The Hardy Motor Boat Owners Club Message Board

HOC News

The Hardy Motor Boat Owners Club news.

Thursday 11 April 2013

Hobie Kayaking

FREE DEMO for all Hardy Owners at the Hobie Cat Centre, in Poole, Dorset.

Hobie produce a comprehensive range of kayaks for all leisure enthusiasts, including inflatable and sailing, as well as the Mirage Pro Angler 12 and 14, for those who would like to fish from their kayak. For more information, or to book your free demo, please call: Tel: 01202 671661
info@hobiecatcentre.co.uk
www.hobiecatcentre.co.uk

Wednesday 10 April 2013

Point of Interest regarding Windboats Hardy Motor Boats.

Within the text below – “Hardy Marine join Windboats” it is mentioned that “Andrew Wolstenholme, (who designed the entire Hardy range)” etc.

Naval Architect Colin Mudie designed the very first boats which John Hardy built at Hardy Marine and many more during their happy association over the years.

When Mark Funnell took over he asked in 1997 to buy the copyright for four designs which he wanted to continue building. They were the Hardy Family Pilot 20, Hardy Fishing 20, Hardy Fishing 24 and Hardy 27.

Monday 8 April 2013

Half Price Membership at the Cruising Association – Now only £59!

Half Price Membership at the Cruising Association – Now only £59!

The Cruising Association, the leading association for cruising sailors worldwide, is offering half pricemembership to members of the Hardy Owner’s Club. Normal UK household membership is £118 for two household members, however HOC members can obtain this at half price, £59, for the first year. It includes two people at the same address, so works out to just under £30 each for the year. A bargain!

Whatever your cruising experience, the CA can help.

Gain access to a wealth of cruising information and guides; gain up to date advice on rules and regulations; join specialist cruising area groups; contact local representatives in hundreds of cruising areas around the world; meet likeminded people and talk with members who are already there and doing it! To find out more about the full range of benefits visit www.cruising.org.uk.

Join Now!

To qualify for the discount members will need to subscribe to the direct debit scheme and quote the unique discount code (accessible from the HOC Secretary) upon application. Once you have the code, contact the CA directly to complete your application by emailing office@cruising.org.uk or calling 0207 537 2828.

Monday 11 February 2013

Hardy Marine & Windboats

Windboats Marine Ltd of Wroxham, Norfolk, has purchased the assets of the established motor boat builder Hardy Marine.

Trevor James, chairman of the family run Windboats Marine Ltd, announces the purchase with great pleasure; Windboats have 30 years experience in the production of the world renowned Oyster Marine luxury cruising yachts and are excited to expand their range to include the assets of the established motor boat builder Hardy.

This will mean that the production of this fine range of motor boats will continue on its existing Norfolk site.

Mr. James said "the aim is to expand the business which we purchased following the sad and untimely death of Mark Funnell.

The whole workforce is being retained and work is continuing on the new 62 foot flagship plus other orders received following the Southampton Boat Show.

We will be looking carefully at the current range and already have a new design from the board of Andrew Wolstenholme, (who designed the entire Hardy range) in the plug making stage. We are reviewing the current interior styling and layouts and following discussions with owners and the sales team will be applying new ideas to our interiors.

However we are to some extent bespoke builders and very happy to produce interiors to meet our clients wishes".

Hardy has been building its range of power boats in Norfolk for several decades and will benefit from the experience of Windboats, founded in 1920. The talents of both companies provided by their highly skilled workforces, using the latest machinery, design methods and technical knowledge will provide a unique platform for both the sail boat and motor boat markets.

Windboats also works on commercial vessels and this will be enhanced as the Hardy range of hulls are suitable for many commercial purposes as demonstrated by the sale of two Hardy 42's specially adapted for the RNLI for crew training purposes.

Friday 12 October 2012

MARK FUNNELL, Obituary

Mark Funnell at the Southampton Boat Show, surrounded by the boats he loved

It is with great sadness that I must inform everyone of the passing of Mark Funnell, the MD for Hardy Marine. I last spoke to Mark at the Southampton Boat Show on the Tuesday before the end of the Show. He was standing on the pontoon watching visitors climb aboard the three Hardys on display there. He looked contented and happy as there was a lot of interest in their new Sedan 36, and I knew he was pleased about that.

On returning to Norfolk from Southampton on the following Wednesday 26th September Mark passed away suddenly in his office at the Hardy Marine factory.

He was only 49 and we are all very shocked as I am sure you will be at this awful and unexpected news.

Mark was originally from Grimsby and entered the boating industry when he was 18, joining his father in Norfolk.

I have spoken with many Hardy owners since receiving this news and they all had the utmost respect for Mark both as regards his work in the marine industry, and as a friend.

I would like on behalf of us all at the Hardy Owners Club to extend my heartfelt condolences to Mark’s family and friends at this difficult time and also the staff of Hardy Marine themselves whom I know are struggling to come to terms with this loss.

Mark leaves behind two daughters, Harriet (21) and Georgina (17), and his parents Len and Hazel.

By Marie O'Connell
Editor, The Hardy Owner Magazine

Thursday 12 January 2012

HOC Club regalia

HOC BurgeeHOC Burgee

The Hardy Owners Club. The Club Burgee is now back in stock. An absolute must for the proud Hardy owner, Fly it with Pride.Full ordering and contact details are in the HOC magazine, See the merchandise page or e-mail regalia@hardy-owner.