Family RunBoatyard
Founding
The yard was founded in February 1902 by Daniel Charles Trout and his son William. Daniel was originally the harbour master of Topsham, but as this was an unpaid position, he started the business with his son to make ends meet. The harbour master’s role came with a five-bedroom maisonette and a workshop, which is now The Lighter Inn. The yard was established by William Trout, specialising in wooden boatbuilding and repairs for working craft on the Exe. Early commissions included clinker-built dinghies for fishermen and river transport craft.
Growth
Expansion alongside the Topsham fishing fleet; construction of wooden yachts, dinghies and pilot boats. The family became known locally for reliable craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Wartime Service
Expansion into commercial boatbuilding. In 1937, the yard entered the leisure market, building six ‘Snipe’ Bermuda-rigged sailing boats. During wartime, the yard supported river traffic and maintained naval craft; workforce numbers swelled as urgent defence repairs were undertaken.
Second Generation
In 1957, Michael Trout joined the business, becoming the second generation of the family to do so. The following year, in 1958, Daniel Trout purchased the Ferry Road site for £800, against the wishes of his father. The site at that time consisted of a set of stables and a coal yard. The Trout family expanded capacity, adding a new slipway and the first covered workshop. The yard’s skills in wood attracted commissions from across the South West.
New Materials
After William Trout’s death, Daniel Trout became Quay Master and opened a small chandlery shop on the quay, which closed in the early 1970s. The Ferry Road site was mainly used for boat storage. In the early 1960s, a small quay was built using purposefully placed wrecks and extended in 1967–68 with concrete. The yard focused on wooden clinker and carvel motor sailors before introducing GRP repairs as fibreglass yachts became common, marking a blend of new materials with traditional methods.
Leisure Era
In 1971, the building on Topsham Quay—now The Lighter Inn—burnt down, and the family lost everything. The business moved to Ferry Road, and the rebuilt site became The Lighter Inn. GRP and fibreglass were introduced, leading to 29 Exe 17 motorboats in fibreglass. With more leisure craft on the Exe, mooring services were formalised, and a chandlery supplied parts and consumables. The yard carried out maintenance, repairs, insurance work, and upgrades, with families bringing boats for seasonal care.
Engineering Growth
In 1983, Daniel Trout retired as the last Quay Master in the family. In 1984, a clinker boat was built for the Devon River Board, giving Mark Trout valuable experience before he left to study shipbuilding in Falmouth. He returned in 1986 as the fifth generation. The yard developed inboard and outboard engineering services, adopted diagnostic tools, and gained authorised service agreements. In the late 1980s, the first pontoon was installed, and the customer base grew from fishing boats to performance cruisers.
Upgrades
Crane and handling capability was upgraded to meet demand for larger vessels. Work mostly consisted of repairs, annual maintenance, and alterations in wood and fibreglass. The yard’s reputation for safe, reliable lifts spread, attracting customers from Plymouth to Chichester, and insurance work became a growing part of the business.
Modernisation
Daniel Trout retired in 1999, and Mark became a partner. In 2001, the current pontoon setup with 45 berths was introduced. The first marine engineers joined in 2006, and Michael retired in 2007. In 2009, the white barge was floated onto the pontoons, adding the new office and chandlery. This period saw major investment in rigging, electronics, and marine systems. Storage expanded with CCTV and power access for greater security and convenience.
Specialisation
The chandlery grew and craning facilities were modernised. The yard became a dealer for Yamaha and Beta engines. In 2013, a NATO Uniflote pontoon dock with a crane and dredging pump was purchased. The Ransom Rapier HK17 crane was sold in 2014 and replaced with a Terex PPM400-3. In 2016, the insulated Ebford workshop was built, and by 2018 the yard had gained a dredging licence and completed dredging around the pontoons. The yard became known for precise gelcoat colour matching, composite expertise, and end-to-end support in one location.
Fourth Generation
Holly joined the business in 2022, marking the fourth generation of family leadership. That year, the company secured a lease with Exeter City Council for the new Shed 7 workshop on Topsham Quay. In 2023, Trout’s Boatyard was awarded the tender to continue craning and managing boat storage on the quay — a service provided for over 85 years. In 2024, the company updated its logo and adopted the trading name Trout’s Boatyard, while remaining registered as W. Trout & Son Ltd. The focus remains on developing the new workshop and ensuring long-term sustainability and service capacity.
Today
Now a full-service yard for leisure and working craft, the business has served the Exe community for over 120 years. In 2025, the Uniflote was sold as part of ongoing modernisation. Trout’s Boatyard continues to combine heritage, modern engineering, and a long-standing commitment to customer care.
Meet the team
Mark leads the day-today yard operations, with special expertise in GRP, rigging and major refits. He has spent over 40 years in the family business, continuing the Trout legacy. Mark is a keen kite surfer on the Exe and often works alongside the team on complex projects.
Mark Trout
Managing Director
Heidi oversees administration, finance and customer liaison. She ensures projects are smoothly coordinated from the first enquiry through to completion. Clients know her for her friendly manner and her clear communication. Away from the yard, she enjoys retail therapy, days out with her friends and reading a good book.
Heidi Trout
Company Secretary & Office Manager
Holly manages the operational side of the business, focusing on efficiency and continual improvement. She also supports administration, finance, and customer liaison, helping to keep everything running smoothly. Away from the office, Holly plays rugby for her local women’s team, enjoys time out on her boat, and can often be found at the rugby club watching a match.
Holly Trout
Joel has worked on the river since 2006 and joined us in 2015. As head of the engineering department, he manages and mentors Jack & Vinnie. He handles outboards and inboards, engine installations, electronics, and more. Outside of work, he enjoys working on his kit car and walking.
Joel Tucker
Marine Engineering Supervisor
Vinnie joined us in 2021 as an apprentice and has been working on boats since he was 16. He's about to complete his apprenticeship. Friendly, enthusiastic, and hands-on, he enjoys racing and fixing his Brisca F2 stock car and has his own boat.
Vinnie Neath-Roger
Apprentice Marine Engineer
Jack joined us in 2023 after completing his level 2 engineering qualification as a full-time college student. He's now working toward his level 3 qualification. Methodical, hands-on, and organized, he loves fishing and shares a boat with his dad.
Jack Dolphin
Apprentice Marine Engineer
Dave joined us in 2014 and is an expert in woodworking, GRP, and fibreglass. Well respected across the Exe, he serves as lift supervisor for craning. Outside of work, he enjoys time out on his own boat and heading off on adventures ashore.
David Richards
Senior Boat Builder
Sean rejoined us in 2024 after a 7-year break, having previously worked with us for 11 years. He's an expert in gel coat, fibreglassing, painting, and spraying, with great attention to detail. He's currently learning to drive the crane. Outside of work, he enjoys cycling and playing football.
Sean Selley
Boat Builder
Tom joined us in 2022 as an apprentice at South Devon College, pursuing his Level 3 Boatbuilding qualification. He's currently learning to drive the crane and excels at boat handling and manoeuvring. When he's not working, he enjoys skiing and time out on the water.
Tom Lloyd-Foster
Apprentice Boat Builder
Our development plans
We are excited to announce plans for the redevelopment of our existing storage shed, transforming it into a thoughtfully designed space with accommodation above. This project represents a significant step toward revitalising the boatyard while respecting its heritage and the character of the riverside.
Our customer commitment
We promise integrity, quality workmanship, transparent pricing and responsive communication.
Frequently asked questions
How long has Trout’s Boatyard been in business?
We’re proud to have been established for over 120 years, with a history that spans generations of craftsmanship, reliability and personal service.
Who will I speak to when I contact the office?
You’ll be in touch directly with Heidi or Holly.
What makes your team different?
Our experience and teamwork set us apart. Each of us brings specialist knowledge, but we work closely together to deliver a smooth, personal service.
What values guide your work?
Trust, quality and care — values that have kept us going for more than a century and continue to shape everything we do today.
What’s it like to work with your team?
Clients often tell us they appreciate our friendly approach and the genuine enthusiasm we bring to every job, big or small.