Are there any Small Boat Builders left.

J

Jim@sea

Well-Known Member
Joined
12 Feb 2010
Messages
4,578
Location
Glasson Dock
Visit site
In 1973 I bought a new Conway 26 Power Boat from "Conway Powerboats" which was a small boat manufacturing company building about 1 boat per month and their build quality was superb.
Leap foward 38 years and after a Moody 30, Princess 33, Nauticat 33, Drascombe Lugger, Guy Couach 21 and Bayliner I want to return to a small Power Boat 21-26 ft which I can tow. Preferably Inboard Diesel and I wondered if there were any small UK boat builders doing this size boat.

Thoughts anyone.
I would also buy something under 5 years old if in good condition, send e mail taylorallanjames@yahoo.co.uk
 
A Fletcher perhaps?

Fletcher are working on a 21' for debut sometime next year I believe and then something in the 26-28' range thereafter. You'd need to speak to them for a timescale etc but might be a bit soon as designs etc still under wraps as far as I know... ;)

They will customise to order however so might be a good time?

(P.S. Tel: 0845 230 5670 ask for Andy Wyer or Joe Jellicoe)
 
Last edited:
I am a big fan of Fletcher, and have one myself, however wanting to trade up I have often thought there is a market for UK independant builders making affordable 21- 25ft day boats/mini cruiser with a Diesel inboard. I can't find anything that fits my requirements, closest is an Aquador but they are quite expensive, or Searay but they have 5l petrols. I have even considered trying to build one myself, fancy going halves on some moulds :p
 
Slightly smaller than your description, but feeling much larger due to some very clever designers, keep an eye out for the Winchester 20 which should be launched in time for the coming London Boat Show.

Yes, outboard powered, but on a very proven and very efficient hull so still very cost effective to actually run.
 
There are still a small number of boat builders around the Norfolk Broads. Focus on river cruisers but I'm sure they do others as well. There are also Ski boats, and I think a manuf over in Lincoln. Ski Nautique or something, building bespoke performance boats. And as others have said, Fletcher/SBS in Wolverhampton.
 
Firefly625 said:
I just don't think there is the profit margin on building these small boats for manufacturers to make a go of it... unless done on a grand scale ala Jeanneau/Bene's & Brunswick...
Click to expand...

A very valid point and given the relative ease that we ship things around the world, there is also more choice of boat brands available from around the world. I think that it's also true that unlike cars, the lifespan of these vessels means there are loads around in the marketplace. This must have an impact for manufactures given the smaller market for boats than cars and the longevity of what they produce.

Whilst many of us can't afford new, there is a wide choice for those willing to put in some effort to 'do up'. As a thread in the lounge reminded me, we don't see many old Ford Capri's or Triumphs around but there are quite a few old Shakespears, Datelines, Glastrons and especially Fletchers.

I currently have two Fletchers - both are over 30 years old and whilst the 21' is very much a work in progress, there is no doubt that it would cost much, much more to build from new than it will to restore! That said, if I had the funds... :D
 
rbcoomer said:
A very valid point and given the relative ease that we ship things around the world, there is also more choice of boat brands available from around the world. I think that it's also true that unlike cars, the lifespan of these vessels means there are loads around in the marketplace. This must have an impact for manufactures given the smaller market for boats than cars and the longevity of what they produce.

Whilst many of us can't afford new, there is a wide choice for those willing to put in some effort to 'do up'. As a thread in the lounge reminded me, we don't see many old Ford Capri's or Triumphs around but there are quite a few old Shakespears, Datelines, Glastrons and especially Fletchers.

I currently have two Fletchers - both are over 30 years old and whilst the 21' is very much a work in progress, there is no doubt that it would cost much, much more to build from new than it will to restore! That said, if I had the funds... :D
Click to expand...


It saddens me that British manufacturers will struggle to sell quality small boats for a premium over French or American boats. I had a look over the Orkney 27. It offers very small improvement in accommodation over my Hardy, it is well put together, but as is my Hardy, however it is more rudimentary, yet prices start for single engine versions at £127k. Now I don't think I am wrong, but happy to be corrected, I believe you could do a deal at LIBS in Jan for a Bene Antares 8 at around £70k. No, its not the same quality, but will folk in this current climate pay the premium for a British built boat?

I also had a look over the Seward 35 at SIBS, nice, but a bit basic and small and cramped interior for a 35 ft'er but it is what it is, a fine boat built for a purpose. However at at close to £400k again a little eye watering.. (sorry, going up in size and off at a slight tangent)
 
FF625, you raise some very valid points, and there is some comparison with the UK car industry as you know. We focus on high value and innovation with strong international brands (OK I know the volume is in the Japanese transplants). Our boat industry is the same. there is a cottage industry in cars, Caterham, Westfield, Noble etc, and we have the same with boats, some of which are desirable through their quirkiness.
 
rafiki_ said:
FF625, you raise some very valid points, and there is some comparison with the UK car industry as you know. We focus on high value and innovation with strong international brands (OK I know the volume is in the Japanese transplants). Our boat industry is the same. there is a cottage industry in cars, Caterham, Westfield, Noble etc, and we have the same with boats, some of which are desirable through their quirkiness.
Click to expand...

and thank the Lord they are.. along with those cottage industry companies don't forget the emergent brilliance of McLaren, as a point of interest we currently supply every new McLaren MP12-4C which comes off the production line with a tank full of fuel so I see how many they are building and find their move into volume supercar production very exciting...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top