The early 1920’s saw Bushnell’s added electric canoes and motor launches to its rental fleet, which it offered for self-drive or with drivers. In addition, the business had added boat building of various types to its activities and over time, larger and more sophisticated craft were constructed for both sale and hire.
In the mid 30’s the first self-drive holiday hire cruiser was built, with more to follow.
Everything changed in 1939 when Bushnell’s joined the war effort, rapidly expanding the boatyard to satisfy Admiralty contracts to build fast motor boats for both Naval and RAF air/sea rescue.
Leonard Bushnell had two sons, Nicholas and Paul, who worked with him in the boatyard. The Bushnell family connection with water extended into sport and Bert Bushnell became an accomplished oarsman. In 1948 Bert won Gold with ‘Dickie’ Burnell in the double sculls at the London Olympics.
Leonard Bushnell passed away in 1974 and Nicholas retired in 1986, leaving Paul Bushnell running the business. In 1992 Paul’s son David joined the business and established Bushnell Marine Services covering boat sales, maintenance, repairs and winter storage for boats not permanently berthed at the marina.
David also enjoyed a successful rowing career; notable achievements include winning the Britannia Challenge Cup in a coxed 4 for Oxford Brookes University at Henley Royal Regatta in 1996 and the Doggett’s Coat and Badge Wager, open to watermen and lightermen, in a single scull in 1998.
The Bushnell family has enjoyed the privilege of a Royal Warrant since before the First World War with Paul’s grandfather being appointed as a Royal Waterman, followed by Paul’s father Len. This tradition has continued into the present generation with Paul himself serving for many years as a Royal Waterman to Her Majesty The Queen.
1917 - Bushnell’s moved to Wargrave acquiring its current premises
Mid 1930s - Bushnell’s built its first self-drive holiday cruiser
1954 - Bushnell's purchased land adjacent to the boat yard. The self-drive holiday fleet also increased
1977 - New offices and a workshop were erected
1986 - Paul Bushnell took sole control of the business
2004 - Bushnell’s appointed sole agent in the UK for Antaris boats
We provide moorings and storage facilities for all types of boats. All lifting is done with our 25 Ton travel hoist. The workshop facility enables boats to be carried into the building and blocked off inside, unrivalled on the River Thames. Once undercover any maintenance or repairs can be accomplished in the best working conditions.
"So knowledgeable and helpful at all times"
Just the best service we could have wished for from start to finish from David and the team. I had been looking for a Thames slipper for a while and was helped expertly and brilliantly through the process, and ended up buying a beautiful dinghy as well. Both prepared and delivered perfectly, and have been faultless since. So knowledgeable and helpful at all times, very highly recommended!
"Helpful & Friendly team"
A great facility at Bushnell's Marine and a very helpfull and friendly team who really know how to take care of boats. I'd like to thank them for looking after our customer's boats when loading them onto our trailer, which they have done more than once. Thank you.
"Wonderful memories"
I remember when many years ago, my parent's kept our boat GIGI at Bushnell's. Wonderful memories, I know that a lot has changed since then although the welcome, help and friendliness will never change. Hey Paul, the only thing that has changed is our age!
"Thanks guys! We love our old tub!"
We bought the cheapest old thing on their lot and I don't believe the service could have been better or more sincere if we'd bought their most expensive craft. Thanks guys! We love our old tub!