Shetland Scrapped in Hemel Hempstead

A Popular Cruiser

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. While the Shetland model is a popular starter cruiser, this particular example was far past its prime, having endured countless seasons exposed to the elements.

The owners were ready for a change. They had inherited the boat, or perhaps bought it with the best intentions, but the reality of repair and maintenance had long set in. The fiberglass was tired, the interior was damp and mouldy, and the original outboard engine was seized. The repairs needed to get her back on the water were simply not economical, especially considering the age and size of the boat. For years, it had merely served as an immovable obstacle, taking up valuable driveway space that the family desperately wanted back.

Complete Write-Off

The Boatbreakers team arrived, confirming that the boat was indeed a complete write-off. The trailer itself wasn’t too bad but it had no tow hitch making a simple tow impossible. Our first job was to assess the best method for removal.

Given the restricted access of the driveway and the state of the trailer, we employed a careful lifting strategy. The red Shetland was secured and lifted off the trailer using specialist equipment. The trailer was dismantled and brought back in bits before being sold on as a yard trailer.

Have their Driveway Back

In a matter of hours, the drive was completely cleared. The old Shetland was transported to the boat scrapyard for responsible disposal and recycling. The owners of the Hemel Hempstead property were visibly relieved to have their driveway back, finally free of the boat that had become a long-term, unloved monument to a lost hobby.