RIB Shack Marine launches Boat Club 73 and new Hamble Point HQ

RIB Shack Marine is expanding, relocating to Hamble Point in Hampshire and launching a multi-brand boating hub combining shared boat ownership, boat club membership and private charter. At its centre is Boat Club 73, a new membership scheme built around three new Axopar 29s. The move comes two years after the acquisition and merger of RIB Shack Marine with Southampton & Portsmouth RIB Charter, which brought directors Joshua Chapman and Akis Zissis into the business alongside founder Colin Vine.

Boat Club 73 is designed to sit between traditional boat ownership and chartering. Membership starts from £625 per month, with an annual option at £6,750, giving year-round access to a fleet of RIBs and sports cruisers, subject to availability. The company says it offers frequent boating without the capital outlay of ownership.

The initial fleet comprises three new Axopar 29s, in Cross Cabin, Sun Top and CCX versions, alongside Highfield RIBs. Each Axopar has twin Mercury 200hp engines, navigation systems and onboard facilities.

RIB Shack Marine continues to offer its 25% shared ownership model, with shares currently starting from £11,450. The company manages berthing, servicing, maintenance, insurance, cleaning and boat movements on owners’ behalf.

Southampton & Portsmouth RIB Charter, founded by Akis Zissis, remains the group’s charter arm, offering private experiences across the Solent and Isle of Wight from £550, alongside corporate, commercial and specialist marine services. A brand refresh is also under way, giving each of the three businesses its own identity within the group.

The new premises will provide a client-facing office and workspace, plus a crew facility at the rear. The group says the base will create a more integrated customer journey across its services.

Ian Ainge was appointed Head of Sales in 2025, having first approached founder Colin Vine as a customer looking to buy a share in a boat. He later took on occasional skippering work and joined the team after the change of ownership. With more than 30 years in the motor trade, including his work with Snows, he is now the primary sales contact for RIB Shack Marine and Boat Club 73.