Refit blog
Thorough, reliable guides on repair, refit and service — grouped by topic. Choose a category.
This is a knowledge library, not a list of our services. Some topics — systems, electrics, engines — go beyond the scope of our work; we ourselves deal with the surfaces and finish of a vessel.
All entries are visible.
Hull and laminate
Osmosis in a laminate hull — diagnosis and repair
Diagnosing and fully repairing osmosis in a polyester laminate hull — drying, sanding, barrier coat.
Read on →Sanding gelcoat step by step
How to sand gelcoat properly — choosing grit, wet and dry technique, and preparation for polishing.
Read on →Polishing the hull to a mirror finish
Polishing gelcoat to a deep gloss — choosing compounds, pads, machine speed and protection with wax or a coating.
Read on →Antifouling — choosing and applying an anti-fouling coating
How to choose and apply antifouling — coating types (ablative, hard), hull preparation and safe application.
Read on →Repairing gelcoat cracks and chips
Repairing scratches, crazing and gelcoat chips — opening up the cracks, matching the colour and finishing to a gloss.
Read on →Hand lamination — repairing a hull puncture
Repairing a hull puncture with glass-epoxy laminate — a bevelled grind, laying the cloth and rebuilding the gelcoat.
Read on →Painting the hull with two-component (polyurethane) paints
Painting a hull with 2K polyurethane — preparation, primer, spray and roller-and-brush technique, and isocyanate safety.
Read on →Anodes and protection against galvanic corrosion
How cathodic protection works, how to match the anode material to the water and when to replace it.
Read on →Repairing coloured gelcoat and matching the colour
How to repair a chip in coloured gelcoat and match the colour so the repair is as invisible as possible.
Read on →Washing, waxing and seasonal yacht care
How to wash, de-iron and protect gelcoat with wax or a coating so the laminate keeps its gloss all season.
Read on →Wood and varnish
Refitting a teak deck — cleaning and recaulking
Cleaning, sanding and recaulking a teak deck — restoring the colour and replacing the seams between planks.
Read on →Restoring a wooden classic — hull planking
Restoring the planking of a classic wooden yacht — assessing the boards, replacing strakes, caulking and preservation.
Read on →Varnishing yacht woodwork — 1K vs 2K varnish
Varnishing yacht woodwork — comparing 1K and 2K varnishes, number of coats, sanding between coats and UV protection.
Read on →Oil or varnish on teak — comparing the methods
Oil, varnish or leave it bare? A comparison of teak care methods on a yacht, with the drawbacks, benefits and practice.
Read on →Deck and structure
Repairing the rudder and rudder stock
Diagnosing and repairing the rudder and stock — bearing play, a waterlogged blade, shaft corrosion and laminate rebuilding.
Read on →Keel refit — ballast and the joint with the hull
Restoring a ballast keel — the keel smile, cast iron/lead corrosion, keel bolts and resealing the joint.
Read on →Replacing deck hardware and fighting leaks
Fitting and sealing deck hardware — the overdrill technique, choosing the sealant, backing plates and eliminating leaks.
Read on →Restoring windows and portlights — seals and acrylic
Repairing leaking windows and portlights: replacing seals, re-bedding and restoring hazed acrylic.
Read on →Repairing a damp deck core (balsa/foam)
Diagnosing and repairing a damp core in a sandwich laminate (balsa/foam): drying and rebuilding.
Read on →Renewing the deck non-slip surface
Renewing deck non-slip: painting with added grit or TPE/EVA panels for safe grip.
Read on →Repairing bulkheads and structural reinforcements
Diagnosing and repairing detached or rotten bulkheads and structural reinforcements in a yacht hull.
Read on →Anchor, chain and ground tackle — choice and inspection
Choosing the anchor type and weight, the chain length, and inspecting shackles, the swivel and the bitter end.
Read on →Repairing deck hatches and companionways — sealing
A practical guide to repairing leaking hatches and companionways: replacing seals, re-bedding the frame and protecting the deck.
Read on →Refitting the guard rail and storm rail (pulpits, wires)
Checking, repairing and replacing stanchions, pulpits and guard wires — a key part of safety on deck.
Read on →Engine and drive
Outboard engine maintenance
Flushing, changing the oil and plugs, and protecting an outboard step by step.
Read on →Diesel engine service — impeller, filters, oils
A complete service of a marine diesel: oils, fuel and air filters, impeller and bleeding.
Read on →Gearbox, propeller shaft and stern gland — inspection
Inspecting the gearbox, shaft alignment and cutless bearing, plus servicing conventional and dripless seals.
Read on →Exhaust system and waterlock — checking and repair
How a wet exhaust with a waterlock works and how to check hoses, clamps and the anti-siphon loop to keep water out of the engine.
Read on →The propeller — cleaning, protection and reconditioning
Cleaning, polishing, antifouling protection and propeller reconditioning, plus checks of anodes and the shaft.
Read on →Bow thruster — service
Servicing a bow thruster: anodes, propellers, greasing the legs, checking the power supply and clutches so manoeuvres stay reliable.
Read on →Systems and power
Skin fittings and seacocks — inspection and replacement
Inspecting and replacing skin fittings and seacocks — choosing materials, fitting, sealing and safety.
Read on →Refitting the 12/24 V electrical system
Refitting a 12/24 V system — choosing cable, protection, crimped joints, corrosion and safety rules.
Read on →Repairing and replacing tanks (fuel, water, waste)
Diagnosing, repairing and replacing fuel, fresh water and holding tanks together with their plumbing and venting.
Read on →Yacht pumps: bilge, fresh water, waste
Choosing, fitting and maintaining bilge pumps, fresh water pressure pumps and waste pumps.
Read on →Solar installation on a yacht (panels, MPPT controller)
Energy balance, choosing panels and an MPPT controller, and a correct, safe solar installation.
Read on →Choosing batteries: AGM, gel and LiFePO4
AGM, gel and LiFePO4 compared: usable capacity, charging, BMS and choosing a safe bank.
Read on →Servicing refrigeration and the yacht fridge
How to maintain and service a yacht fridge: compressor, evaporator, condenser ventilation and cool box insulation.
Read on →Water heater and hot water system on a yacht
Fitting and servicing a yacht water heater: heating from the engine and 230 V, the coil, the safety valve and the thermostatic mixer.
Read on →Fitting navigation electronics and transducers
How to fit a chartplotter, log, echo sounder and transducers and link them over an NMEA 2000 backbone into one reliable network.
Read on →Fuel lines and yacht hoses — replacement
Safe replacement of fuel hoses: the right standards, clamps, water separator and leak checks in diesel and petrol systems.
Read on →Rig and sails
Refitting an aluminium mast
Cleaning, corrosion repair and painting of an aluminium mast, plus inspection of fittings and tracks.
Read on →Inspecting and replacing standing rigging (shrouds and stays)
How to assess wear on shrouds and stays, replace standing rigging safely and tune the mast.
Read on →Sail repair and care
Cleaning, minor seam and cloth repairs, and correct sail storage for a longer service life.
Read on →Servicing the genoa furler drum
How to strip, clean and service a genoa furler drum so the sail rolls smoothly and safely.
Read on →Interior
Interior refit — upholstery and materials
Replacing foam and covers, choosing marine fabrics and fighting damp under the mattresses in a yacht cabin.
Read on →Removing and preventing mould on a yacht
Removing mould from a yacht interior effectively, and lasting ways to prevent damp and spores.
Read on →Cleaning and refurbishing the bilge
How to clean the bilge effectively and safely, remove oil and odour, and prepare it for inspection and painting.
Read on →Gear, season and safety
Restoring and polishing stainless steel (rails, pulpits)
Removing rust bloom, polishing and passivating stainless steel on rails, pulpits and fittings.
Read on →Winterising a yacht — complete preparation
A complete yacht winterising list: engine, water systems, batteries, hull and frost protection.
Read on →Choosing and replacing lines: mooring lines, sheets, halyards
How to choose the diameter and type of rope for mooring lines, sheets and halyards, and replace them safely.
Read on →Servicing winches — cleaning and greasing
Step by step: stripping, cleaning, greasing and checking the pawls of a yacht winch.
Read on →Repairing an inflatable and a RIB
Locating the leak, choosing adhesive for PVC and Hypalon, and bonding a durable patch on a tender.
Read on →Fire safety and extinguishers on board
Choosing extinguishers, engine bay protection, a fire blanket and how to react to a fire on board.
Read on →How to prepare a yacht for a survey
How to prepare a yacht for a surveyor so the inspection runs smoothly and gives a credible, favourable result.
Read on →A2 vs A4 stainless — choosing fasteners for a yacht
How A2 (304) steel differs from A4 (316), where to use each on a yacht, and how to avoid galvanic and crevice corrosion.
Read on →Refitting a boat trailer
Trailer refit: hubs and bearings, brakes, the lighting circuit, rollers and supports, and protecting the frame from corrosion.
Read on →