Mobile sail repair and servicing

Recreational boat owners, cruising sailors, club racers, yacht clubs, charter operators and boat storage yards.

Fixed price per repair or an hourly rate plus materials. Regular work comes from seasonal check-ups, sail cover jobs and repeat clients at the same marina.

• Hand and machine sewing
• Knowledge of sail cloth and how sails are built
• Careful measuring and neat finishing
• Customer service at marinas

• Public liability insurance, and check whether you need cover for customers' goods in your care
• Marina and yacht club rules on commercial work, check before working on site
• Council rules if you store sails or run machines at home, check with your local council
• Poor repairs on racing or offshore sails can cause damage or safety issues, be clear about what you will and will not repair
• Slower work in the off-season, plan for uneven income

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $2,000 to $7,000, depending on the sewing equipment, materials and vehicle setup you need. It is a small-scale start compared with running a workshop or loft.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $600 to $3,500, depending on how many boat owners, clubs and charter operators you work for. Work can slow in the off-season, so plan for uneven income. Expect at least about 8 hours a week.

Check public liability insurance and whether you need cover for customers' goods in your care. Also check marina and yacht club rules on commercial work, council rules on storing sails or running machines at home, and be clear about what you will and will not repair.