Updated October 2026
In short: A boatyard is part property deal, part business purchase. Its value depends on the land, the water access and the licences that let you use it, as much as on the buildings. The most important checks are who owns the foreshore or riverbed, how secure the mooring rights are, the planning status of the yard, and any contamination from years of boat repairs.
What you might be buying
| Type | Typical income | Key considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Working boatyard | Lift-out, storage, repairs, chandlery | Skilled staff, equipment condition, slipway or hoist |
| Small marina | Berthing fees, visitor moorings, fuel | Pontoon condition, dredging, waiting lists |
| Inland or canal yard | Moorings, hire fleet, maintenance | Navigation authority agreements and licences |
| Yard with development potential | Existing trade plus residential or leisure upside | Planning policy often protects marine employment uses |
Water and land rights
The Crown Estate owns much of the UK's foreshore and seabed, and many tidal moorings and pontoons sit on Crown Estate or harbour authority leases. Inland, the Canal & River Trust or the Environment Agency may control navigation and mooring agreements. Check every lease and licence: remaining term, rent, renewal rights and whether they transfer to you.
Due diligence checklist
- Title, boundaries and any riparian or foreshore rights
- Seabed, foreshore, harbour or navigation authority leases and licences
- Planning use and any restrictions on residential moorings
- Contamination survey (antifouling paints, fuel, solvents)
- Flood risk, sea defences and dredging obligations
- Condition of slipways, hoists, cranes, pontoons and buildings
- Three years of accounts, berth occupancy and customer contracts
- Staff, TUPE obligations, insurance and health and safety records
How boatyards are valued
Valuers usually look at the business's sustainable profit alongside the underlying land value. Secure long-term water rights, strong occupancy and waiting lists support value; short leases, deferred maintenance and contamination reduce it.
How Fraser Bond helps you buy
| 1 | Brief Location, budget, the type of operation and how involved you'll be. |
| 2 | Source On- and off-market yards and marinas, including retiring owners not openly marketing. |
| 3 | Appraise Trading figures, land value, leases and capital expenditure needs. |
| 4 | Complete Negotiation and coordination with marine surveyors, environmental consultants and solicitors. |
Selling a boatyard?
- Confidential marketing to qualified buyers
- Valuation that reflects both trade and land value
- Preparation of leases and records to speed up due diligence
Interested in a boatyard or marina?
Tell us what you're looking for and we'll start searching.
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