Search for a Boat Builder

[Beth_1934]

Morning All,

Had a bit of a disspointing phone call this morning. Ive managed to trace the original boat builder for Beth but only to find out that the original company went into recievership over 30years ago /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

Just wondering really if anyone had any info on them?? They were call E.F Elkins Boatyard and ran out of Christchurch Dorset...

Any info would be great /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Forbsie]

You could try their phone number on Christchurch 474. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Roach1948]

Elkins were a very good boatyard - being the preferred yard for a lot of the better built Laurent Giles designs - maybe approaching the Vertue owners association might bring something up?

 

[Tranona]

The Elkins site is now a waterside housing development. As Roach says they were a well known builder in the last days (up to late 60's) of wooden yacht building. The yard then became a base for building GRP boats - I think the Evolution class of yachts were built there. I visited sometime in the late 70's but it was clear that its days were numbered, given the potential for residential development. Rossiter Yachts was the other major Christchurch boat builder and they are still in existence. Might be worth a try for background info.

 

[Eastermaid]

I owned a Elkins carefree which was built and designed by them My old boat Eastermaid

www.boatshed.com/carefree-boat-15732

Was owned by his son who worked at the yard (Now in his 70s) who I tracked down and gave me a lot of info on the boat and Company, I will dig it out and PM you

 

[Whisky Mac]

I too am interested in any more information on Elkins.
A search on google gave their address and phone number as:
Elkins Boat Yard Ltd
18 Convent Meadows, The Quay, CHRISTCHURCH, BH23 1BD
01202 483141
Disappointing to hear they are out of business. I have an Elkins built 1936 yawl which has similar lines to your boat, but the designer is listed as E.H. French.
I've put some photos in the thread "Lets see them" (page 9)

 

[Beth_1934]

thanks Jolina that would be great if he's still about i would love a chat also thanks Whiskey_mac im gonna have a look see know.

I have spoken to the Current Elkins boatyard and they dont seem interested in the previous legacy only the GRP ones they are currently building /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[Timcowen]

Elkins do still exist but not as actual boatbuilders. I have spoken to them in recent times whilst researching my Montague Sharpie. Can't remember the chaps name but someone still working for them has a father that used to be the old yard foreman. I suggest a phone call. Nothing ventured and all that. I have also found that a letter to the local newspaper (Southern Evening Echo for that neck of the woods) as an appeal for info can often pay dividends.
Tim

 

[Beth_1934]

Hi Tim,

i have already spoken to Elkins or what they currently are now but, the reply i got was that the MD doesnt return the calls for information of boats from the previous company.

 

[Timcowen]

Shame some people have to have an attitude as that. As I suggested a letter to the local paper may well produce results. I had loads of replies from all sorts of people going back years with photos dating bsck to the 50's.PS I think Beth is a fantastic looking boat. To me a real little classic. Good luck with her restoration.Tim

 

[Adeincyprus]

I worked for this company when I left school in 1979, although then, they had been taken over by Fletchers and became Fletcher Elkins. They were building GRP boats by this time, such as the Fletcher Arrow, Zingaro and others. My Father worked for Elkins in previous years, and at time they were building such craft as the 'Vertue'. The company Fletcher Elkins, went into liquidation shortly after, and now trades just as Fletcher Boats somewhere in Essex, with a yard further up country.

 

[Hulbie]

Just reading your messages....my father is Ian Elkins, who previously owned E F Elkins Boat yard, just wondered if I can be of any help?

 

[srp]

I seem to remember that there was an article in Classic Boat a feww years ago about this builder. I used to own a 1938 Elkins gaffer, around 21' long. and also phoned the yard for information. I also was put in touch with the (by then retired) yard foreman but he wasn't able to help with any information, and I think I remember him saying that all the original drawings had been burned when the wooden boat building business ceased. Mine still had the builders plate fixed on the aft of the cockpit. I've an idea it once had a centre-plate, removed in the 60's and substituted with an extra 6" on the keel. It was (and still is) a lovely looking little gaffer with elliptical deadlights in the cabin sides and a nice sheerline.