Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Family-Run Boat Hire & Restoration Experts in Norfolk
Established in 1950, Martham Boats is a fourth-generation family-run boatyard nestled in the heart of the Norfolk Broads. Our heritage combines traditional craftsmanship with modern expertise, offering a comprehensive range of services including boat hire, restoration, and construction. We specialise in wooden Broads cruisers, yachts, and bespoke sailing tuition, catering to families, groups, and enthusiasts seeking authentic waterborne experiences.Our facilities include undercover storage, stainless steel fabrication, and a dedicated boat safety examination service, supported by a team with over 75 years of collective industry experience. We pride ourselves on enabling explorers to discover secluded waterways, wildlife, and unspoilt landscapes while maintaining the highest standards of safety and customer care.
Services
Boat Hire
Restoration
Moorings
Safety Examinations
New Boat Construction
Winter Storage
Stainless Steel Fabrication
Sailing Tuition
Details
- Year established: 1950
Highlights and features
- We offer over 75 years of combined boatbuilding and restoration expertise.
- Our fleet enables exploration of secluded Broads waterways inaccessible to standard boats.
- We provide comprehensive winter storage and maintenance facilities with security monitoring.
- Our in-house stainless steel fabrication workshop creates custom marine components.
- We combine traditional craftsmanship with modern safety standards for all projects.
Services
Boat Hire
We offer traditional wooden Broads cruisers, yachts, and day launches for hire. Our fleet enables exploration of secluded waterways, perfect for families and groups seeking immersive Norfolk Broads experiences. All vessels combine classic design with modern safety features.
Boat Restoration
Our skilled craftsmen specialise in restoring historic wooden boats using traditional techniques. We provide comprehensive facilities including industrial woodworking machinery, marine-grade materials, and expert mechanical support for complete restoration projects.
Stainless Steel Fabrication
We create custom stainless steel components for marine applications, including fuel tanks, sump trays, and deck fittings. Our fabrication service supports both leisure and commercial vessels with precision-engineered solutions.
Boat Safety Examination
Our certified examiner conducts Boat Safety Scheme inspections to ensure compliance with waterways authority requirements. We issue valid 4-year certificates and provide remedial advice for non-compliant vessels.
New Boat Construction
We build bespoke wooden and GRP day launches to client specifications. Our designs combine classic aesthetics with modern engineering, offering options like the Roamer, Jaunty, and Venturer models with custom interior finishes.
Questions
What types of boats can I hire?
We offer traditional wooden motor cruisers, yachts, day launches, and sailing dinghies suitable for families, groups, and solo explorers.
Do you offer boat storage facilities?
Yes, we provide both undercover and outdoor storage with 18,000 sq ft of secure space, including winter maintenance support and engine servicing.
Can you restore historic wooden boats?
Our team specialises in restoring heritage vessels using traditional methods, as demonstrated by our award-winning Maggie Jane cruiser restoration project.
Are safety certificates included in hire?
All rental boats have valid Boat Safety Certificates. We also offer examination services for privately owned vessels.
Do you sell second-hand boats?
We regularly list pre-owned motor cruisers, yachts, and sailing dinghies for sale, with part-exchange options occasionally available.
What mooring facilities exist?
Our riverside moorings offer side-on access with amenities including showers, fuel, and pump-out facilities in a tranquil bird sanctuary setting.
