Boat Builder

Hooker Boats NQ Pty Ltd; Cairns Regional; On-site; AUD 52,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full-time employment

Hands-on role

Cairns location

Established boat-building team

Quality boat production

Job summary

Hooker Boats in Cairns, QLD is seeking an experienced Fibreglass Laminator to join our manufacturing team. You’ll work on fibreglass, resins and composites to produce high-quality boats built for the water.

We’re looking for hands-on people who can hit the ground running, using a gelcoat spray gun and a fibreglass chopper gun to deliver solid finishes. This full-time position offers a competitive hourly rate and the chance to contribute to building seriously good boats in a supportive team.

Qualifications

• Experience as a fibreglass laminator, preferably in boat building or composites.
• Proficient with gelcoat spray guns and fibreglass chopper guns.
• Knowledge of resin systems and composite manufacturing.
• Attention to detail and pride in workmanship.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Safety conscious and fit for a production environment.

Responsibilities

• Fibreglass laminating and composite boat building.
• Apply gelcoat using a gelcoat spray gun.
• Operate a fibreglass chopper gun applicator.
• Prepare moulds and surfaces for production.
• Cut, fit and apply fibreglass materials.
• Mix and work with resins and composites.
• Ensure laminates meet quality and strength standards.
• Maintain a clean, safe work area.
• Work to production schedules as part of a team.

Skills

Fibreglass laminator

Gelcoat spray gun

Fibreglass chopper gun

Resin systems

Composite manufacturing

Safety conscious

Tools

Gelcoat spray gun

Fibreglass chopper gun

Job description

Fibreglass Laminator –

Come Build Something Awesome with Hooker Boats!

Hooker Boats | Cairns, QLD

Full-Time | $38–$45 per hour + super, depending on skill & experience

Love boats? Know your way around fibreglass? We want to hear from you.

Hooker Boats is looking for an experienced Fibreglass Laminator to join our team in Cairns.

We build quality boats, and we’re looking for someone who knows that fibreglass isn't just something you “have a go at” after watching a five-minute YouTube video!

If you have solid experience in fibreglass boat building, know how to get the best out of a gelcoat spray gun and fibreglass chopper gun, and take pride in producing a quality finish, you could be exactly who we’re looking for.

About the Role

This is a full-time position working as part of the Hooker Boats manufacturing team.

You’ll be involved in the production of our boats from the ground up, working with fibreglass, resins and composite materials to help create strong, quality finished boats that are built for the water.

We’re looking for an experienced laminator who can hit the ground running and doesn’t need to be taught which end of the spray gun points at the mould!

Key Responsibilities

• Fibreglass laminating and composite boat building
• Applying gelcoat using a gelcoat spray gun
• Operating a fibreglass chopper gun applicator
• Preparing moulds and surfaces for production
• Cutting, fitting and applying fibreglass materials
• Mixing and working with resins and composite materials
• Ensuring laminates meet required quality and strength standards
• Maintaining a clean, organised and safe work area
• Working efficiently to production schedules
• Working as part of a team to produce high-quality Hooker Boats

What We’re Looking For

Experience is essential.

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has proven experience as a fibreglass laminator, preferably within boat building or composites
• Is experienced using gelcoat spray guns and fibreglass chopper guns
• Understands fibreglass, resin systems and composite manufacturing
• Takes pride in their workmanship and attention to detail
• Can work independently while also being a team player
• Has a good work ethic and reliable attitude
• Is safety conscious
• Can work efficiently in a production environment
• Isn’t afraid to get their hands dirty!

What’s On Offer?

• $38–$45 per hour, depending on skill and experience
• Full-time employment
• Work with an established and passionate boat-building team
• The opportunity to build some seriously good boats
• A hands‑on role where your skills actually make something you can see, touch and eventually take fishing!
• Cairns location and a great lifestyle outside of work

Apprentice Opportunity – Composite Technician Certificate III

Want to get into the boat-building industry?

Hooker Boats also has an opportunity available for an Apprentice Composite Technician – Certificate III in Technical Composites.

If you’re mechanically minded, practical, keen to learn and would rather build something with your hands than spend all day behind a desk, this could be your opportunity to start a career in the composites and marine industry.

You’ll learn the skills involved in composite manufacturing and boat construction while working alongside experienced tradespeople and becoming part of the Hooker Boats team.

No previous fibreglass experience? That’s okay for the apprentice position — we’re looking for the right attitude, willingness to learn and someone who is ready to get stuck in.

Why Hooker Boats?

At Hooker Boats, we don’t just build boats — we build them properly.

We’re a hands‑on team that takes pride in what we produce. You’ll be working alongside people who know their stuff, in an environment where hard work, a good attitude and a bit of humour are appreciated.

If you’re an experienced laminator looking for your next opportunity — or you’re ready to start your career in composites — we’d love to hear from you.

Think you’ve got what it takes?

Bring your skills, your work ethic and your sense of humour.

We’ll supply the fibreglass.