Fletcher Boats, one of Britain's most famous boatbuilders, is making a comeback and has placed a significant focus on creating a new generation of battery-powered sports boats. The company was established by Norman Fletcher in 1960, initially as a model shop before transitioning into boat construction. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Fletcher Boats became renowned for its high-quality sports boats, attracting sailors and racers from around the world. In the 1960s, the company introduced fibreglass boats and deep-V hulls and went on to win the 1974 World Powerboat Championship.
This period allowed them to introduce their line of Arrowflight speedboats, which enjoyed widespread popularity due to their high performance and sleek design. The successful launch of the Arrowflight series saw Fletcher boats further expansion within the marine industry.
During the 1980s, Fletcher started using carbon fibre and Kevlar in its boat construction and gained a reputation as a luxury brand popular among speed enthusiasts, including professional racers and celebrities. However, the 2000s were challenging for the company due to competition from imported speedboats and a change in management. In the late 2010s, Fletcher Boats relocated to a larger facility in Somerset after a brief move to Itchenor.
The COVID-19 pandemic caused setbacks in setting up the new facility and hiring new staff, but the company has now settled in and is operating at full capacity. Fletcher's new facility covers 2,787m2 over four acres, and all design and engineering work is carried out in-house. The company has recently doubled its workforce and plans to outgrow the site within the next three to five years.
Fletcher Boats has built over 50,000 boats and has a global client base across the UK, US, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. While the company continues to focus on producing world-class boats, it has also embraced innovation and sustainability. Fletcher is now more environmentally conscious and actively incorporates cleaner technologies, such as electric propulsion systems, into its future models. Boat ownership has seen a resurgence in recent years, with more people seeking recreational activities, and Fletcher Boats is optimistic about the bright and clean future of the small boat recreational sector. Other models Fletcher Boats produced include the Fletcher Sportcruiser, Fletcher Dell Quay Sportsman, the Fletcher GTO Arrow Streak, Fletcher Arrowbolt, GTS and F Serise Boats.