Operation Space-Maker: Boatbreakers Clear the Boatyard Graveyard (Westerly Gk24)
Clearing the Deadwood
We recently received the call every boatyard owner dreads—and yet secretly welcomes: a significant build-up of abandoned and unpaid vessels. These forgotten boats, often the result of financial woes or unfinished projects, occupy valuable real estate.
Boatyard management rightly decided it was time for a purge. They called Boatbreakers to legally and responsibly remove a their “dead boats” . Our job involves managing the entire process, from stripping the usable salvage to ensuring the environmentally compliant disposal of the GRP hulls. This clear-out is essential to free up the congested hard standing, allowing the yard to operate efficiently and, most importantly, welcome new, paying business. Especially before the winter lift out. One of these vessels was a Westerly GK24.
Westerly GK24
The Westerly GK24 represents a radical departure for the renowned British builder, moving from their traditional cruising designs into the performance racer/cruiser market of the 1970s. Designed by Laurent Giles and Chris Hawkins, the 24-foot (7.32m) yacht was based on a successful Quarter Ton Cup racer prototype.
Launched in 1975, the GK24 is characterised by its wide 9′ 3″ beam and flush deck, which gives it a surprisingly spacious cockpit and good handling characteristics.3 While the accommodation is sparse with limited headroom (around 4′ 6″), it offered four berths and a separate heads, appealing to both club racers and budget-minded cruisers. Available with either a fractional or masthead rig and a deep or shallow fin keel, approximately 320 were built until 1981, securing its legacy as a fast, responsive, and affordable small yacht.
Making
Space for RevenueA boatyard’s profitability is directly tied to the space it can sell. Every abandoned hull—or “dead boat”—is a spot where a paying customer isn’t.
By removing these long-term liabilities, the yard instantly opens up high-demand spaces for winter storage, lift-outs, and maintenance projects. Furthermore, a clutter-free, professional-looking yard attracts higher-value clients and reduces insurance risks. Clearing the deadwood is not just an aesthetic upgrade; it’s a direct revenue boost, ensuring the yard can service the vibrant boating community instead of acting as a marine graveyard.
