Marine hardware · In conversation
The right hardware starts with the right advice.
Melissa Yeomans on a family marine distribution business, supporting the trade, and helping boat owners find the right gear wherever they sail.
Melissa Yeomans
“Our focus is on helping customers find the right solution rather than simply making a sale.”
How did DeckHardware start, and how has the business changed over the years?
DeckHardware traces its origins back to 1993, when Carl Crafoord established Crafoord Marine, the business that would later become DeckHardware. In December 2006, the Yeomans family acquired the company and, in December 2026, will celebrate 20 years of ownership, marking two decades of growth, strong supplier partnerships, and support for sailors across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific.
The acquisition was a natural progression. Robyn Yeomans had worked alongside Carl Crafoord for more than a decade, while Melissa Yeomans had also been involved with the business before joining full-time in the lead-up to the purchase. Together with Phil Yeomans, they took over the business with a commitment to preserving its reputation for specialist knowledge, quality products and exceptional customer support.
When we took over DeckHardware, we represented just four brands: LIROS Ropes, Blue Performance, Man Ship Marine and Forespar Marine. Twenty years later, we're proud to still distribute all four while continuing to build a portfolio of leading marine brands that support sailors at every level.
Describe the business properly for us. What's the split between trade supply and direct to owner, and which came first?
As a distributor we import international products and represent brands in the region. Trade supply came first and remains a significant part of our business, with the Industrial side of the business also growing.
Today we support both professional marine businesses and recreational boat owners. Our trade customers include boatbuilders, riggers, slipways, sailmakers, marine electricians, repairers and chandlery operators.
Our e-commerce platform has become increasingly important because many owners no longer have access to a local chandlery or marine specialist, particularly in regional areas.
Who are your trade customers? What do they rely on you for?
Our trade customers include:
- Boatbuilders
- Yacht and powerboat riggers
- Marine service and repair yards
- Sailing clubs
- Sailmakers
- Marine fabricators
- Specialist marine contractors
- Non Marine Industries include, Theatre, Stage Production, Industrial Manufacturers
They rely on us for product availability, technical advice, quick turnaround, competitive trade pricing and access to quality brands.
What does the warehouse at Brookvale offer a trade customer who walks in?
Our Brookvale warehouse provides access to a large range of stock. What we hold is based on decades of experience and knowledge. This stock is held in stock bins and boxes so not easily visible and we often refer to our website or catalogue before pulling out product to establish what should be looked at.
How does a trade account work, and who qualifies for one?
Trade accounts are available to genuine marine industry businesses including boatbuilders, riggers, service providers, sailmakers and shipwrights and slipways.
Which brands and ranges do you carry, and are there any you're the Australian distributor for?
We distribute a range of respected International and Australian marine brands including Allen Brothers, Bamar, Barton Marine, Blue Performance, Båtsystem, CC Marine, Forespar, Houdini, LIROS Ropes, Man Ship Marine, Peter G's, PROtect Tapes, Schaefer Marine, Tuff Luff, Sea Sure, UltraGlozz and Walder.
All products on our website are from brands we represent in the region. Any products on our website that are on clearance are brands we used to distribute.
DeckHardware is a broad term. What are the core categories, and where does your depth really sit?
Our range is diverse, suitable for dinghies through to large cruising and racing yachts:
- Blocks and pulleys
- Rope and cordage
- Clutches and cleats
- Rigging hardware
- Sailing accessories such as canvas storage
- Marine lubricants and maintenance products
- Plumbing
- Pole Ends and Whisker Poles
Chandleries and riggers have disappeared from a lot of regional areas. What does that mean for boat owners, and how do you fill that gap?
Many boat owners no longer have access to local expertise or specialist marine products. The industry has changed a lot over the last few decades and we had to adapt as it did including now selling direct to end users. We did not even have a RRP until we experienced a mass decline in 2008 of our trade customer base.
For an owner in a regional town with no local chandlery, how does buying from you work?
Customers can order online, by phone or by email. Our website is a quote based site and shows customers what is in stock. As a distributor we list all products manufactured by our suppliers which is why you will also find products that are brought in to order. This is why our website is a quote setup as we do not always have weights and measurements to automatically do shipping costs.
Freight is calculated by our Team for each order to ensure we find the right option for you based on cost and time frame. This is calculated once we receive your order. Our office will contact you via email with shipping costs for your approval.
Payment can then be made once this is approved as an order by credit card or via direct deposit. In the email from our team, you will find a HappenPay Link to Pay via Card.
Customers receive clear freight options and we look for the best option if price or speed is more important. Tracking information is also provided.
Can owners collect from Brookvale, and can they come in and talk to someone about a job?
Yes. Customers are welcome to collect orders from our warehouse in Brookvale. Often customers find it better to jump on our live chat so we can send them links or give us a call and jump on the chat so we can send links. As mentioned everything is in boxes so it is usually better to start this way as you cannot walk around and find the product you need like you would in a store. When someone including trade comes in we often start with the catalogues first before working out where we are going in the warehouse.
Someone is replacing deck gear on an older yacht and doesn't know where to start. How do you help them get the right parts?
Many projects start with photos and measurements, we highly recommend looking into finding a rigger though if you are working on something more technical. As they will know your boat if in the area, and be able to look in person.
We regularly help all types of customers identify existing hardware, suggest suitable replacements and determine what will fit both physically and functionally. With years in the industry we are known for identifying products that are discontinued or a brand that no longer exists.
What do people most often get wrong when buying hardware?
The most common mistakes involve:
- The biggest one we often see is not buying for your future sailing. Do you cruise or race and on what waterways? Conditions you will be in play a huge factor on what you should choose.
- Incorrect sizing
- Underestimating loads
- Compatibility issues
- Mounting requirements
- Assuming all marine hardware is interchangeable
Choosing the correct product usually requires considering the boat, the application and expected loads rather than simply matching appearance.
Is there technical support available?
Yes.
One of the advantages of dealing with DeckHardware is access to knowledgeable support. Whether it's a boat owner undertaking a DIY project or a professional rigger working on a larger job, we aim to provide practical advice and connect customers with manufacturer information when needed. Our catalogue and tech sheets section is extensive.
What's changed in deck hardware over the last decade that owners should know about?
Modern hardware has become lighter, stronger and more efficient. A decade ago the biggest changes were in rope technology. The last few years we have seen more changes in block styles and materials especially high load blocks.
Anything we didn't ask?
We combine specialist product knowledge, deep stockholding, strong supplier relationships and genuine industry experience to support both marine professionals and boat owners. Whether it's supplying a production boatbuilder, supporting a marine trade business or helping an owner maintain a cruising yacht in a regional location, our focus is on helping customers find the right solution rather than simply making a sale.