Based in Killybegs, County Donegal, Mooney Boats Ltd has built and repaired boats since the 1970s. A leading boatyard and marine chandlers, the company is committed to exceptional quality and service. Managing Director Lee Mooney discussed recent projects and investments.
With a boatyard featuring advanced machines and tooling, Mooney Boats Ltd offers a comprehensive service. Equipment, such as a state-of-the-art CNC plasma cutter, lathes, milling machines, enables efficient and precise work on newbuilds or repairs.
The yard operates a 75-tonne boat hoist on the company’s 4.5-acre site in the heart of Killybegs. This hoist is used for small fishing vessels, passenger ferries, workboats, lifeboats and sailing boats up to 27m long by 7m wide and with a 4m draft. The yard also offers winter storage facilities for vessels.
Beside this site, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has a 600ton Syncrolift, utilised by Mooney Boats Ltd for lifting vessels up to 42 metres long by 12m beam and a 6m draught.
The company has three buildings at Killybegs. The main building is the boatyard,
refurbished in 2014, with a covered floor area of 2,800sqm. In September 2023, the company completed an 810sqm modern machine shop, equipped for a broad selection of machining and fabrication tasks.
From boatbuilding, general engineering, refurbishment
and repairs the company delivers expert solutions that exceed customer requirements. Additionally, Mooney Boats Ltd offers welding services, carpentry, hydraulics, electrical, piping and plumbing, water blasting, grit blasting, and painting services, plus much more.
The company owns one of Ireland’s largest marine chandlery stores, purpose built in 2010 with an area of 2,000sqm over two floors. This expansive store places a broad portfolio of supplies and equipment in one convenient location, offering high-quality products from leading brands.
Mooney Boats Ltd is a leading distributer of marine supplies, Managing Director Lee Mooney added: “Our online store stocks a variety of equipment, including marine paints from Jotun International, anodes,
ship side valves and fittings, steel and aluminium stockholders, outdoor and safety clothing, footwear, tools, buoyancy aids, fishing rods and tackle, kayaks, wetsuits, marine hardware, basically anything required for a marine environment. We even provide next-day delivery within Ireland.”
Delivering success
In the early 1970s, the company’s Founder, the late Mícheál Mooney, started building wooden vessels in his front garden after working as a shipwright in the BIM boatyard in Killybegs. In 1984, Mícheál bought the boatyard from BIM. Initially, Mícheál and his small team provided slipping and repair services to the local fishing fleet. The first newbuild completed in the yard, in 1988, was a small steel fishing trawler called the ‘Chrisolga’.
Mícheál’s sons, Warren and Lee, worked in the company from a young age, in the late 1980s and early 1990s, with their sister Laura starting in May 1995. This family-run business has grown from humble beginnings and now employs over 60 full-time staff.
Mooney Boats Ltd’s capabilities have expanded since the company was formed in March 1980, evolving from wooden vessels to steel and aluminium ones as the business grew. Mooney Boats Ltd has successfully completed a variety of projects with unique requirements.
“In 2014, we delivered the MFV Patrick C, a state-of-the-art prawn trawler fitted with the latest technological innovations,”
explained Mr Mooney. “This vessel was 24 metres long with a breadth of 7.7 metres and an early display of our capabilities.”
Recently, Mooney Boats Ltd delivered an aluminium crew transfer vessel for Atlantic Towage & Marine. This 14m road-transportable vessel was built in collaboration with Marine Design International. Mooney Boats Ltd designed this vessel with three 425hp Yamaha Outboard engines and the vessel is licensed under the UK Workboat Code and Irish Flag P5 Passenger Vessel, with hull certification by Bureau Veritas.
“One of our largest projects was for sister ships ‘Eilean Croine’ and ‘Sparkling Star’,” continued Mr Mooney. “Both 31 metres long
with a breadth of 8.7 metres. With advanced equipment, these vessels prioritise sustainable fishing and incorporate modern power solutions, minimising running costs and optimising fuel use.”
This project imposed restrictions on the size of the vessels, because the clients wanted to maximise the use of space on the ships. Bespoke design solutions achieved the specific requirements of the clients.
“Mooney Boats Ltd has very high standards,” explained Mr Mooney. “Our welders, fitters, carpenters, electricians and entire team are extremely skilled and deliver amazing work. I have enjoyed many projects, but the pinnacle was those sister vessels. I am immensely proud of what we built.”
Advancing standards
Mooney Boats Ltd ensures exacting standards throughout operations. The company is ISO 9001:2015 certified, attesting to excellent levels of safety
and workmanship. This certification shows customers that Mooney Boats Ltd maintains quality standards and encourages the company to adopt new practices that foster continuous improvement.
“It is crucial to maintain standards and certifications, or it becomes difficult to get projects,” commented Mr Mooney.
“We work with the Irish Marine Survey Office, MCA, Class Authority Bureau Veritas, Lloyds and DNV. When I am in the yard, it’s very satisfying to see these efforts put into practice.”
To advance sustainable operations, Mooney Boats Ltd recently changed lighting systems to LED and sources power from green energy. Within the next year, the company will install rooftop solar panels, further decarbonising Mooney Boats Ltd.
For 15 years, the company has recycled cardboard and plastic, along with all ferrous and non-ferrous metals. Mooney Boats Ltd monitors waste from operations and reduces the environmental impacts of waste.
added Mr Mooney. “Currently, our fleet of 10 to 15 vehicles complete short trips. Ideally, we will gradually replace them with electric vehicles, making us significantly more sustainable.”
Loyal relationships
Mooney Boats Ltd benefits from the large engineering base within Killybegs. With a wealth of resources and an expansive skilled workforce, the company provides a comprehensive and specialised service.
“Mooney Boats Ltd is unique,” said Mr Mooney. “We collaborate closely with customers to meet all requirements. We are a one-stop marine shop and distributors in Ireland for leading brands such as Jotun International Paints, Guerra Marine Cranes, Nor-Sap, DHR, Sonihull, Helly Hansen and Regatta.”
Mooney Boats Ltd has built loyal relationships with partners and suppliers, including local companies SeaQuest Systems, EK Marine Ltd, KER Group, MMG Ocean, Barry Electronics Ltd, Swan Net Gundry and KT Nets. This is alongside
national and international suppliers Guerra, Vestvaerftet APS, Marine Design International, Nogva, Kort Propulsion, AS Scan, Clements Marine, De Jong & Lavino, Amari and Shorts Stainless.
“We stay loyal to partners and suppliers,” continued Mr Mooney. “Importantly, they are dependable in terms of delivery times and quality. Through this, we offer the best possible service to customers, facilitating our growth.”
Over the past 10 years, Mooney Boats Ltd has invested heavily into operations and will continue doing so. Plans include installing a larger boat hoist within five years, expanding facilities and upgrading machinery, all improving the services offered.
“All of this is enabled by the incredible staff at Mooney Boats Ltd, good staff mean a good business,” explained Mr Mooney, in conclusion. “We employ local people and take on apprentices. It is exciting to train the next generation and build the future industry.”
