Boats

From the outset, we have been committed to the highest standards of customer service for the boating community. Quality, professionalism and value has made Boats.co.uk the UK's number one boat sales centre, and a firm favourite with loyal customers throughout the country and the world. Boats.co.uk has sold boats as far afield as the Philippines and Australia. Half of all the boats we sell from our sites in Essex and Poole now go overseas. The company has grown steadily since its formation by David Barke Senior in 1969. James and Nick joined the business in 1991 and 1992. Guy Barke joined them a few years later. Together they took the company from a yard that sold just small 14ft sports boats to a fully-equipped sales and service centre offering a choice of boats from £3,000 to £3m, from 14ft speed boats up to 85 ft motor yachts. David Barke Junior completed the family team when he joined in 2004. Our purchase of Essex marina in December 2005 was required to improve our handling of the bigger boats that we have to deal with on a daily basis. Our travel hoist can lift 80 tonnes and up to 100ft in length with a 24ft maximum beam. The marina has no limit on boat length, our hammerhead in theory can berth a 600m boat! In Dec 2014 the company acquired boats.co.uk and has traded as that name since then. James interviewed David to mark our 50th Anniversary where they discuss the company's history