The history,
of our boatbuilding company
At Harry King & Sons in Ipswich, we don’t just build and repair boats—we honour a tradition that has been setting the standard in marine craftsmanship since 1850. Our legacy is one of dedication, skill, and an unyielding commitment to quality, embodied in every vessel we touch.
The history of Harry King & Sons
Harry King & Sons boasts a proud legacy of exceptional craftsmanship and customer service that dates back to 1850. Founded by George Garrard, the boatyard was passed to his apprentice, Harry King, in 1898. Over the decades, the business remained in the King family until 2005 when Geoff King, Harry’s grandson, retired. Today, the boatyard is expertly managed by Gus Curtis, who began working with Geoff in 1988 and now oversees both the boatyard and the majority of swinging moorings at Pin Mill, alongside his wife Sarah.
Gus brings a unique blend of farming and sailing expertise to the boatyard. He has restored his 60' MFV ‘Adax’ and now sails his Thames Bawley ‘Gladys,’ a project he rebuilt with Sarah’s stepfather, the esteemed shipwright Joe Dunnett.
Our heritage includes notable achievements such as crafting boats for Arthur Ransome, the beloved author of ‘Swallows and Amazons,’ and producing hundreds of finely made yachts and working boats. We continue this tradition with clinker dinghies, honouring the design perfected by Sam King, Harry’s son.
At Harry King Boatyard, our small, dedicated team understands the needs of our customers deeply, as many of us sail on The Orwell and nearby rivers. We pride ourselves on offering reliable, honest, and friendly service, all at excellent value.
If you need help with your boat,
call our boatyard on 01473 780258. Let's talk about how we can make your boat the best it can be.