What does it cost to paint a boat hull, and what affects the total price?
I've got a 30ft fibreglass sailing yacht with faded blue topsides and several seasons of antifouling underneath. What should I budget for repainting, and which parts of a boatyard quote are likely to push the price up?
Answer
For a typical 30ft fibreglass boat, budget £600 to £1,500 for straightforward yard-applied antifouling or £4,000 to £10,000 for a professional topsides repaint; extensive repairs and premium spray finishes cost more. Check whether the quote covers the topsides, the underwater hull or both, as these are separate jobs requiring different preparation and paint systems.
Does the hull need painting?
Wash the hull, then test a small patch with a suitable cutting compound. Faded gelcoat often responds well to compounding and polishing, saving the cost of a repaint. Peeling paint, deep crazing and exposed laminate need a different approach.
Dark blue and black hulls tend to show oxidation, scratches and unfair surfaces more readily than white hulls. A professional compound and polish on a 30ft boat might cost £400 to £1,000, depending on access and condition. Polishing cannot restore pigment indefinitely.
Below the waterline, check adhesion before buying paint. If the existing antifouling is firmly attached and compatible with its replacement, routine preparation may be enough. Thick, flaking layers need removing back to a sound base. That can turn routine maintenance into a substantial refit.
Budgets for a 30ft boat
These are indicative UK planning figures, not fixed tariffs. Location, VAT treatment, yard access and the scope of work can all shift the total considerably.
- DIY antifouling: £200 to £450 in materials. This normally covers conventional paint, rollers, tape, abrasives and protective equipment. Lifting and storage cost extra.
- Yard antifouling: £600 to £1,500. Expect washing, routine preparation and application. Confirm the number of coats and whether lifting is included.
- DIY topsides repaint: £500 to £1,500 in materials. This covers a conventional roller-and-brush system, primer, modest filling and consumables. It excludes major repairs and covered workspace.
- Professional topsides repaint: £4,000 to £10,000. This assumes a sound 30ft hull. Stripping failed coatings, extensive fairing or a premium sprayed finish can push the bill beyond £12,000.
A Tartan 27 typically needs about 2.4 litres of antifouling for one coat. Two coats require approximately 4.8 litres before allowing for waste and extra coverage at the waterline and the leading edges of the keel and rudder. Actual quantities depend on underwater area and the product's specified coverage.
What raises the bill
Preparation usually controls the bill. Removing failed paint, opening and repairing cracks, filling scratches, fairing and sanding between coats can take far longer than applying the finish.