve the boating experience and support long-term mechanical health.

A motor yacht speeding through blue water, leaving white wakes.

Upgrades That Support Longevity

Many private vessels remain in families for years. With this in mind, the business provides guidance on upgrades that extend the life of key systems such as exhaust arrangements, hydraulics, pumps, steering and rudder gear, and driveline components. By advising on modern, durable marine engineering solutions, the team helps owners future-proof their investment.

White motorboat speeding across blue water, creating white wake.

Preventative Maintenance for Peace of Mind

Preventative maintenance plays a huge role in keeping private vessels operating safely. Inspections, monitoring of wear components, and early intervention on issues such as bearings, shafts, and seals help prevent costly breakdowns. The team provides clear explanations, practical recommendations, and honest advice on what should be addressed now versus monitored over time.

White motor yacht speeding across blue ocean under a clear sky.

Fitouts & Modifications for a Better Boating Experience

Private boat owners often choose to modify or improve their vessels throughout their ownership. Lex Baddiley Marine Engineering assists with mechanical aspects of new vessel fitouts, refits, or upgrades that enhance usability, comfort, or capability. This may include adjustments to systems, improvements to component access, or engineering work that supports other refit contractors.

Large gray yacht in ocean, small white boat behind it.

A Strategic Location Within Rivergate Marina & Shipyard

The workshop’s position within Rivergate Marina & Shipyard offers private vessel owners exceptional convenience. Vessel hauling can be arranged using the 75-tonne or 300-tonne travel lifts, while the marina berth directly in front of the workshop is ideal for in-water assessments, troubleshooting, or quick turnaround work.


Private vessel owners also benefit from access to the wider Rivergate precinct, which includes boatbuilders, surveyors, detailers, and specialists. This creates a streamlined environment for refit projects, engineering work, or scheduled maintenance that requires coordination with multiple providers.

Top-down view of a luxury yacht on blue water with a wooden deck and white superstructure.

Trusted by Private Boat Owners for Generations

Lex Baddiley Marine Engineering has supported private vessel owners for more than 100 years. Over that time, families have returned generation after generation because they value the team’s honesty, skill, and precision. The business remains family-owned today, with an emphasis on long-term relationships, reliable communication, and engineering that stands up to real-world use.

Luxury yacht on calm blue water near a tree-covered shoreline.

Private Vessel Frequently Asked Questions

  • What types of private vessels do you work on?

    The team works on a wide range of recreational vessels, including cruisers, yachts, sportfishing boats, displacement vessels, trailer boats, and tenders. If it requires marine engineering support, it can be assessed and serviced.

  • Can you help diagnose performance or vibration issues?

    Yes. The team is highly experienced in assessing and resolving vibration, noise, and performance concerns. By inspecting driveline components, alignment, and system condition, accurate solutions can be recommended.

  • Do you assist with vessel upgrades or refits?

    Yes. The business regularly supports mechanical and engineering components of refit projects, including improvements to driveline systems, performance updates, and modifications that support new onboard systems.

  • Is haul-out required for all work?

    Not always. Many inspections and adjustments can be carried out via the workshop’s dedicated in-water marina berth. If haul-out is required, Rivergate’s travel lifts make the process efficient.

  • How often should a private vessel be assessed by an engineer?

    Most private vessels benefit from a yearly engineering assessment, or more frequently if used offshore or heavily throughout the season. Regular inspections help identify early wear and prevent unexpected issues.

Pontoon boat docked on a lake with trees in the background. Sunny day.

Call (07) 3890 3366 to arrange specialised repairs and maintenance for private vessels.