Getting work done in Netherlands

Twister_Ken

Twister_Ken

Well-Known Member
Joined
31 May 2001
Messages
27,584
Location
'ang on a mo, I'll just take some bearings
Visit site
Sometime in the next year or two I want to replace the teak deck on Indigo. It has been suggested that this sort of work is cheaper in NL than in GB. Can anyone confirm?

<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.writeforweb.com/twister1>Let's Twist Again</A>
 
No direct experience, but it is undoubtedly true that hardwood is plentiful and a good deal cheaper over here. Items like garden furniture are a fraction of the price here that they are in UK. There is a wooden boat repair business at Stellendam close to the marina. They appear to do excellent work but there is a queue! I think I have a telephone number at home, will try to find it.

<hr width=100% size=1>
 
2 years ago I got quotes for a whole lot of refurbishment work to my steel yacht, 3 in England, 3 in Netherlands. (Not a teak deck though). The range of quotes was very similar in both countries. In both countries the range was considerable, the highest (big marina) being double the lowest (small yard). The cheapest was Dutch, but the extra travel costs and not being able to oversee the work so easily decided me on the lowest English quote. With the change in parity since then, the decision would be even clearer.

Dutch firms have a good reputation, and getting quotes may well be a good idea, but on my experience don't expect huge price advantages - unless you are comparing different types of operation.

<hr width=100% size=1>
 
Try sending a PM to ghostwriter who is, I believe, banned at the moment. He keeps his yacht in Holland and might be able to advise you.

<hr width=100% size=1>
 
Really don't know if it's worth the hassle.
As Vyv correctly states, the timber might be cheaper over here. but my experience with craftmanship is that they charge outrageous prices. And, as everywhere else, you need a piece of wood yourself, just to get the job done. It seems that leasure industry thinks that, because you use your boat for fun, they can take their time and work whenever it suits them, no matter what kind of planning has been agreed.

What's worse is, that people dealing with wood consider themselves quite unique and their quotations might not be very transparent.
Having said that, my marina neigbours have had their teak decks replaced this year. It was expensive, it was slow, but the quality is superb.

good luck,

<hr width=100% size=1>Peter a/b SV Heerenleed, Steenbergen, Netherlands
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top