South Coast Marine emerged from the ashes of a respected predecessor, Hurley Marine. Founded by George Hurley, Hurley Marine had been a prolific British boatbuilder in the 1960s, producing over 8,000 boats before facing financial difficulties. In August 1974, after enduring two years of recession, Hurley Marine went out of business.
However, the story of one of their most popular models, the Hurley 22, was far from over. In 1975, two former Hurley Marine employees stepped in, acquiring the moulds for the Hurley 22 and establishing South Coast Marine (SCM). Their vision was clear: to restart production of this cherished compact cruiser, ensuring its continued availability to the sailing community. The first boat produced by SCM was naturally the Hurley 22, a design by Ian Anderson that was already well-regarded as a sturdy family cruising yacht.
History and Evolution
South Coast Marine swiftly commenced operations in 1975, breathing new life into the Hurley 22 line. To facilitate production, SCM outsourced the manufacturing of the hull and deck mouldings to Moody Marine Projects, a significant collaboration that allowed them to maintain a steady output. Moody Yachts itself has a long history on the UK's south coast, often engaging in collaborations.
Over its relatively brief five-year operational period, SCM made subtle yet impactful refinements to the original Hurley 22 design. They introduced new deck moulds that incorporated a practical anchor locker and a longer cabin window, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics while upholding the high standards set by the original builders.
Despite their efforts, the broader economic climate once again proved challenging. In April 1980, at the onset of another recession, South Coast Marine went into receivership. By this time, SCM had produced approximately 425 boats. Around 20 unfinished boats were left in the hands of the receivers and were subsequently sold off in 1981.
Design Philosophy and Identity
South Coast Marine's identity was intrinsically linked to the legacy of the Hurley 22. The company's reputation was built on continuing the production of this popular and well-regarded family cruising yacht. The Hurley 22, designed in 1964 and first sold in 1966, was known for its robust construction and its surprising seaworthiness for its size, giving it the appearance of a "real ocean-going yacht".
The design philosophy under SCM remained true to the H22's strengths: a reliable, safe, and comfortable small cruiser. While SCM did not introduce entirely new models or collaborate with numerous naval architects beyond the initial Ian Anderson design, their contribution lay in refining and modernizing the deck layout, demonstrating a commitment to practical improvements for the end-user. The Hurley 22 was available with either fin or bilge keels, offering versatility to suit different sailing preferences and tidal conditions.
Iconic Models and Legacy
The singular iconic model of South Coast Marine's tenure was undoubtedly the Hurley 22. This versatile little yacht formed the entirety of SCM's production output. During SCM's operational years, they built around 425 Hurley 22s. A significant portion of their production, approximately 40%, was exported to the Netherlands, where the boats were marketed and sold as the Hurley 700. This export success highlights the international appeal and enduring design of the Hurley 22.
The Hurley 22, initially Hurley Marine's most popular model, continued its production life even after SCM's demise, later being built by Ravensail, further cementing its status as a timeless and highly sought-after compact cruiser. Its legacy is that of a go-anywhere, capable small yacht, cherished by owners for its sturdy build and reliable performance.
The Builder Today
The chapter of South Coast Marine as a boat builder came to a definitive close in 1980 when the company entered receivership. Unlike many long-standing builders, South Coast Marine did not undergo mergers, acquisitions, or rebirths under new ownership as a yacht manufacturer. Its brief but dedicated existence was focused solely on perpetuating the Hurley 22 line.
Today, the original South Coast Marine no longer exists as an active boat-building entity. While other businesses with similar names operate in the marine sector, such as a marine logistics company in Nigeria or a marine products supplier in Florida, they are distinct from the UK-based boat builder of the 1970s. The legacy of South Coast Marine lives on through the numerous Hurley 22s and Hurley 700s that continue to ply waters around the globe, testaments to a sturdy design and the determination of two employees who kept a beloved boat in production during challenging times.