Advice Picking Boat Yard

Tim R. · Oct 22, 2008

I can tell you why I use my boatyard. I used to store my boat here but now I just use them for hauling, unstepping/stepping and mast storage.

- The owner is the yard manager. He is out there hauling boats like everyone else.
- I have some personal connections to many employees including the owner. I tend to get better access to tools and parts
- They have a very good relationship with my hauler(truck)
- They had never restricted me on yard work. Stripped hull and built up with barrier, oil changes using their pumps, etc
- They mistakenly did some unapproved work on my boat(pressure washed bottom, winterized head and fresh water system) and they did not charge me for it. We have another yard around here that does this as a way to drum up business. In fact they have been known to send a bill for work they never did and then hold your boat hostage til the bill is paid(happened to a friend). It just sold so hopefully the new owner will improve things.
- I have lot's of frinds who use this yard(gives us a little more clout as a group)
- The owner has a boat he(personally) has been restoring so he understands us DIYers.
- Many other perks I will not divulge here for fear of losing them.

This is a northern yard that is part of a large chain in NE and NY. I have heard contrasting opinions on the other locales. I believe this one is the only one still run by a family member of the founder.

I guess my best advice would be to find a yard where you can create a good relationship with the management.

Don S/V ILLusion · Oct 22, 2008

I have a pretty good idea of the yard Tim discussed but every individual yard, regardless of who owns them, has a distinct personality and the best way for you to make an informed choice is to visit a few, find some folks there with whom you can talk about their satisfaction and go by their recommendations. Most boaters will be brutally honest when it comes to the pros/cons of their yard.

Maine Sail · Oct 22, 2008

You could try..

Prime Time said:
Hi,
I'm looking for advice in choosing a boat yard to do major restoration of a 35 yr old fiberglass boat. Work would included painting hull and deck, rebedding the hull deck joint, standing rigging, installing a bow thruster. Looking for a place in the Northeast to do the work. Please let me know your favorite and least favorite places to get work done. Thanks

You might consider using Tim Lackey. He specializes in restoring plastic classics. His shop is in Whitefield Maine and he is also the owner of the Plastic Classic Forums.

Many of the yards in Maine do exceptional work as we have many boat building schools up here to draw talent from. I use Royal River Boat yard in Yarmouth and their fiberglass/Awlgrip guys are second to none. Dodi is an absolute artist. I have seen a couple of recent complete deck jobs that would absolutely blow you away! Better than new is how best to describe theri work. I do think it's a little late for this season as I do know they have a waiting list for the paint shop this winter.

Here are a few that I know do very nice work. The good shops book up quickly..

Strouts Point - South Freeport
Brewers - South Freeport
Royal River Boat Yard - Yarmouth
Yankee Marine - Yarmouth
Tim Lackey - Whitefield Maine
Great Island Boat Yard - Harpswell
Morris Yachts - Bass Harbor
Robinhood Marine - Georgetown

Ask for references and also do your best to look at some recent completions especially deck jobs and Awlgrip work. One tip when deciding if a yard does good paint work is to look at the boot stripe/waterlines of a freshly painted boat.

It should be perfectly even as the boat sits in the water. If there is 1" at the bow between the water and the boot stripe it should be 1" all the way around. The water line should not turn up at the stern or bow.. This is one little secret that always makes a Hinckley or Morris stand out as she sits on her lines in the water.. Straight boot stripes show a commitment to quality work..

Advice Picking Boat Yard

Prime Time

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Tim R.

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Don S/V ILLusion

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Maine Sail

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Prime Time

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