Boat repairs,
afloat or ashore.
Describe what is wrong with your boat and where it is moored, and local marine engineers and boat repairers can send you a quote.
What to expect
from your pro.
Boat repairs cover a wide range of work. An outboard that will not start, an inboard engine due its service, a chipped gelcoat after a bump on the pontoon, a bilge pump that has stopped, or a hull that needs scrubbing and antifouling before the season. Some jobs can be done on the mooring. Others need the boat lifted out.
If your boat is on inland waterways, it may need a Boat Safety Scheme certificate before you can register it or buy a licence. Boats that need one are examined every four years. The checks cover fuel, gas, electrics and fire safety, so repairs often come up before an examination. Your navigation authority, such as the Canal & River Trust or the Environment Agency, can tell you what applies to your boat.
On AYS you describe the boat, the fault and where it is kept, and local pros send a quote. Say whether the boat is afloat, on a trailer or ashore, and whether the marina allows outside contractors, as some ask them to register or show insurance first.
Common jobs
we cover.
Not on the list? Describe it and ask for free quotes.
Outboard servicing and repair
Servicing, fault finding and repairs on outboard motors, including fuel systems, impellers, gearbox oil and starting problems.
Inboard engine work
Servicing diesel and petrol inboard engines, changing filters and belts, and tracing overheating, smoke or loss of power.
Hull and gelcoat repairs
Filling chips, scratches and cracks in gelcoat and fibreglass, and repairing impact damage to the hull or keel.
Antifouling
Scrubbing the hull, preparing the surface and applying fresh antifouling once the boat is out of the water.
Boat electrics
Repairing wiring, batteries, charging, navigation lights and bilge pumps, and fitting new equipment safely on board.
Gas system work
Repairs and checks on LPG cookers, heaters and pipework by a Gas Safe registered engineer competent with LPG on boats.
Pre-examination repairs
Putting right fuel, gas, electrical or fire safety issues found before or during a Boat Safety Scheme examination.
Winterising and recommissioning
Preparing engines and water systems for winter, then getting the boat ready to go back in the water in spring.
Quotes first,
then you decide.
Describe the job
Add your postcode, a few lines about the job and photos if they help.
Get free quotes
Local pros who cover your area send a price. There is no obligation to accept.
Pick one and book
Choose the quote that suits you, pick a time and pay securely through AYS.
How the price
is worked out
Boats vary so much that boat repairs are always quoted. Describe the boat, the engine make and model, the fault and where the boat is kept, and add photos. What changes the price: the type and size of boat, whether it is afloat or ashore, haul-out, crane or slipway fees, parts and materials, travel to the mooring, and how long the fault takes to find. Quotes are free and you are not obliged to accept one.
How to get
ready
- Note the boat type and length, and the engine make, model and hours, and add photos of the problem.
- Check whether your marina or mooring lets outside contractors work on site, and what they need to show.
- Arrange access, keys and any gate codes, and say where the pro can park and unload tools.
- If the boat needs lifting out, ask the marina or boatyard about haul-out dates and fees early.
- Have your Boat Safety Scheme certificate or examiner's report to hand if the work follows an examination.
Choosing the right pro
Every boat repairer on AYS passes a photo ID check and a review by our team before they can take bookings. We ask pros for insurance and any marine training or qualifications, and they can show these on their profile. For gas work, check the engineer's Gas Safe ID card lists LPG on boats. Many marinas ask contractors for public liability insurance, so look for it.
What is the Boat Safety Scheme?
The Boat Safety Scheme sets safety standards for boats on inland waterways, covering fuel, gas, electrics and fire risks. Navigation authorities such as the Canal & River Trust and the Environment Agency may ask for a valid certificate before you can register or license a boat. Boats that need a certificate are examined every four years by an authorised examiner.
Does every boat need a Boat Safety Scheme certificate?
No. A privately owned open boat with no motor does not need one, and some other open boats may be exempt. The rules depend on the boat and the waterway. Check with the navigation authority that manages the waterway where you keep or use your boat before you book an examination or repairs.
Who can work on the gas system on my boat?
Use a Gas Safe registered engineer who is qualified for LPG on boats. Not every Gas Safe engineer works with LPG, and not every LPG engineer works on boats. For boats people live on, and hire or business boats, the law requires this. Check the engineer's Gas Safe ID card, which lists the work they are qualified to do.
Does my boat need to come out of the water?
It depends on the job. Engine servicing, electrics and most interior work can be done afloat. Antifouling, below the waterline hull repairs, and some propeller, shaft and rudder work need the boat lifted out or on a slipway. The repairer will say in the quote if haul-out is needed and who arranges it.
Can a repairer work at my marina?
Often, yes, but marinas set their own rules. Some only allow approved contractors, and others ask outside pros to register, show insurance or pay a fee. Check with the marina office before you book, and add what you find out to your request so the pro knows what to expect.
How often should an outboard be serviced?
Most makers recommend a service at least once a year or after a set number of running hours, whichever comes first. Check your engine handbook for the exact interval. A service usually covers the oil, gearbox oil, plugs, fuel filter and impeller, and is a good time to spot corrosion or worn parts.
Boat repairs
near you.
AYS opens area by area. Pick your city for local tips, or check your postcode at the top of this page.
Read before
you book.
Often booked
together.
Do you offer boat repairs?
Get booked for it.
Join AYS as a pro. Choose the postcodes you cover, set your prices and take bookings from local customers.