The history of Leisure Boats is deeply interwoven with the evolution of cruising sailboats in the UK. The company was established in 1960 by Brian Meerloo and his family, originally a manufacturer of televisions named Cobramold Ltd, in Canvey Island, Essex. Meerloo, an ardent sailing enthusiast, also jointly owned a company involved in the manufacturing of the first production fibreglass boats in the United Kingdom.
In 1974, Cobramold was renamed LeisureFurl Ltd, focusing exclusively on the production of a diverse range of acclaimed Leisure boats. These notable cruising sailboats ranged from the compact yet robust Leisure 17, to larger sea-crossing vessels like the Leisure 27. Primarily designed by Frank Pryor and later, Brian Askew, these boats were truly ahead of their time, combining sturdy construction methodologies and innovative designs that resonated with both the cruising community and racing circles.
Fast forwarding to today, while the original Leisure factory on Canvey Island has long closed down, the legacy of Leisure Boats prevails. Individuals who are fortunate to own these wonderful vessels keep the essence of the brand alive. The knowledge and community centred around Leisure boats are preserved and continually enriched by the Leisure Owners Association, based in the Eastern counties of England. Although Leisure boats are no longer produced, they remain one of the most influential boat manufacturers in the history of UK boat-building, setting a precedent for subsequent generations of cruising sailboats.