Hardy resurrection!

[dustywings]

We are on the boat in Mylor and have heard from locals that Cockwells have bought Hardy which seems like a pretty good fit to me.
Anyone else heard the same thing?

 

[Seastoke]

We are on the boat in Mylor and have heard from locals that Cockwells have bought Hardy which seems like a pretty good fit to me.
Anyone else heard the same thing?

Do you say cock or co.

 

[burgundyben]

I'd like that.

Cockwelks build nice boats and there's a market for Hardy types. Maybe.

 

[Firefly625]

Was chatting to someone the other day, I was saying with quite a bit of conviction that Hardy will be back, those boats have a future. Moulds and design worth the resurrection. Probably was the wine I had consumed... but I hope this is true.

If only these small boat builders would understand the vital importance of cash flow..

 

[girlofwight]

If only these small boat builders would understand the vital importance of cash flow..

And quality. We had the first customer order out of Hardy after Windboats took over. Lovely solid vessel, well designed, attention to detail on woodwork etc, but hampered by silly faults - pipe sealant in the steering pumps, props which rotted after six months, and the list went on.

I suspect we cost Hardy £15 - £20k in warranty work. Sixth season now, I think I’ve flushed every issue out.

 

[Greg2]

I can confirm that Cockwells have taken over the Hardy marque - my son was visiting an owner on his Duchy 35 yesterday and he told me last night. Apparently the moulds have gone down to Falmouth so I guess that is unlikely to save any jobs in Norfolk unfortunately. . Should be a good fit and if the Duchy is anything to go by they will build a quality Hardy.
.

 

[girlofwight]

Email today from Hardy /Cockwells

“Cockwells Modern & Classic Boatbuilding has purchased Hardy Marine in a deal that will result in the further expansion of this award-winning company that celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2021.

Cockwells enjoys a reputation for building beautiful bespoke boats – from ultra-luxurious superyacht tenders and stylish motor launches to traditional sailing yachts. Cockwells are also the proud originator of Duchy Motor Launches – a prestigious, semi-production brand that echoes the classical designs of the gentleman’s launch of generations past. These stylish vessels, that range from 21ft to 60ft, can be customised with a seemingly limitless number of optional extras to create a cruising environment that is the pinnacle of modern luxury.

With a heritage spanning four decades, Hardy Marine has earned its reputation for building sturdy, high quality, all-weather motor boats that combine excellent engineering with impressive seakeeping and elegant interiors from its Norfolk base.

Delivering a range of boats that meet a variety of requirements, the Hardy name has become synonymous with quality, comfort, strength and experience. This, together with superlative after-sales support, has translated into a loyal customer base, repeat business and robust brokerage values.

In parallel with Cockwells’ Duchy Motor Launches, the hulls of the Hardy 26 up to the award-winning Hardy 65, are semi-displacement designs from the drawing board of Andrew Wolstenholme, who is, arguably, the UK’s leading naval architect in this category.

“Whilst many other companies are laying off staff as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic, Cockwells is proud to be employing more people,” explains Dave Cockwell. “We have our own in-house design department as well as our own engineering capability and electronic programming. We make our own joinery; we manufacture our own components and sub-contract almost nothing. On the rare occasions that we do sub-contract, we partner with local businesses. We have a dedicated after-sales team, which is very important, and we are undergoing a transition to lean manufacturing to increase productivity and enhance our working environment. With an already successful growth strategy, an international reputation for excellence, a healthy forward order book and our acquisition of the renowned Hardy brand, we are in a very strong position to face the future with confidence.”

Both Cockwells and Hardy are committed to building exceptional motor boats that deliver style, reliability, customisation and all the advantages that technological advances can supply. The Duchy is predominantly a stylish day boat and occasional weekender. The Hardy is the Duchy’s rugged, sea-faring cousin, built to a high standard in an equally classic British boatyard.

Cockwells’ purchase of Hardy Marine will also create jobs. Cockwells already operates from two sites – one in Falmouth as well as the Mylor Creek Boatyard – and has increased its headcount from 30 to 80 staff in recent years. Cockwells will retain key personnel from Hardy Marine in order to sustain the continuity of the brand.”

Good luck to Cockwells. Having bought new boats twice and seen the yard go bust a few years later, I’m not sure my nerves would stretch to buying new now.

 

[Sticky Fingers]

Well that's fantastic news, let's hope it works out....!

 

[Greg2]

You beat me to it girlofwight! ?

Very good news - I look forward to seeing the first Hardy with Cockwells fit out