Selling vs. Scrapping: When is it Time to Call the Boatbreakers?

The decision to sell or scrap an unwanted boat is a classic dilemma for owners, often leading to procrastination. Knowing when to call Boatbreakers hinges on assessing the vessel’s true value versus the spiralling costs and environmental liability of ownership.

When Selling Still Makes Sense

Selling is the preferred route when a boat, despite being unused or needing work, remains structurally sound and generally functional. If the boat has a trailer in good shape, a decent, working engine, or sought-after, recent hardware (sails, electronics), it still holds a market value. Owners should attempt to sell if:

• Repairs are incremental: The issues are minor (e.g., cosmetic damage, simple mechanical fixes).
• The trailer is valuable: A good, roadworthy trailer can often cover most or all of the boat’s scrap/removal cost.
• The boat is desirable: Models with good reputations or in sailable condition attract private buyers willing to take on a project.

When It’s Time to Call Boatbreakers (Scrapping)

Scrapping becomes the most responsible choice when repair costs exceed the boat’s resale value. Or when the issues pose significant safety or environmental risks. Call Boatbreakers when you see these signs:

• Structural Failure: Evidence of osmosis, soft decks, or severe corrosion in metal-hulled boats means major, uneconomical structural work is needed. If the hull cannot float safely, it needs disposal.
• Negative Value: The cost of transport, haul-out, and required repairs (like a blown engine or keel bolt corrosion) is significantly higher than what you could sell it for.
• Abandonment Risk: If the boat is simply sitting idle, costing you mooring fees. Or causing environmental contamination from leaking fuel or old anti-fouling paint, responsible disposal is crucial to avoid legal issues.
• End-of-Life GRP: For older fiberglass (GRP) boats, where the material itself has little scrap value and is difficult to recycle, professional dismantling is necessary to divert waste from landfill.

If selling has proven fruitless or the boat is too far gone for a new owner to want. Boatbreakers offers the guaranteed, legal, and environmentally conscious final solution. Our team are always happy to discuss your boat with you. We know that it can be a sensitive subject but we always like to give honest advice based on our experiences with other vessels. Just fill in the contact form and our team will do the rest.