Expert below-water boat works
Tardebigge Dry Dock
Get essential below-water maintenance and repairs at our Tardebigge dry dock. Professional hull blacking, grit blasting, epoxy coating and structural repairs to extend your boat’s life and protect your investment.
Our story
About Tardebigge New Wharf
Tardebigge New Wharf has been a significant point on Britain’s canal network for generations. Nestled in the picturesque countryside around Bromsgrove, this historic wharf, with its peaceful surroundings and rich heritage, now houses our specialist dry dock facility.
Our purpose-built dry dock provides the perfect environment for comprehensive below-water maintenance and repairs. The facility combines traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques, allowing our skilled team to work on your boat’s hull and underwater components with precision and care.
Our unique setting offers practical advantages for our work and a beautiful backdrop while your boat undergoes the essential maintenance it deserves.
A range of services
Our specialist boat works
As a family-run business with a rich heritage stretching back to 1953, we’ve built our business on four generations of traditional boatbuilding expertise. Everything we do is driven by our values of…
Pressure washing
We thoroughly clean your boat’s hull using high-pressure water jets to remove algae, silt, old blacking and other accumulated debris. This essential first step reveals the condition of your hull, allowing us to identify any issues requiring attention before applying protective treatments.
Hull blacking
Our hull blacking service provides vital protection against corrosion and rust. We apply specialist marine-grade bitumen or modern blacking compounds with meticulous attention to detail. Regular hull blacking every 2-3 years extends your boat’s lifespan and helps maintain its value.
Grit blasting
For boats with significant rust problems or multiple layers of old blacking, our grit blasting service strips the hull back to bare metal. Using controlled high-pressure blasting, we remove all traces of corrosion and old coatings, creating the ideal surface for new protective treatments. This thorough preparation is essential for boats requiring comprehensive restoration.
Epoxy coating
We offer premium epoxy coating systems that provide superior protection compared to traditional blacking. These modern two-part epoxy treatments create a tough, durable barrier against water damage and corrosion. Though more costly than standard blacking, epoxy coatings typically last 5-7 years, offering excellent long-term value and protection.
Major below-water repairs
Our team handles all aspects of underwater hull repairs, from addressing minor corrosion issues to replacing substantial sections of damaged plating. We carry out professional welding, plating work and anodic protection, correcting problems before they threaten your boat’s structural integrity.
The dry dock difference
Why choose Tardebigge Dry Dock?
Tardebigge Dry Dock combines an ideal location with exceptional expertise. Unlike facilities that offer quick, one-size-fits-all solutions, we take the time to properly assess, prepare and treat your boat’s hull. Our thoroughness translates to longer-lasting protection and better value for money in the long term.
We maintain a balance between traditional techniques that have proven effective over generations and modern materials that offer superior protection. The blend of old and new ensures your boat benefits from time-honoured craftsmanship and contemporary innovations in marine protection.
Our team brings decades of collective experience in below-water boat maintenance and repairs. We understand the unique characteristics of different boat types and ages, allowing us to tailor our approach to your specific vessel.
Our process
How it works
When you book your boat into our Tardebigge dry dock, we follow a methodical process designed to deliver consistent, high-quality results:
Need more info?
Frequently asked questions
For standard bitumen blacking, we recommend treatment every 2-3 years. Epoxy coatings typically last 5-7 years before needing renewal.
Standard hull blacking usually takes 7 working days. More extensive repairs, epoxy coating applications or grit blasting may require 7-14 days. We’ll provide a specific timeframe based on your boat’s requirements.
No, for safety reasons and to allow unhindered access to all areas of your boat, overnight stays aren’t permitted while your boat is in our dry dock.
No, water tanks don't need to be emptied unless we will be carrying out work in this area. Fuel tanks should be kept at minimal levels (approximately a quarter full) for safety reasons.
No, our facility can accommodate narrow-beam boats.
Contact our team directly by phone or email to check availability and discuss your requirements. We’ll help you select the most suitable slot and advise you on how to prepare.
Get in touch
Book a repair
To book your boat into our Tardebigge New Wharf dry dock or discuss your specific requirements, contact our friendly team today. We’re located in the beautiful countryside of Bromsgrove, easily accessible via the Worcester and Birmingham Canal.
