Abandoned Boat Removal in Hamble

The Boat breakers team got the call from a yard along the Hamble River.  An abandoned yacht needed to be removed from their boatyard. This sad vessel had been a fixture in the yard for years, her owner long gone. She was little more than a stripped-out, forlorn old GRP hull, the engine and all internal fittings already scavenged or removed. With the marina having finally taken legal possession of the boat, it was time to clear the space, preparing the yard for the busy winter lift-out season.

The Cost of Wasted Space

In a bustling marina, every inch of wasted space costs money, making the removal of abandoned vessels crucial. If large sections of the yard were perpetually blocked by boats not paying fees, it would create major logistical and financial problems. Worse, it could set a damaging precedent, potentially leading other owners to abandon their boats and let them decay in a corner.

For this particular job, the boat-breaking team happened to be working on a different vessel close by. The marina took the opportunity to ask if they could also formulate a plan for the old yacht. Naturally, the team was happy to take on the task.

A Simple Plan for Removal

The collection plan was straightforward. They would arrive with their Hiab crane and load the hull for the journey back to their Boat Scrapyard. The vessel was completely clean—no fuel, flares, water, gas, or fire extinguishers remained onboard. Meaning there were minimal hazards to deal with. With the space now clear, the marina can quickly fill it with a paying customer. The team is confident that the marina will recoup the cost of scrapping the yacht within a year.

Slim Pickings for Salvage

Sadly, there was very little to salvage from the old yacht, only a few small brass fittings. These weren’t in great condition and were added to the team’s brass pile for metal recycling.

If you own an old boat, the message is clear: don’t leave it abandoned in a boatyard. It is almost always cheaper to arrange to have your boat scrapped than to let marina storage fees accumulate for another year. Don’t leave the financial burden to fall on someone else. Professional boat breakers can help you escape that costly trap.