Boat repairs in the South-East

[MerlinMags]

I know most of use enjoy doing our own repairs, but this time I need a professional as I am not quite skilled enough, have no spare time, and no garage space.

Can anyone recommend a boatbuilder expert in ancient clinker dinghies, in the South-East of England? (I wonder if this info could make it's way onto the LINKS page of this website too?)

I've had work done by Laurie Smart (near Horsham) before, and he is excellent, but I do need more options as he's usually very busy.

Thanks.

[Ed]

Personally, I would wait for Laurie

eib

[clibb]

Is Windsor South East enough ? I use Stanley and Thomas for more complicated work, they do an excellent job. the website is http://www.stanleyandthomas.co.uk.

regards

Nick C Intl 14 - 839

[Stephen Hill]

What about Jacko? or is that too far east

[Rupert]

http://www.henwoodanddean.co.uk/

Colin Henwood does amazing work, too. Based at Henley.

[MerlinMags]

Jacko is too busy with carbon spars I expect. I now hear that Laurie isn't too booked-up at present, though.

Thanks folks. Please keep 'em coming if there are any more! Especially if they are cheaper (the work I need doing will not be visible, so less worries on that score).

[jon711]

Of course there's also Gerry Ledger...

Jon

[MerlinMags]

I did try Noble's list of repairers: http://www.noblemarine.co.uk/repairers.php3
but it didn't turn up anything useful for my situation, other than to ask:

Anyone used Dolphin Quay Boatyard in Emsworth? They seem to deal well with traditional stuff, but perhaps yachts only?

[Ancient Geek]

All i can say is when I was "doing" the south coast in search of Agba Veneer for Garry's Firefly Repair they were helpful in attitude but useless if that was I would go to Wyche Marine at Dell Quay Roddy Wilson 01243 782768 in many respects Englands last hope.

[Brookesy]

South West rather than SE but eminantly qualified with Merlins as ex Spud Rowsell man is Chris Clack at CPC Boatworks on 07989232768 based in Sidmouth Devon Thoroughly recomended for traditional repairs through to full builds, a good old fashioned one man business who does really first class work.

[Guy]

Hi There - Does anyone have contact details for Laurie Smart?

[davidh]

Another good option is the woodoworking team down in the Metre Boat Shed on the River Hamble. They are good with clinker boats and have got some very talented woodworking boatbuilders, if I had some serious work to be done I would consider them - if the location suits you. If not, any of the others are a good bet

D

[Ed]

Laurie Smart can normally be contacted through the Upper Thames Sailing Club.

Or drop in to Bourne End Week.....isn't that next week?

I might have the phone number somewhere for his workshop......but suspect it was with some notes in my Merlin Rocket book.....that strangely enough has somehow gone walkabout.

eib

[jon711]

Another option, would be to book the boat in with the IBTC at Lowestoft. Not sure if it still works on the same policy, but it used to be pay for materials, no cost for labour, no definite date of completion, as boat will be used for training purposes..

Jon

[MerlinMags]

Lawrie Smart - 07976 536922 (this might be the mobile of his business partner Steve Jevons, who handles phone calls)