Welcome to the Breaking Boats Blog

Every scrap boat has a story, even when it reaches the end of the line. Welcome to the official blog of Boatbreakers, where we document the final voyages of the vessels (and their backstories) when they come through our Boat Scrapyard.

This blog offers a behind-the-scenes look at the reality of boat disposal and marine recycling in the UK. From recovering abandoned projects rotting in garden driveways to dealing with insurance write-offs and storm-damaged yachts, we tackle the jobs that keep our waterways and properties clear.

We also highlight the logistics of complex recoveries and the importance of environmental responsibility. We also showcase the “diamonds in the rough” the salvaged engines, masts, and vintage hardware that we rescue and recirculate to keep other boats afloat. Dive in to see our latest projects, unique finds, and the honest side of the marine industry.

Shetland Scrapped in Hemel Hempstead
This call-out to Hemel Hempstead was a classic case of a small boat becoming a big problem. The target was a diminutive red Shetland boat, perched precariously on a rusty trailer, which had been a permanent fixture on the owner’s driveway for a number of years.
Posted: 26 August 2025
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.
Posted: 21 August 2025
Kingfisher 26 Yacht Recycling in Gosport
This abandoned Kingfisher 26 being collected from a boatyard in Gosport marked the end of a long, frustrating ordeal for the facility.
Posted: 17 August 2025
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 [...]
Posted: 15 August 2025
The ‘Cheap Scrap’ Trap: Why You Must Be Careful with End-of-Life Boats
When your old boat finally reaches the end of its life, the temptation of a cheap disposal service can be strong.
Posted: 10 August 2025
After 25 Years Out of the Water: Colvic Watson Disposal
Boatbreakers were called to a yard to deal with a real relic. An old Colvic Watson that had been sitting on the hard for over 25 years.
Posted: 8 August 2025
10 Signs Your Boat Might Be Ready for Breaking
10 Signs Your Boat Might Be Ready for Breaking Instead of Repair Many boat owners reach a point where repairs cost more than the boat is worth. Sometimes the kindest thing you can do for your vessel (and your wallet) is let it go through a professional boat breaking process. [...]
Posted: 5 August 2025
Wooden Boat Who Couldn’t Find a Buyer
As a Boat breaking team we never enjoy scrapping a wooden boat. Purely because you see the craftsmanship that went into building them.
Posted: 1 August 2025
Norman River Boat Recycling in Oxford
Norman 20 in Oxford Our marine and boat recycling team were waste deep in the River Thames to remove an old Norman 20 boat. We had been asked by her owners to remove the boat from the mooring as she'd fallen into disrepair. Sadly the once loved boat was no [...]
Posted: 28 July 2025
Flush Poker 27 (GIB’SEA) Collected for Disposal in Marchwood
Boatbreakers were in Marchwood to collect and dispose of a Flush Poker 27. The marine and boat recycling journey for this boat went full circle.
Posted: 4 July 2025
Zero to Landfill for End-of-Life Boats
For decades, the final destination for most scrapped boats, particularly those made of fibreglass (GRP), was the landfill.
Posted: 3 July 2025
Skipper 17 Boat Disposal in Southampton
A little Skipper 17 presented an interesting morning for the team last week. She had been on the owner's drive for a number of years and sadly he had passed away.
Posted: 2 July 2025