Coppercoating by Scottish Yards

[trythalljohn]

We are considering having our boat (Starlight 35) professionally coppercoated and are interested in other people’s experiences, particularly those who have had the job done by yards in the north of Scotland. We asked our yard in Inverness for contacts of anyone who had had the work done by them, but they explained they could not do this because of Data Protection. They suggested a boating forum as a way of researching others’ experience, so here goes. It would only be practical to have the work done In Inverness or on the West Coast as far south as the Clyde.

 

[Ian_Edwards]

I looked at this a couple of years ago.
To do CopperCoat well the boat needs to be under cover in a controlled environment.
Only two scottish yards surfaced in my search, Silvers at Gairloch and Fairlie, but there may be more, Fairlie seem to be just a marina now.
So I'd suggest you contact Silver's, they seem to have quite a reasonable reputation for paint work.
In the end I used Hamble Yacht Services, before the boat was road transported north (bought in the Hamble and transported to Inverness)

 

[afterpegassus]

Try Stevie Gillies in Kyleakin. I know he has Copper coated quite a few vessels including a local fishing boat. My friend has just had his Trintella re-done, the first treatment having lasted 14 years. He and his workers have extensive experience of GRP work.

 

[langstonelayabout]

They're right about data protection, but if you write to their customer and supply your contact details for them to get in touch with you the laws of the land won't be broken...

 

[Halo]

Had mine done at Coates Marine at Whitby. Super job. Glass blast, 5 Coats epoxy on keels, 5 coats Coppercoat all done indoors. Not in Scotland but as the process is temperature dependant it may be worth the trip South to warmer climes.

 

[DannyB]

I had my 39 footer done by DDZ marine in Largs, big shed, controlled environment, all good. A friend got his new Bavaria 36 done there a couple of years ago.

Call them and speak to Dino.

 

[Sneaky Pete]

Ask the marina if they could contact the person(s) to give them your contact details the worst that can happen is they won’t contact you.
DDZ at Largs would do the job but they are very expensive for labour.
Silvers reputation seems to be on the up again they are pricey.
There is a boat builder and shed at Port Bannatyne marina.
Inverkip has a temperature controlled shed (usually controlled by the door open or closed) where they carry out that kind of work.

I am comparing some of these yards to other down south where prices are more competitive

 

[NormanS]

Try Creran Marine, which unsurprisingly is in Loch Creran.

 

[AntarcticPilot]

Ask the marina if they could contact the person(s) to give them your contact details the worst that can happen is they won’t contact you.
DDZ at Largs would do the job but they are very expensive for labour.
Silvers reputation seems to be on the up again they are pricey.
There is a boat builder and shed at Port Bannatyne marina.
Inverkip has a temperature controlled shed (usually controlled by the door open or closed) where they carry out that kind of work.

I am comparing some of these yards to other down south where prices are more competitive

When we were thinking of it, DDZ were the people recommended by AMC. However, they were VERY expensive, and we went a DIY route - professional blasting followed by DIY application. We did it later in the year so the temperature was OK.

 

[Steve_N]

+1 for NormanS's comment, Creran have undercover units with single and 3 phase power for £230pw and are experienced copper-coaters.
http://www.creranmarine.co.uk/maintenance-repair/

 

[PowerSlapper]

or on the West Coast as far south as the Clyde.

West Coast Marine Services in Troon Marina. Plenty of sheds. Temperature controlled. Ask for Hugh. I would not even entertain the thought of DDZ, dealt with them once and never again.
WCMS see for contact numbers http://www.yachthavens.com/troon/our-haven/on-site-services/

 

[aowen]

SJ Marine did mine in the shed in Ardrossan a couple of winters back. Ask for Andrew.

 

[Mataji]

Kilmelford Yacht Haven in Loch Melfort. I, and several others, helped a friend coppercoat his boat there a few years ago. They have a big shed. Worth asking for a quote.

 

[ianj99]

For the sake of completeness, Ardfern Yacht Centre, Argyll, will also be able to do it and have a shed large enough and their workmanship is generally top class.
I'm kicking myself for not having it done after I had the hull wet grit blasted in 2013 and re-epoxied though that was at Portavadie not Ardfern and I did the epoxying myself, getting high on the fumes into the bargain!

 

[Whaup367]

@trythalljohn (or anyone else with relevant experience!): Did you proceed with coppercoating, please, and if so; do you have any advice after your experience, please?

Our 36' boat's CC needs re-doing and we're wondering where to get it done: looking for somewhere that can strip the old coat and has experience re-applying in a controlled, undercover environment. Ideally over the winter and on the West Coast of Scotland.

Thanks,
W.

 

[Daydream believer]

But a particular point to note to post #15
When I spoke to the manufacturer about new coppercoat last winter they said that one does not strip the old copppercoat. It has to be abraded smooth & just re coated. I suggest that you discuss with the manufacturer about this before proceeding with any particular company who might take you for a ride.