We have been getting to know more about East Sussex’s Peter Leonard Marine.
Peter Leonard Marine, established in 1970, is located on Denton Island in Newhaven, East Sussex. Peter Leonard Marine operate two marinas on the River Ouse (Newhaven) with a capacity of up to 250 boats afloat on tidal pontoon moorings and ashore. The marinas have electrical outlets, water points and the usual safety equipment you would expect. Both are secured with electronic key fob entry systems and CCTV.
Offering comprehensive marine services, the yard specialises in boat repairs, maintenance, storage and boat sales. With over 55 years’ experience, they cater to both commercial and leisure customers with facilities including a repairs and service workshop, crane and undercover workshop space, ensuring high-quality service throughout the year.
FACILITIES & BERTHING
Peter Leonard Marine offer well-equipped marinas, marina services and comprehensive boat storage solutions backed by decades of experience in the marine industry. Their marinas provide easy access to the English Channel, making it a convenient location for boaters operating along the South Coast. The sheltered position within Newhaven Harbour ensures protection from the elements and offers a safe haven for vessels throughout the year.
The facility includes secure pontoon berths for a variety of boat sizes, with WiFi, water and electricity available on-site. Whether you are looking for short-term mooring, long-term berthing, liveaboard moorings or winter storage ashore, the marina offers flexible packages at competitive rates.
In addition to marina services, Peter Leonard Marine boasts extensive boat repair options. Their factory trained engineers can repair, service and rebuild most makes of marine engine and drive systems.
They are also the UK importers of Smartliner, Texas and Jomo boats, dealers for 3D Tender and have a large brokerage offering pre-owned vessels.
Security is a top priority, with CCTV monitoring, gated access and on-site staff ensuring peace of mind for boat owners. Their expert team is also available to assist with maintenance, antifoul removal, valeting and preparation for launch. The boatyard is serviced by a 50 ton crane and 15 ton boat mover, allowing for safe and efficient launching and recovery.
ACCESS
Access to the marinas and boatyard is straight forward. By sea, enter Newhaven Harbour and head north, through the swing bridge which is opened on high tide by request with Newhaven Radio Channel 12 (notice is required for an opening).
Their tidal marinas are accessible up to 2.5 hours either side of high tide. The pontoons and vessel take to the soft river bed at low tides.
By road, they are situated just off the A259 and there is ample free parking and space if towing your boat.
Peter Leonard Marine is opposite Newhaven town centre with its many bus stops, and the mainline train station is a five minute walk with two trains an hour to Brighton, Eastbourne, London and beyond.
CRUISING
PLM’s marinas are situated in Newhaven, nestled between Eastbourne and Brighton. The beautiful Seven Sisters to the east give a stunning back drop to anchor and picnic or, to the west, a weekend to the Solent is within easy reach.
Newhaven Marina, just down the river, is undergoing a transformation and offers a good ‘overnight’ option to the berth holders so they can extend their boating over a weekend. PLM staff can, by prior arrangement, deliver berth holders’ vessels to Newhaven Marina and moor up on their visitors’ pontoon for a small charge.
Berth holders often head east or west to Brighton and Eastbourne marinas and enjoy a meal and an overnight stay.
Smaller craft can navigate the River Ouse as far as Lewes through the Ouse Valley. The breathtaking area of outstanding natural beauty really is a must-see!
OUT AND ABOUT
With its coastal charm and strategic location, Newhaven is a great base for exploring the Sussex coast and beyond. Newhaven is a historic port town with a mix of natural beauty, maritime heritage and modern amenities. One of its key attractions is the Newhaven Fort, a 19th-century military fort offering fascinating exhibitions and panoramic views of the coast.
The town also features a busy working harbour, home to fishing vessels, ferries and marinas. Visitors will also find local shops, cafés, pubs and a weekly market, contributing to its friendly, small-town feel.
Tide Mills, an abandoned 18th-century village nearby, offers a unique blend of history and wildlife.
Nature lovers can also explore the nearby South Downs National Park or enjoy walks along the cliff tops of Seaford Head.
The Newhaven-Dieppe ferry provides direct access to France, making it a convenient gateway to Europe.
Where to eat and drink: The Bridge, The Ship Hotel, The Hope Inn, Horaces Fish and Chips, The Drove (next door to Premier Inn), Mamoosh Riverside.
Things to do:
Garden Paradise – A popular attraction with gardens, a heritage trail and a Museum of Life featuring dinosaur exhibits and fossil collection.
Sussex boat trips – Offering one hour excursions, two hour boat trips for those wanting to go a little further afield and private skippered charters.
Newhaven Maritime Museum – A must-visit destination for anyone interested in the rich history and culture of this charming coastal town.
Seahaven swimming pool and leisure centre – A family friendly indoor swimming pool with children’s pool.
West Beach – For a swim in the English Channel.
Brighton – Jump on a bus or train and head to the nearby cosmopolitan seaside city of Brighton.
BUSINESSES AT THE MARINA
Peter Leonard Marine boat sales offers a good selection of new and used boats. They are importers of Smartliner Fishing boats, Texas Weekenders, Jomo rotomoulded boats and are dealers for 3D Tender and Inflatable boats. They are a Sales and Service centre for Suzuki, Tohatsu, Yamaha and Honda outboards and are approved installers for Garmin marine electronics.
Peter Leonard Marine Chandlery is a well stocked chandlery and caters for motorboaters and yachties alike.
PERSONAL RECOMMENDATION
“I have used Peter Leonard Marine in multiple capacities over eight years now. From the purchase, servicing, craning out, craning back in, moorings, chandlery, maintenance and general advice (that is free). I am always offered coffee and they always ask how I am. They have always met my budget and deadlines; they have always quite simply delivered and exceeded my expectations. They are integral to the local community, they keep local rescue organisations afloat and everything about ‘boats’ is in their DNA, now a second generation family business. I would always go to them for advice, quotes and steering before anyone else.”
Daisy (berth holder)
Peter Leonard Marine
Denton Island, Newhaven, East Sussex BN9 9BA
Plmarine.com
info@plmarine
01273 515987
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