Boat repair workshop with winter storage
Run a small rented workshop for engine, hull and fitting repairs, plus indoor winter work.
- C$20k-100k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
A small rented unit or yard space where you repair engines, hulls, trailers and fittings, and take on larger jobs that cannot be done at the dock.
Your first three steps
- Look for rental units near water or main routes with a big enough door and check zoning allows boat repair
- Build a quote for equipment, a parts account and insurance, and talk to a marine supplier about trade pricing
- Approach local marinas, dealers and fishing operators to agree referral work before you open
Who pays
Boat owners, marinas, fishing and tour operators, and insurance-covered damage repairs.
How it makes money
Labour charged by the hour, parts markup, and extras such as winterization packages, shrink-wrapping and storage fees.
Skills that help
- Marine mechanical and hull repair
- Estimating jobs and quoting
- Managing parts and suppliers
- Customer service
Watch out for
- Zoning and municipal business licence for the premises, check before signing a lease
- Commercial general liability and garage-style cover for customers' boats in your care, ask a broker what is needed
- Fibreglass dust, paints, solvents and fuel carry health, fire and environmental rules that differ by province, so check requirements
- WCB or WSIB coverage and safety rules once you hire staff, which differ by province
- Slow winter and wet seasons can strain cash flow, keep a reserve
🔒 Full research report for Canada
Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.
Coming soonQuestions people ask
How much does it cost to open a boat repair workshop?
Startup costs are estimated at typically around $20,000 to $100,000, depending on the size and rent of your premises, equipment, parts stock and insurance. Treat this as an estimate and get quotes for your own unit before signing a lease.
How much can a boat repair workshop earn?
Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on the number and size of jobs, your pricing and how you handle slow winter and wet seasons. The estimate assumes at least about 35 hours a week.
What should I check before opening a boat repair workshop?
Check zoning and municipal business licence rules before signing a lease, insurance for customers' boats in your care, provincial rules on fibreglass dust, paints, solvents and fuel, and WCB or WSIB coverage and safety rules once you hire staff.
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