Yacht joinery and interior finishing
Varnish on joinery, saloon and galley fit-out, floors, worktops and upholstery. We start by finding where the moisture comes from, because without that a renovated interior will not last a season.
The inside of a vessel ages differently from the hull: not from the sun but from damp, wear and the improvised alterations of previous owners. We take on its surfaces and fit-out — from refreshing varnish on joinery to building new units, including the finishing work we learned while building yachts.
Scope of work
- Joineryvarnish, oil, repair
- Fit-outsaloon, galley, berths
- Floorscovering and access hatches
- WorktopsCorian and mineral materials
- Upholsteryafter measuring
Refreshing instead of replacing
A good part of an interior can be put right without stripping out the fit-out. Sanding and revarnishing the joinery, replacing the floor covering, making good the trim and restoring access hatches change the feel of an interior more than new cushions, and cost a fraction of a full rebuild. We propose replacement only where the material is delaminated or wet through.
Moisture matters more than looks
Before any interior work we check where the water comes from. Stains under portlights, at deck fittings and around hatches return after every rain, so renovated joinery without sealing the source will be ruined in one season. Sealing is covered by the guides on hatches and openings and on deck fittings.
Our background
We did interior finishing work earlier while building large yachts — hence polishing mineral worktops, fitting out heads and matching panelling. The our projects page shows examples of that work.
What to prepare before a quote
- photographs of the interior from several points, preferably in daylight,
- close-ups of damaged, stained or previously altered areas,
- the dimensions of the space or the part, if the work involves a new fit-out,
- anything you know about the source of leaks.
Common questions
Can joinery be renovated without removing it from the vessel?
Bolted parts we usually take out, because an even varnish and shorter drying times are easier to achieve in the workshop. Fixed joinery is sanded and varnished in place, with the interior masked and ventilated — that takes longer but leaves the structure untouched.
Varnish or oil inside?
Inside, usually varnish, because the surfaces face less radiation and are easier to keep clean. Oil makes sense where quick local repair and a matt finish matter. The guide on oil or varnish covers the differences.
Do you do upholstery?
Yes, once the dimensions are taken and the material agreed. When replacing cushions it is worth checking the state of the boards beneath them and the ventilation of the berths — the commonest cause of mould is a lack of airflow rather than the fabric itself.
Do you alter installations inside the vessel?
No. Electrical, plumbing and gas installations we leave to licensed workshops. We can prepare the fit-out for their work and finish the interior once they are done.