URGENT advice needed - gell coat repairs.

[Koeketiene]

Woke up to a pretty bad phonecall this morning. Ostend harbourmaster -Yanita broke her moorings this morning around 05h00 in a 10Bft NW'erly. She was secured alongside this morning at 07h00. According to the harbourmaster she suffered extensive damage to the hull (gell coat). Port side & transom.
Been in contact with my insurers - very understanding - but it would seem that they will insist that the repairs are carried out in the UK. Going over tomorrow to see the damage for myself (and take some pictures).
So getting to my question: anybody have experience of a decent yard that could carry out this work? In the Dover/Ipswich range. Preferably before my entire season goes up in smoke.

Thanks
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[Hardley]

I understand that FOXES at Ipswich are very good, I have no connection with the company.

 

[peterb]

I'd back Fox's as well, but at this point they may be busy. Give them a bell.

 

[Birdseye]

Its up to you where to have a repair done provided that it doesnt cost the insurer more than alternatives. They are insuring you against loss, not operating a boat maintenance contract. Thats what happens with your car - why are boats different?

If you are not happy with what they say, check your policy wording and argue

 

[davidwf]

SMS at Shotley are superb at GRP repairs easily up there with Foxs.

http://www.shotley-marina.co.uk/business/servicesbusiness.htm

 

[dweeze]

Dover Yacht Company at the dover marina are supposed to have a very good gelcoat/ grp fellow there although I think he may be busy. They're all pretty nice guys and always busy.

 

[tonykerry]

Try SMOOTH FINISH at Titchmarsh Marina, Walton on the Naze: They are good, but like all good tradesmen are usually busy. Tony Kerry

 

[Colvic Watson]

Try Swale Marina, superb InterSpray centre. web page

Good luck!

 

[Koeketiene]

Thanks all for the advice - got enough to get going. Guess the hardest part is going to be finding a yard that would take on the job NOW, and finish it soon after that.

Saw Yanita today, shock wore off after about 5 minutes. Looks worse than it is, I think. At least; not as bad as I feared, not as good as I had hoped.
Got plenty of pictures. HM's getting the full story on paper. Got a full weather report for last Friday from Ostend Port Control. Between 22h & 00h consistent windspeeds of over 45kts IN the harbour.

Hope to be able to submit something to the insurance by the end of this week. And hope they are as good as they claim to be.

 

[BrendanS]

If you don't have any joy close to home, ask for repairers further afield? There are many good ones out there, and someone can fit you in for repairs on a reasonable time scale.

Hope it goes well, no one likes hearing of the bad news. Just talk to Poter, his posts of boat being hammered in storm many months back were heart destroying, but now he's as happy as anything with new boat in new location