KOKOMO II Refit for Fun
The skilled marine trades at Rivergate carried out crucial upgrades on a much-loved motor yacht, bringing her up to peak performance and contemporary comfort.
The iconic KOKOMO II spent eight months undergoing refit at Rivergate Marina & Shipyard
An icon of Australian boat building heritage, the totally bespoke vessel spent eight months at Rivergate Marina & Shipyard, in the hands of Australia’s most skilful marine tradespeople, undergoing a hull extension and several other complex upgrades.
The 37.5m/123ft motor yacht 'Kokomo II' (ex-Achilles II charter yacht) was designed by Jack Hargrave and built by Lloyds Ships at their Brisbane shipyard and delivered in 1987.
Her current owner uses the vessel for family cruising in Australia, Fiji and the South Pacific.
Under the direction of Rivergate project manager, Marty Johnson, MY Kokomo II underwent a full repaint, the addition of new teak decks, a new lazarette and engine overhaul.
Marty has been working at Rivergate for eight years and in the industry for 25 years. With his background in Engineering, Marty was Chief Engineer MC5/4 onboard various vessels and he regularly undertakes technical courses to keep pace with technology and regulations.
During the Kokomo II refit, as many as 20 different contractors worked on the vessel, including engineers, fabricators, painters, shipwrights and electricians.
Refits of this nature provide significant work for local small businesses, particularly those located within the Rivergate precinct and others hailing from the Gold and Sunshine Coasts.
KOKOMO II lifted to the Rivergate 300 Tonne superyacht shed for the start of her refit.
Marty’s role is to co-ordinate the trades to a logical and timely schedule. Contractors often need to work in close quarters with one another and in a precise order, so running a “tight ship” is crucial.
“However, there’s a reason we’re recognised as Australia’s leading refit destination and one of the top three superyacht shipyards globally – it’s because we select the best people for the job at hand,” explained Andrew Cannon, RMS General Manager.
Kokomo II is a regular visitor to Rivergate. Captain Luke Caldwell has been at the helm for 11 years and stated that every yard experience at Rivergate is smooth and stress-free, thanks to the combined expertise of a close-knit and collaborative team.
“From out very first maintenance period at Rivergate we always received the help and advice that we’ve needed,” he said.
“The planned works are always very thorough to make sure it runs smoothly, but it’s that extra help outside the scope of works that I find to be the biggest benefit from having the contractors and trades on-site and a team of people who know what they’re talking about,” he added.
Marty and Captain Luke Caldwell aboard KOKOMO II.
It was during a maintenance period in 2019 that Captain Luke and Andrew Cannon first broached the idea of upgrading the transom section of Kokomo II, which would suit the vessel’s owner and family, all keen on enjoying the water with the latest watertoys.
During the planning period, over many months, Captain Luke acted as owner’s representative on the project and worked closely with Andrew and Marty to finalise the owner’s priorities and the brief.
With the yacht out of water for several months, the team took the opportunity to carry out further upgrades. The scope of works expanded to include a full exterior paint job, as well as engine room overhaul. The heart of the vessel was stripped right back to its two engines, rewired, replumbed and the electrical system replaced.
The transom refit which involved a new swim platform and stairs, extended the yacht from 34 to 37m, the lazarette was gutted and refurbished up to a contemporary standard, kitted out with all new equipment.
Leaving the shed after her complex upgrades, heading to Sydney for summer cruising.
The marine professionals involved in the project included:
Wright Marine who carried out the teak deck works, including the new transom, stairs for swim ladder and from transom to main deck, aft deck and a teak countertop in the lazarette.
Ausships fabricated and installed the custom-designed transom, which was built and grafted to the hull while the vessel was in the superyacht shed. Ausships also fabricated doors, main deck gate and latching, and the underwater light cofferdams (watertight enclosures).
Millennium Marine Australia undertook the fairing and painting, including blending the paintwork on the transom section into the existing hull.
Engineering works were handled by MPS who fabricated the stainless steel awning supports, modified the drainage pipework and water supplies for the sink and shower, installed the shower and modified the ventilation pipework
M2i Electrical Services supplied and installed the four Aqualuma underwater LED lights, installed the cabling in the lazarette, LED strip lighting and down lights on the garage door. They also installed and programmed a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) for all lazarette and transom switching.
The iconic vessel was given a warm send-off when it departed Rivergate in mid-January 2023, heading to Sydney for a few weeks of cruising the Harbour and waterways of Pittwater and the Hawkesbury River. Feedback from her owners was all positive, the new transom and upgrades described as “the perfect addition to an already perfect boat”.
Project Manager, Marty said he was privileged to apply all his skills to ensure the enhancements were brought to fruition, on budget and on schedule.
“Kokomo II is a vintage vessel, it’s unique and retains that elegance of a former era,” explained Marty.
“And now her paintwork, systems and the deck areas, including the transom and lazarette have been brought up to date, with extra benefits to the vessel, such as liveability and comfort for cruising Australian waters.”
