The Hull Blacking Experiance

We decided we should get the hull blacked, as we did not wish to leave it too long and end up with more problems. I had checked around on the boat forums and Facebook groups so I had an idea of the costs involved.

We had initially planned to get the boat hauled out and do the work ourselves, all part of the boating experience, so we went to the Marina office to ask the costs etc, by the time we left we had decided to let them do everything.

We even went for 3 coats for extra protection. The cost including everything was estimated to be about £1200.00 Inc VAT.

After our chat I was very sure they would do a better job than me, far quicker, and with much less pain and effort on my part. The plan was they would move the boat to the slipway, load her onto a trailer and pull he out to be placed on blocks.

Stripped, ready for painting

After they cleaned up the hull ready for blacking, they noticed some pitting about midway along the hull, nothing major, but would recommend checking carefully next time. A recommendation was to fit some slim extra anodes fore and aft of this area, as you can see below. Fitting these cost an about £275 on the final invoice.

Blacked with extra anodes fitted

All looking good, she is ready to go back in the water

Back on the trailer

Slipped back onto the trailer and heading to the slipway

Back in the water

Now back in the water, it is an impressive trailer

All done with a tractor

As you can see, all done with the trusty aide of a tractor.

The final bill was £1507.70 including the new anodes.

Droitwich Spa Marina did an excellent job as far as we could judge, passing on the notes about pitting gives us more options for when we do this again. I must thank them for all the pictures and care they took with our boat.

Back in the water

Back in the water
Back in the water at Stoke Prior

Floydtilla is now back in the water at Stoke Prior, she has been blacked and all the outside work is now complete, just the kitchen to complete and we will be ready for the big pick up – we cannot wait.