Hardstanding for DIY

[Kristal]

A friend of mine would like to find somewhere to keep a potential new purchase. The requirements are:

- Enough space to work on the boat
- Allowed to do DIY work, use powertools etc.
- Reasonable access by car
- Friendly toward wooden boats and their owners
- Fairly inexpensive
- East Coast Location

I've enquired at Robertson's of Woodbridge who look after myself and Crystal, but being a busy traditional boatyard, they might not take kindly to us doing DIY fastenings, caulking etc. and getting in their way. Any advice gratefully received.

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<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.crystaltwo.co.uk/>Crystal II in Pictures</A>

 

[Peterduck]

You'd think that there would almost be enough demand for a group like the OGA to take over an old yard for members to do their own maintenance and storage. The principal difficulties would be in the insurance/legal side of things. A friend of mine who runs just the sort of place you need [but here in Melbourne] told me that his insurance broker almost had a heart attack when he learned that owners do their own work in the yard.

Peter.

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[dickh]

Have you tried Felixstowe Ferry Boatyard? Tel 01394282173
OR better still, the Granary Yacht Harbour at Dock Lane, Melton, just above Woodbridge? Mel Skeet is very friendly and will almost certainly allow DIY work - tel 01394 386327


<hr width=100% size=1>dickh
I'd rather be sailing... /forums/images/icons/smile.gif

 

[Sniper]

either of the Pin Mill yards (Webbs or Kings) should be OK with this arrangement. Webbs are slightly cheaper and have a number of 'projects' going on currently. The other place you might try is Andy Harman at St Osyth - don't be put off by the creek (as long as the boat doesn't draw more than about 7 feet!) However, I can also confirm that Mel Skeet at Granary is a good bloke - used to know him years ago when he worked at Foxs.

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[jhoseason]

Try Harbour Marine Services at Southwold - hard standing, power, a good chandlery and an excellent yard that knows all about wooden boats. No problem with DIY either.

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[pyrojames]

I do all mine on the hardstand at Ipswich Haven Marina. It is in the docks area, so power tools are fine, it is reasonably cheap, and has very good all round access for cars. Very good security with regular patrols throughout the night, and friendly staff.



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[celandine]

You might want to try Mariners Farm Boatyard on the river Medway. They are very sympathetic to classic boats and provide all the facilities you mention at very reasonable rates. There are a number of classic restorations on the go at the moment, ranging from wooden yachts to the complete rebuild of an Essex smack etc.
Tel: 01634 233179

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