Owning a boat on the River Thames

Imagine owning your own boat… a home from home in a tranquil riverside setting to enjoy any day, weekend or evening. From canoes and small powered boats to motor cruisers and narrowboats, the River Thames is the perfect place to start your adventure.

There are a large number of boatyards dotted along the river that sell new and used boats to suit all budgets. Search in the right hand box to find a boat broker. 

If you’ve not brought a boat before, check out our handy Beginners Guide to choosing your first boat and our Guide to Buying a Used Boat with Bray Marine Sales to find out the process. Prices start from £7,000 depending on what type of boat you are looking for.

Once you’ve got your boat, you will need to register it with the Environment Agency, visit their River Thames boat registration pages for more information.

There’s a wide range of boating facilities and services along the River Thames, such as base moorings, boat repairs and fuel sales. To find out what’s available see our Marinas and Services section.

The River Thames offers a great choice for those looking to have a boat restored or a new one built and the long established boatyards along the Thames also offer many other services.

Jeanneau Merry Fisher 795’  - Bray Marine Sales

The River Thames offers a great choice for Buying a Boat here are some ideas:

• Bray Marine Sales - Bray Marina
• Henley Sales & Charter – various sites from Moulsford-on-Thames to London
• TBS Boats – Penton Hook
• Stanley & Thomas Brokerage - Windsor
• Bushnells Marine Services - Reading

Do you like the idea of self-drive cruising on the River Thames but you’re life’s so busy you can’t find time to look after your own boat?

Henley Boat Club 'Membership Boating' is the easy way to take to the river whenever you want to safe in the knowledge that your boat is maintained and looked after by a family business. Henley Boat Club is a new boating idea conceived by Hobbs of Henley’s Managing Director Jonathan Hobbs in response to market forces. 'With people's increasingly demanding working lives we've noticed it has become more and more difficult for them to find the time to enjoy private ownership of a boat and get the real value of their investment.' 'Membership of The Henley Boat Club gives you freedom to enjoy a choice of Hobbs Boats with none of the cost or hassle of ownership'. Take a look at our Henley Boat Club brochure.

Thames Traditional Boat Festival

A great day out. First held 37 years ago, it showcases trades and crafts of a bygone era, as well as providing a fun day out for all the family. Highlights include: Gloriana - Her Majesty's Royal Rowbarge, "Little Ships" of Dunkirk, Amphibians, Battle of Britain Memorial, Classic & Vintage cars, motorcycles and bikes, Punch & Judy, Pop-up Pub and even camping on site. Find out more...