Steelwork

Fabrication and overplating

Fabrication

We make to your individual requirements

Overplating

Reinforcing fragile plate with fresh steel

Steelwork

Steelwork requirements are often a result of a survey and usually tailored to the individual vessel. Instructions are best forwarded from the surveyor directly to us, to avoid any miscommunication about what is required.

Boats that need steelworks will need to be discussed in detail before booking. Every single job is unique and therefore the price is quoted based on individual requirements. We will always be open and honest about the cost, the time and the work involved, so you can make an informed decision.

We can do roughly 20 pit welds per hour. Rate £66.00 per hour.

P&S Marine Steelwork Services:

  • Overplating
  • Pad welding
  • MMA
  • Bespoke fabrication*

*For part replacements or repairs P&S Marine engineers can skilfully fabricate and tailor parts you may require (e.i. engine mounts or flues).

Note: It is also recommended that the work is then signed off by that same surveyor on completion.

Pricing

Due to the volatility in the price of steel we provide a quote on all steelworks.

Please contact us directly with your query.

  • Enquire directly – Steel plate
  • Enquire directly – Mild steel
  • £ 66.00 per hour labour
Continuous water tight weld
Fabricated Flue
Welding from the inside out
Hull in need of overplating
“I had a great experience at P&S Marine, Ralph, Jack and the team were flexible/understanding and helpful as well as available to talk through questions/queries. They liaised directly with my surveyor and undertook extensive hull over-plating work to an excellent standard, it’s given my rusty old boat a new lease of life. Very clearly they are the pros and I will be making the journey to Watford every couple of years to have any maintenance completed here! (Aug 2023) ”

Sam Midgely

Avoiding expensive Steelwork

Working with steel is a skillful job which needs a trusted hand. Here at P&S Marine we can offer the necessary expertise and give your hull a brand new, well deserved lease of life.

Your hull is made from steel plate which loses its protective layer over time. Older boats can become thin and pitted, and as a consequence require over-plating to reinforce. This can be a full or partial hull, and will extend the life of your boat.

We work with steel plate and mild steel. Both are very very expensive! which why it is so important that you black your hull and attach anodes every 2 to 3 years.

You boats steel hull will have a much extended life if you regularly pressure wash, leaving a good clean surface to paint on the 2 coats of SML Bitumen (not Epoxy) either yourself or we do this for you.

Anodes fitted on both the sides (standard) and the baseplate (low profile) will prolong the health of your hull.

Other Services

Cranage

The largest lifting capacity on the UK inland waterways

Hardstanding

Dry docking for you and your boat, and free WiFi

Engine Servicing

Smooth your sailing with consistent maintenance

Anodes

Cathodic protection for your canal boat

Hull Blacking

Two coats of SML bitumen for the hull of your vessel

Grit Blasting

Hull preparation prior to painting the base and sides

FAQ

The most frequently asked questions about steelwork are answered here, but if you would like to ask an additional question please click below
GLORIA: DO NOT USE THE TOP QUESTION - IT IS INVISIBLE
How much will overplating cost?
The price of steel is changing every single day, so we can only cost your job the week of your booking. Just be aware it is an expensive job. Please contact us directly with your query. We are happy to discuss 1-2-1
How long will it take to complete a job?
This depends on each individual job. The complexity of each boats requirements means an average cost cannot be given. Each boat is unique. We would book you in for a minimum 2 week slot but it could possibly require a much longer stay.
What items can you fabricate?
Engine mounts
Solid fuel stove flues
Collars
Doors
Hatches
Cabin slides
Cabin extensions
External pipe cooling systems
How thick should my hull be?
The thickness of your hull will vary depending on the make and age of boat. Generally the base should be 10mm, the sides 6mm and the cabin 4mm. Your surveyor will tell you in detail of any thinning or pitting that needs addressing.
A hull survey will look at the general sea worthiness of the vessel including hull, propulsion and steering. This is aimed at the prospective buyer as pre-purchase survey or for an owner to gauge condition of the hull for remedial work. Ultrasonic testing can determine the amount of corrosion and damage to the hull in more detail. We always advise the buyer has a survey to ensure up to date and accurate information about the boat.
Why can you not price steel up front?
As with many items the price of steel is beyond our control. The fluctuation in cost currently is daily and so it is unfair to price too far in advance. Therefore any estimate given is likely to change very quickly. Just know that it can be a sit down moment at present. It also depends on our ability to source what you need. Remember each boat is unique. Be assured we do our very best to get you the best deal possible.