BOAT HIRE, BOAT YARD, BUILDING & REPAIR
POTTER HEIGHAM, NORFOLK
Phoenix Fleet Ltd is a long-established family-run boatyard and day boat hire business, established in 1955 and occupying a prominent waterfront position in Repps Staithe, by the Potter Heigham bridge within the Norfolk Broads. The business has built a strong reputation for providing electric day boat hire alongside a comprehensive range of boatyard services including boat building, repairs, maintenance and restoration.
The business attracts both local and visiting customers seeking to explore the Norfolk Broads, with a fleet of electric day boats available for hourly and daily hire, together with diesel launches available for riverside properties on weekly or part-week hire. Its established heritage, recognised location and combination of boating services present an attractive opportunity to acquire a well-known Broads business with multiple income streams.
BUSINESS:
The business operates across three principal areas: day boat hire, boatyard operations, and boat building, repairs and maintenance. Phoenix Fleet is recognised for its long-standing commitment to electric boating, having introduced a fleet of electric day boats in 1982, with its current fleet continuing to form the core of the hire operation. Boats accommodate between 3 and 12 passengers, with buoyancy aids and customer parking provided, while bookings are accepted by telephone and walk-in customers are accommodated subject to availability.
Alongside the hire business, the company continues to undertake boat repairs, maintenance and restoration, with new boat construction now largely replaced by workshop activities supporting the existing fleet and customer vessels. The business also retains mould tools associated with a number of Phoenix boat models, offering potential additional asset value.
Phoenix Fleet is operated as a family business, with the current proprietors having managed the operation for approximately 50 years. The business benefits from a recognised presence within the Norfolk Broads tourism market, supported by its Quality Accredited Boatyard status and its well-established reputation for providing local boating knowledge and customer advice. In addition it provides pilot services for hire boats to pass under the bridge.
PREMISES:
The business is offered on a freehold basis and occupies sizeable waterfront sites on both sides of Potter Heigham bridge incorporating boat hire facilities, boatyard workshops, slipway, moorings and customer parking. The property includes a dedicated day boat hire building with customer reception, WC, plant room and workshop/storage facilities on one side, together with a large main boatyard workshop, a two-storey workshop providing general and carpentry workshop space, and a further wet and dry storage shed on the other side of the bridge.
Externally, the site benefits from extensive parking, turning space for vehicles, approximately 16 boat moorings within the dyke, around 100 feet of additional mooring frontage on the main river, further waterfront frontage of approximately 150 feet serving the boatyard, and a 45ft dyke providing practical access to the water. The freehold property is held within the company and has not been elected for VAT.
KEY INFORMATION:
AGENTS NOTE: This is a business for sale as a going concern, not an empty premises for sale or let.
CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION: In order to release further information on the business – such as the accounts, we require you to complete a short online non-disclosure form. Please contact our office and we will provide full instructions and assist where required.
REFERENCE NUMBER: M37136E
OPENING HOURS: 9:00am to 5:00pm, 7 days per week.
TENURE: Freehold.
RATES PAYABLE: £3,952.45 for 2026/27.
This information has been provided to us by the vendor and any interested party is advised to enquire of the local authority to check the position with regards to business rates that will apply to a new owner.
STAFF: 2 Full Time Members of Staff plus the Owners.
EPC: We understand that an EPC is not required for this listing due to the buildings not being fitted with heating
PRICE: £695,000 PLUS STOCK AT VALUATION.
Comprising the freehold interest, business assets and goodwill, fixtures, fittings, and equipment. Stock to be purchased separately at valuation upon completion. Business offered for sale as a going concern and not as a vacant premises. It is intended that the sale would be by way of a company share sale however offers would also be considered on an asset and goodwill basis as well.
Whilst the owners preference would be to sell the businesses and sites as one they may be willing to consider offers for the boat hire business/site and the boatyard business/site separately. If prospective buyers are interested in only one business/site then please discuss this with us so that we may consider this further with the owners.
VIEWING: Viewing is strictly by appointment only. Please contact us at your earliest convenience to schedule a time that suits you.
FINANCE: If you require assistance with business financing or commercial mortgages (subject to eligibility), we may be able to help. Let us know if you would like our support, and we will gladly put you in touch with our recommended whole-of-market broker.
BUSINESS TO SELL: Thinking of selling your business? That’s our specialty. If you’re curious about its value, we offer a free, confidential valuation service. Simply pick the day and time that work best for you, and we will provide an honest, professional assessment. Feel free to get in touch with our office at your convenience to book an appointment.
PREMIER MARKETING: We are passionate about showcasing each business in a way that truly stands out. Our listings include high-quality property details and comprehensive information across all major online platforms, as well as our own website. If you want your business to shine, call us to arrange a complimentary valuation.
DISCLAIMER:
1. MONEY LAUNDERING REGULATIONS: Prospective buyers will be required to provide identification documentation and proof of funding during the purchasing process. Cooperation is appreciated to ensure the sale proceeds without unnecessary delays.
2. PARTICULARS: While we strive to ensure all information is accurate and reliable, it serves as a general guide only. Should any particular details be of special importance, please contact us so we can verify the information before you travel to view.
3. MEASUREMENTS: Provided room sizes are approximate and intended solely for general guidance. Prospective buyers are advised to independently verify all measurements to ensure accuracy.
4. SERVICES: Please note we have not tested the services or any of the equipment or appliances.
