UK & International Marine Business Sales

The passenger ferry ‘Rivermaid’ forms part of a ferry service and moorings marine business for sale located in the South Hams region of South Devon. Operating on the sheltered scenic waters of the Kingsbridge to Salcombe estuary, which falls within the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is designated as both a marine Local Nature Reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest by English Nature. This planned retirement sale presents a very rare opportunity to acquire a lifestyle and business that has been under current ownership since 1974 but has itself been established since the 1950’s.

Central to the marine business for sale is the much admired and highly recognised motor vessel ‘Rivermaid’, a double deck 103 Passenger (+3 Crew) Vessel that was purpose built in 1997 specifically for operating on the shallow tidal waters of the Salcombe Estuary. The business operates a timetabled passenger ferry service between the towns of Kingsbridge and Salcombe and offers a traditional mix of scheduled excursions including scenic estuary cruises, creek tours and coastal trips. Rivermaid is also made available for private hire.

Ferry operations begin in late May and end in October each year but could be extended further by providing services from Easter onwards. The business is owner operated along with additional part time seasonal staff. Our client advises that an MCA Boat Master License (Tier 2) is required to operate Rivermaid and he would be happy to assist a new owner in obtaining the necessary qualifications and licenses by providing an extended period of handover if required.

In addition to Rivermaid, there is a potential moorings based marine services side of the business which can be operated all year round. The business would offer annual mooring facilities, including both pontoon and swinging moorings, which are subject to Harbour Authority conditions of transfer and terms of use and are located at the approach and entrance to Kingsbridge basin. Accommodating for up to between 20 – 25 craft these moorings would provide the opportunity for a new owner to extend a fully managed service to boat owners.