Welcome to The Tinnie Shack

Carla and Dean Grieve opened their doors at The Tinnie Shack, in Mission Beach, 25 years ago this year. The start up has not only survived but thrived in the enormously competitive and turbulent boating industry. Their original desire to sell and service quality fishing boats and outboards and provide genuine value for money service has stood the test of time.

To understand the significance of this achievement, compare it with Cairns. Of the five dealerships in existence in Cairns in 2000, when the Tinnie Shack opened its doors, there is only one still operating!

Dean brought his extensive marine experience to the business, which now stretches to over 50 years in the industry, while Carla brought her flare and drive to make the business the success it has become. Dean focuses on the workshop side of the partnership, while Carla concentrates on the business development, sales, office, shopfront and computer components of the dealership.

They took on the Honda Outboard Dealership in the early years and rose to become Queensland Honda Dealer of the Year in 2010. They continue to be one of the biggest sellers of Honda outboards in Queensland. Carla’s vision and ability to grow business opportunities, saw her awarded Cassowary Coast Businesswoman of the Year in 2012.  

Carla is one of the very few female marine saleswomen in Australia and is an avid supporter of women in the industry and in recreational fishing and boating. The Office Manager at The Tinnie Shack, Pam McLaughlan, who has been on staff for 10  years is another testament to Carla’s enthusiasm to promote women in the marine industry.  

Another feather in Carla’s cap is her ability to resonate with the wider public. Her unique personality, voice and infectious laugh has made her an absolute star of the very popular Fishtalk program on ABC radio for nearly as long as they have been in business. Fishtalk currently airs each Friday from 5 – 6pm and is heard from Rockhampton, north to the islands of the Torris Strait and west to the NT border. An endless stream of Fishtalk listeners pass through The Tinnie Shack and immediately recognize Carla as soon as she speaks! Many make the journey to their business just to meet the woman behind the voice.

Dean and Carla are both avid fishos and have been very successful in the competitive arena, especially in game fishing, where they have both won tournaments.  Dean has won numerous North Queensland titles, while Carla has taken out Champion Female Angler in the Mission Beach Game Fishing Tournament. The pinnacle of their achievements in the competition arena was representing Australia at the IGFA World Championship in Coast Rica in 2013.

Diversifying their business has been the key to their longevity. It now includes a bait and tackle store, marine chandlery, a boat storage facility on site and service delivery business for well-healed owners of properties in the area and on the islands off Mission Beach and a mobile service section.

The mobile service department operates across the Cape and Gulf and has helped keep The Tinnie Shack’s doors open through some very tough times, especially the post COVID era. The mobile service department, which services major centers like Cairns, the Atherton Tablelands, Mt Isa, Normanton, Karumba and Weipa, along with all points between, has grown to be the biggest in North Queensland.

The huge downturn in the marine industry, post COVID, has seen The Tinnie Shack cease selling new boats with the company now focusing on second-hand rigs. For many years they sold the very highly regarded Formosa plate alloy boats. I bought a custom Formosa off Carla right at the start of COVID and have been extremely happy with the boat and especially pleased with the pre- and post-delivery service.

The family-run business has expanded from rented sheds, to owning their own premises, custom designed and built to suit their requirements. They now employ five full time staff. The journey wasn’t without significant challenges, including having survived cyclones Larry and Yasi, which had devastating impacts on the area for years after each event.

Another big challenge has been Dean’s propensity for misadventure. He has had more close calls, life-threatening encounters, broken bones and extended stints in hospital than any veteran bull rider in the PBR! His savior has been his incredible ability to recuperate and having Carla there to support him and keep the business and family afloat while he recovers.

Together they make a formidable couple and business partners. Do yourself a favor the next time you’re in the Mission Beach area and drop in to experience their wonderful hospitality and service.