Dispute with the boatyard over a repair: your rights and what legal expenses cover brings

A dispute with the boatyard usually starts with a repair that does not do what it should: the engine runs worse after the service, the gelcoat shows ripples, the invoice is far above the estimate. Under UK consumer law a yard that works for a private owner must carry out the service with reasonable care and skill, and do what was agreed. If it falls short, you have rights over the repair, but they come in a set order, and skipping a step can weaken your position.

First the yard must be given the chance to put the work right, at its own cost and within a reasonable time. So complain in writing, with photos, and set a deadline. Only if the repeat work fails or does not happen do a price reduction or other remedies come into play. If you spot a fault when you collect the boat, say so there and get it noted. The yard can usually keep the boat until the bill is paid; if you need it back, pay under protest and in writing, and dispute the amount afterwards. In England and Wales a contract claim generally has to be brought within six years.

Have the fault recorded by an independent surveyor before another yard touches it, or the evidence is gone. Whether legal expenses cover pays for the dispute depends on the policy wording: contract disputes are often a separate section, and many policies only respond if the cover was already in place when the yard did the work. Check your wording before the boat goes in for a refit, not once the argument has started.

Worth remembering

Give the yard its chance first, then everything else.