Gosport boatyard

[Powersalt]

Looking to have boat lifted and antifouled by Gosport Boatyard. But as they dont lift on weekends they have offered to tow my yacht round to the lift during the week and avoid my taking a wasted day off work.
Now I dont normally do this, prefering to be around to keep an eye on my boat as I do tend to be a bit fussy. Anyway I just wonder if any forumites have any experience of the Gosport Boatyard that mught put my mind at rest or otherwise?

Thanks in advance for any experiences?

 

[Seajet]

I had a deep water mooring in Spider Lake with Gosport Boat Yard, but never had my boat lifted by them.

This was in 1989 so things might have changed, but I formed a high opinion of the staff and the boat handling skills of the people on the launch out to the moorings.

 

[Steve Clayton]

tell them it's a non-smoking boat; both cockpit and topsides

 

[Playtime]

I had a bad experience with them a few years ago. They must have lifted the boat with the strop around the Volvo saildrive folding prop. I only discovered this when cleaning the prop several days later - the shaft was very slightly bent. It was only by careful observation that I could see the outline of the strops on the hull heading in the direction of the prop.

They should have owned up before I discovered the problem - it must have been obvious to them as the boat came out of the water. However, when confronted, they did accept liability and paid for a new shaft to be fitted (£1000+ job!).

Fortunately, no damage was done to the engine mounts or diaphragm.

It was probably a one-off but I haven't used them since. Port Solent are always very careful. I know 'cos I always watch now!

 

[johnwest]

I have used GBY now for the past eight years and would have no problem recomending them. Have always found Chris Haddock and his staff very helpful and efficient. They collect and return a lot of boats from the marina i am in so have seen their boat handling on numerous occasions.
No connection just a satisfied customer.

j

 

[richardbrennan]

I am moored in Gosport Marina and my berth is just a stone's throw away from GBY. I can testify that they are towing boats to and from the local marinas and moorings all the time and I am sure they would have established a poor reputation locally if they were not doing a satisfactory job. Incidently, Gosport Marina (Premier) also have a crane and yard facilities, I am not sure how the prices would compare but it may be worth checking them out.

 

[Poignard]

Quite a long time ago, but I once had my boat antifouled by Hardway Marine. They collected it and took it to some piles near their premises. The price was very competitive and the work was well-done, including painting the boot-topping.

 

[AIDY]

No problem with Chris and team, quite a professional outfit.

 

[Powersalt]

Many thanks for the replies. Sounds as though I am worrying too much.

 

[Seajet]

Playtime,

while I'd be equally miffed at the damage - and can't see how injury to your engine bearers etc was avoided - my club insists on marking the sling points and gives us stickers to mark the positions, it's an all volunteer club so anything helpful is a good idea.

Easy in retrospect I know, but markings on the topsides for such things as saildrive leg, propshaft & bracket positions etc can save a lot of anguish & expense.

My boat is stored for the winter on trestles, so I find myself explaining every time which are the marks to put the slings on, the words 'trestle' and 'sling' seem to become invisible when people are in a hurry !

 

[robbieg]

Gosport BY

To be frank I think GBY is an extremely good yard. Boat handling is excellent, they listen to your requests how to set the boat up etc and have good parking and access to water and elec. Having tried several yards I always end up back with them. No connection etc

 

[Seajet]

The only real problem I found with having a boat at Gosport Boat Yard was the traffic to & from Gosport itself, can be a nightmare so avoid peak times !

On the other hand there's a good traditional chandlery, the Jolly Roger pub and the very helpful & friendly Hardway Sailing Club nearby; it's also an interesting place if one is into maritime / naval history.

 

[robbieg]

Gosport BY

To be frank I think GBY is an extremely good yard. Boat handling is excellent, they listen to your requests how to set the boat up etc and have good parking and access to water and elec. Having tried several yards I always end up back with them. No connection etc

 

[Pete7]

I find chris and his team always very helpful and have no problem with the lads picking up my boat from the mooring and lifting her out.

The only real problem I found with having a boat at Gosport Boat Yard was the traffic to & from Gosport itself, can be a nightmare so avoid peak times !

No avoid altogether, Gosport is for locals only

 

[jonjo]

I have watched Gosport Boat Yard bring my yacht ashore for two short haul outs and found them to be a competent careful team for shoreside handling. However I would not let them ferry my yacht having seen once incident first hand and suspected another.

Be aware that they will have to disconnect your backstay to swing your yacht in on their traditional single jib crane.