Spotlight On Sutton Staithe Boatyard

Useful Info > Services & Suppliers

Sutton Staithe Boatyard is owned and personally run by Rob Frearson who has a long standing association with the Norfolk Broads, which started as a young lad on annual holidays, developing a keen interest in boat building and maintenance, and fulfilling his lifelong dream of owning a boatyard.

Rob is well known for his helpful, caring, jovial manner, and he will always spend time with you to discuss your Safari related problems, queries or requirements, suggesting viable cost effective solution options, and of course providing specific quotes/estimates (costs and timescales) for any subsequent works agreed.

Rob and his team have undertaken many high quality Hampton Safari refurbishments, taking older "project level" Safari's and transforming them into high quality boats for sale, thereby helping to sustain the stable numbers of Hampton Safaris still afloat and in use on the Norfolk Broads to this day.

A Brief Overview:

Rob together with his partner Jan, and their team of around 8 highly qualified skilled engineers and boat builders/craftsmen can tackle a wide range of mechanical (engines/gearboxes, shafts, fittings), electrical (onboard and shore power) and boat building (maintenance, repair and refurbishment) activities.

Sutton Staithe Boatyard has a well earned reputation amongst Hampton Safari Boat Club members as a boat yard with wide ranging, in-depth experience of all things related to Hampton Safaris.

Many owners and Safari boat club members have bought their Safaris and/or had them maintained, customised, repainted, emptied (pump outs) and filled ( fuelled) by Rob and the team.

Rob supports Hampton Safari Boat Club events and has contributed prizes for charity raffles at past events...

Meet the Team - Sutton Staithe Boatyard

Maintenance and Repair Services

General Maintenance and Repair Services:

Maintenance services available from Rob and his team include:

- Lift outs and inspection for Boat surveys, below water line damage and/or repair assessment

- Maintenance Services - engines, gearboxes, belts, pumps, impellers, prop shafts and housings, stern gear, tanks and toilets!

- Lift out, hull wash, anti-fouling and return to water (by prior appointment) plus optional valeting services e.g Gel coat Polishing

- Replacement of Front canopy rollers and runners ensuring easy opening and closing.

- Window and Boat Door removal, repair and replacement (channels/rubbers) and/or resealing.

- Arrange Boat Safety Scheme inspections and where applicable, completion of compliance upgrades

- Specialist hull repairs e.g replacement of hull fittings, stern tubes, osmosis spots, and accident damage (above/below waterline).

Boat Repair, Renovation, & Customisation Services

The full range of boat building and repair services available include:

- Hull and Topside GRP/Wood damage repair and restoration including full preparation and repairs prior to painting in modern one or two pack paints.
- Specialist gel coat repair and repolishing for classic fibreglass boats that have survived with extensive original gel-coat..
- Rubbing strake repair and/or replacement in traditional hard wood or more modern Rubber/Aluminium channel alternatives.

- Whole or partial internal refits including seating, cabinetry, plumbing, wall/ceiling panelling and new appliance installation (fridges, cookers, hobs, toilet conversions etc).
- Specific customisations and modifications including specialist Transom cutouts, bow thrusters, electric (mudweight) winches, electric toilet conversions, solar panels and many more...
- Whole boat renovation/restoration to your own agreed specifications or to "project boats" that have seen much better days with an aim to reselling (and if you are lucky, done to order!)

Hull, Deck and Topsides Repairs, Renovations and Painting

Mobile Breakdown & Recovery Services - Northern and Southern Broads

Breakdown Recovery, Brokerage & Sales Services:

- Sutton Staithe Boatyard also runs a very successful Boat Recovery/Breakdown Club operating across both Northern and Southern Broads, leveraging two specialist Recovery Tugs, "Brian" and "Norman" and a van to quickly and efficiently reach breakdowns where ever or how ever inaccessible they may be.

- Sunken vessel re-flotation, recovery and cranage/towing services including Insurance and BA liason to ensure safe and professional retrieval.
- Last but not least, Rob also provides full boat valuation, advertising, sales and brokerage services.
- Sutton Staithe Boatyard is often a great first port of call if you are looking to buy a Hampton Safari....