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Marine Woodworking & Joinery
The interior of a cruising sailboat tends to evolve over the years — the galley layout that worked at first charter no longer suits a couple with two kids and a cat; the original chart table becomes a redundant relic when chartplotters take over; built-in storage gets reshaped to fit how the boat is actually lived in. Custom joinery is the trade that handles all of this.
Common projects
- Galley re-do: New worktops, drawer reconfiguration, custom storage.
- Saloon table: Lift-tops, fold-outs, fiddles, refinishing.
- Cabin reconfigurations: Convert pilot berth to office; remove unused quarter berth.
- Companionway: Replacement, hatch board sets, drop boards.
- Exterior brightwork: Toe rails, handrails, eyebrow strake, cap rails.
- Custom mounts: Chartplotter brackets, charging-station joinery, fitted storage.
What it costs
| Project | Common range (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Galley refit (modest) | $4,000–10,000 | Worktops, hardware |
| Full interior refit (40 ft) | $20,000–60,000 | Major work |
| Exterior varnish refresh | $800–2,000 | Toe rails + handrails |
| Full bright-finish package | $3,000–8,000 | 40-foot boat |
| Custom cabinetry / piece | $500–2,500 | Per built-in |
| Labour / hour (low cost) | $20–40 | Turkey, Greece, Thailand |
| Labour / hour (high cost) | $80–160 | US/EU |
Where joinery is done well
- Turkey (Bodrum, Marmaris): Traditional gulet-building skills.
- Greece (Preveza, Kalamata): Skilled local craftsmen.
- Thailand (Phuket): Excellent teak work.
- Italy: High quality, higher cost.
- New Zealand: Strong woodworking tradition.
- US East Coast: Top quality, premium pricing.
Frequently asked questions
Common projects?
Galley refits, saloon tables, cabin reconfigs, varnish work, custom mounts.
Full refit cost?
Modest galley $4,000–10,000. Full interior $20,000–60,000.
Varnish cost?
Exterior refresh $800–2,000. Full bright-finish $3,000–8,000.
Best places?
Turkey, Greece, Thailand for value. US/EU for premium.
DIY?
Basic joinery yes. High-finish and complex curves: hire specialists.