Boat repair workshop or yard unit
Rent a workshop or yard space near the water and take in boats for engine, hull and fittings repairs.
- £15k-60k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.
Official data
2,409 UK companies in this field, 24% registered in the last 2 years
SIC 33150 “Repair and maintenance of ships and boats”. Source: Companies House, November 2026.
What it is
A workshop or unit at or near a marina or boatyard where boats are brought in for larger repairs, refits, engine work and winter maintenance.
Your first three steps
- Look at units and yard space near marinas and compare rents, access to the water and lifting facilities
- Cost the tools, workbenches, insurance and rent, and work out the monthly income you need to cover them
- Talk to local marinas and brokers about overflow or regular repair work before you sign a lease
Who pays
Boat owners, marinas, sailing and rowing clubs, and brokers who need boats prepared for sale.
How it makes money
Labour charged by the hour plus parts and materials, with fixed quotes for bigger jobs. Storage or lift-out partnerships with a yard can add income.
Skills that help
- Marine engine, hull and fittings repair
- Quoting and managing larger jobs
- Ordering parts and handling suppliers
- Managing a workshop safely, and staff if you grow
Watch out for
- Rent and business rates, check the full cost and lease terms before committing
- Public liability insurance, cover for customers' boats in your care, and employer's liability if you hire
- Planning permission or use class for the unit, and environmental rules on spray work, antifouling and waste, check with your council
- Fire and health and safety risks from fuel, resins, welding and dust
- Steady work needs a good local reputation, so expect a slower first season
Deep research report · UK
Everything you need to start: boat repair workshop or yard unit
Researched with live web search for United Kingdom: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a boat repair workshop?
Startup costs are typically around £15,000 to £60,000, depending on the unit, tools, equipment and insurance. This is an estimate, so check the full rent, business rates and lease terms before you commit.
How much can a boat repair workshop make each month?
Monthly revenue is typically around £4,000 to £20,000, depending on the size of jobs you take, your local reputation and the season. These are estimates, not guarantees, and the first season may be slower.
What rules should I check before opening a boat repair yard?
Check planning permission or use class for the unit, and environmental rules on spray work, antifouling and waste with your council. Also check insurance for customers' boats, employer's liability if you hire, and fire and safety risks.
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