What Drives the Cost of Marine Electrical Work

We quote every job in writing after seeing the boat, because the same nominal task can differ enormously in effort between two vessels. Rather than publish figures that would mislead, here is what actually moves the number.

Access is usually the biggest variable

Running a cable from A to B is quick on a boat with accessible conduit and slow on one where the route passes behind a fitted headlining, a moulded liner or a fuel tank. Two identical-sounding installations can differ by days on access alone.

Scope creep from what we find

Where existing wiring is not up to standard, connecting new equipment to it is not an option. Quotes therefore separate the requested work from any remedial work found necessary, so you can see and decide on each.

Parts, chemistry and system integration

A lithium conversion is not just batteries; it is alternator protection, charge profiles, fusing, monitoring and commissioning. Comparing a supply-only price against a fully installed and commissioned system is comparing two different things.

How our quotes are structured

Assessment at the berth, then a written itemised quote separating labour, parts and any recommended remedial work. Work only starts once you have agreed the scope, and you get a documentation pack at handover.

How much does it cost to rewire a boat?

A full rewire is the job where cost varies most, because it depends on the size of the boat, how many circuits it has, how easy the cable routes are to reach and how much equipment is being replaced at the same time. A small day boat with a handful of circuits is a very different job from a cruising yacht with a chart table full of electronics, a battery bank and shore power.

Partial rewires are common too. Replacing the battery cabling and distribution panel, or the mast wiring when the mast is down, can address the worst of an old installation without stripping the whole boat. A survey of the existing electrics shows which parts genuinely need replacing.

• Number of circuits and length of the cable runs
• Access behind linings, under soles and inside the mast
• Whether the panel, batteries and charging are replaced too
• Rewiring during a refit, when access is already open

Frequently asked questions

Do you charge a callout fee for quoting?

No. The initial assessment and written quote are free.

Can you work to a budget?

Usually, by staging the work so safety-critical items come first and the rest follows. We will say plainly if a budget is not compatible with doing something safely.

Do you supply parts, or can I buy my own?

We can do either, though we can only stand behind equipment we have specified and installed as a system.

What if the job turns out bigger than quoted?

We come back to you before doing anything outside the agreed scope. No surprise invoices.

How much does it cost to rewire a boat?

It depends on the boat's size, number of circuits, access and what equipment is replaced alongside. We assess the boat and give a written quote.