About us

We are a family-owned business with over 50 years' experience in boat sales and repairs. 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 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

Boats.co.uk sells on average 600 boats a year ranging from 14ft speed boats to 85ft motor yachts. Our reputation as a good honest family business in renowned in the trade and by our customers throughout the world. Whether you have a boat to sell or are in the market to purchase a boat for the first time we are here to help. We understand different people have different expectations and requirements and always do our best to manage those. At Boats.co.uk we also pride ourselves on being experts on part exchange deals, we are often consulted on second hand boat values by professionals and the trade. Directions for visiting the yard

We pride ourselves on providing our customers with a friendly and efficient service in all aspects of boating. You will be dealing with our professionals in sales, finance and service who really understand boats and the boating community. Together, they can help you with any query and ensure you get the boat, the deal and the service that's best for you. We are Europe's favourite... come and see why!