Mobile boat repair and fit-out

Private boat owners, marina and boatyard operators, clubs, and small commercial operators such as charter or fishing boats.

Hourly or day rate plus materials, or a fixed quote for a defined repair or fit-out. Repeat work comes from regular owners and yards that subcontract to you.

• GRP, woodwork or general boat repair
• Diagnosing problems and quoting accurately
• Working independently at different sites

• Many yards have rules or fees for outside contractors; check before you turn up
• Public liability insurance that covers work on customers' boats, and check whether you need cover for vessels in your care
• Respirators, ventilation and safe handling of resins, solvents and antifouling; check COSHH duties
• Safe working at height and on cradles or trailers
• Disposing of waste properly; check whether you need to register as a waste carrier
• Work is often seasonal, so plan for quieter winter months or busy refit seasons

Startup costs are typically around £3,000 to £12,000, depending on your van, tools, materials and insurance. These are estimates, so check any yard fees for outside contractors and the cost of safety kit before setting a budget.

Monthly revenue is typically around £1,500 to £6,000, depending on the jobs you take, your rates and how many hours you work. Work is often seasonal, so plan for quieter winter months or busy refit seasons.

Check whether yards have rules or fees for outside contractors, and that your public liability insurance covers work on customers' boats. Also check COSHH duties for resins, solvents and antifouling, safe working at height, and whether you need to register as a waste carrier.