Job Description

Shipwright – Yacht Refit & Repair

Location: Gosport / Portsmouth Area
Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent
Working Arrangement: On-site

The Opportunity

A well-established specialist marine services provider is seeking an experienced Senior Shipwright to join its yacht refit and repair team.

This is a hands-on role working primarily on the maintenance, restoration, repair and refit of prestige sailing yachts. It would suit an accomplished shipwright who enjoys diagnosing problems, developing practical repair solutions and delivering high-quality craftsmanship across a variety of vessels.

The position is focused on refit, repair and fault-finding, rather than repetitive production boatbuilding. Projects will vary in scope and complexity, giving the successful candidate the opportunity to take ownership of work from initial assessment through to completion.

Key Responsibilities

• Carry out complex shipwright, refit, repair and restoration work on prestige sailing yachts.
• Inspect vessels and assess structural, cosmetic and joinery-related defects.
• Diagnose faults and identify the underlying causes of damage, deterioration or water ingress.
• Recommend appropriate repair methods, materials and practical solutions.
• Plan and complete repair projects from initial assessment through to final finish.
• Undertake structural repairs to hulls, decks, bulkheads, floors, stringers and internal structures.
• Complete high-quality interior and exterior marine joinery work.
• Carry out laminating, composite repairs, bonding and fabrication using appropriate materials and techniques.
• Repair and replace damaged timber, composite and structural components.
• Work confidently across deck, hull, cockpit and interior areas.
• Interpret technical drawings, specifications and vessel construction details.
• Collaborate with engineers, electricians, riggers, painters and other marine specialists.
• Provide guidance and technical support to less-experienced team members where required.
• Assist with vessel lift-outs, launches and general yard operations.
• Maintain accurate records of work completed, materials used and any additional defects identified.
• Ensure all work is completed to a consistently high standard of craftsmanship and finish.
• Follow health and safety procedures within the workshop, yard and onboard vessels.

Skills and Experience

• Significant practical experience as a Shipwright, Boatbuilder or Marine Carpenter.
• Strong background in yacht refit, repair, restoration or maintenance.
• Experience diagnosing faults and developing repair solutions on existing vessels.
• Detailed knowledge of traditional and modern yacht construction methods.
• Strong structural repair experience across timber, GRP and composite vessels.
• Competence in laminating, composite repairs, bonding and fabrication.
• High-quality marine joinery and finishing skills.
• Experience working on sailing yachts, ideally prestige, performance or larger vessels.
• Ability to identify structural defects, water ingress, delamination, rot and other common vessel issues.
• Confidence working independently and taking ownership of technically challenging projects.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, specifications and repair plans.
• Strong knowledge of workshop tools, machinery, hand tools and power tools.
• Excellent attention to detail and pride in delivering a premium-quality finish.
• Good communication skills and the ability to work effectively alongside multiple marine trades.
• A strong understanding of health and safety requirements in a marine yard environment.

Qualifications

A relevant trade qualification or apprenticeship in one of the following would be advantageous:

• Boatbuilding
• Shipwright work
• Marine carpentry
• Marine engineering
• Composite manufacture or repair