Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have a long history?

Our company Marine GRP Recycling Ltd,  was registered with Companies House in 2020 (reg no 13100399). You can read our Google reviews here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/aJdSu5ZWohK912Ng8 and our Facebook page history  here: https://www.facebook.com/boat.disposal.

What is Boat Re-Homing?

Rehoming is a way to dispose of an unfinished project or an old boat at minimal cost to its current owner. This is done by transferring the boat to a new owner, who takes it for free but covers the costs of lifting, transport, and any other associated expenses.

Why should I pay to give my boat away?

Giving away a boat, even for free, can be time-consuming and stressful, with many timewasters and dreamers. We will market your boat to the right audience, reach out to relevant charities, and carefully select prospective new owners, shielding you from the hassle. Using our services significantly reduces the number of timewasters distracting you.

Why do we ask for a deposit on free boats from prospective owners?

When people see free boats, they often get overexcited and promise to collect them. However, time passes, and they fail to follow through, eventually stopping all communication. To prevent such situations, we request a deposit, which is refunded if the boat is removed or taken over within an agreed timeframe.

How do we choose a new owner for a free boat?

Some boats become very popular, attracting dozens of applications for rehoming. Our first priority is to offer the boat to the charities that follow us. Occasionally, people make monetary offers on free boats, which we are happy to accept on behalf of the owners. Finally, some individuals are willing to reserve a boat by paying a deposit without a viewing. These applicants are always given priority, as arranging viewings can be labour-intensive for owners who simply wish to pass on their boat.

Are you a charity helping homeless people?

While we sympathise deeply with those in difficult situations, we are not a charity. We are a for-profit limited company dedicated to saving sailing boats, motorboats, and narrowboats from abandonment or scrapping. However, we work with specialised charities that use boats to assist with housing, such as The Forces Veterans Afloat Charitable Trust. If you require this kind of support, we recommend contacting them directly.

Any Alternatives to Re-Homing?

If the boat is good enough you might wish to sell her either by yourself or with a broker.  If the boat is beyond re-homing the only other option is scrapping her. It is much more expensive and harms nature, that's why we try to avoid doing it: the problem is that GRP (fibreglass) boats cannot be properly recycled.

Can a Fibreglass Boat be Recycled?

Unfortunately, fibreglass boats cannot be recycled. The hull material, also known as GRP (glass-reinforced plastic), is not recyclable. The most environmentally-friendly option for disposing of fibreglass is to send it to Waste-to-Energy incineration plants, which is what Responsible Boat Disposal does.