Caring for your dinghy
The Teddington, Romney and Putney are easy to maintain and relatively simple to repair should they get damaged.
Ideally, our boats should be stored in a boat house or garage. However, it’s fine to leave them outdoors if stowed upside-down and on soft pads to keep them off the ground and to prevent damage to the woodwork.
Custom made covers are available if you wish to stow the boat right way up, in a cradle or on a trailer.
The hull is covered in a very strong and long-lasting gelcoat and polishing with a marine wax will keep it looking like new. Although it will fade or ‘chalk’ over the years, a cut and polish usually brings back the gelcoat shine. Chips and dings to the gelcoat are easily repaired.
The woodwork is usually oiled or varnished. We use a varnish manufactured by Alwood (previously an Uroxsys product) that offers good U.V. protection and is hard-wearing, lasting up to five years. If you notice that your woodwork is looking a bit dull or needs a spruce up, just lightly sand using 240-grit sandpaper and apply a new top coat. A different method is used if you’re doing a repair back to bare wood.
Boats with an oiled finish it will need a bit more maintenance if you wish the timber to maintain its colour and not go grey/silver. This involves keeping an eye on the state of the timber and we recommend that the woodwork be oiled twice a year using Bri-Wax Danish oil. Alternatively, if you notice that the woodwork is starting to weather, simply give the wood work a light sand with 240-grit sandpaper and reapply the oil. Remember to read the instructions on the tin and to wipe off any excess oil from the fibreglass hull or it will stain the gelcoat. Alternatively, the teak woodwork may be left to silver off with the weather. Indeed, some prefer this look.
Laver Marine offers a valet, repair and restoration services to those who wish to revamp Laver Marine dinghies or indeed any dinghy needing some TLC.
We are always happy to field calls and answer any questions you may have as best we can.
