Boats
Specialists in Small Craft, Workboats & Coastal Vessels
Balaena is one of the UK’s leading specialist boatyards for small craft, fishing vessels, workboats, RHIBs and custom GRP/steel builds. With a 150-ft quayside, 150-tonne covered shed, and slipway access, the yard is designed for year-round small-vessel engineering, repairs and construction.
Balaena currently works closely with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the UK Home Office, providing specialist refits, repairs and upgrades for operational small craft requiring high reliability, fast turnaround and robust engineering.
Our Services
Custom New Builds
+ GRP, steel, wood or composite construction
+ Fishing boats, workboats, utility craft and tenders
+ Design assistance and naval-architecture support
Refit, Repair & Maintenance
+ GRP/steel hull repairs and structural renewals
+ Engine repowers, propulsion and stern-gear work
+ Mechanical, electrical and hydraulic engineering
+ Deck layout improvements and interior outfitting
+ Full coatings and surface-prep capability
Conversions & Modernisation
+ Role-change upgrades for government and commercial craft
+ Electronics, navigation and communications upgrades
+ PAC24, RHIB and small-craft operational enhancement packages
Vessels We Support
+ Inshore workboats and utility craft
+ Government vessels (MoD, Home Office small craft)
+ Survey, harbour and coastal service vessels
+ GRP, composite and wooden leisure craft
+ High-speed RHIBs, tenders and PAC24 craft
+ Fishing vessels: crabbers, trawlers, viviers
+ Lifeboats
Why Choose Balaena Padstow?
Trusted by MOD & Home Office for specialist small-craft work
+ Dedicated small-craft yard - no competition with major ship projects
+ Versatile materials - GRP, steel, aluminium, wood and composites
+ Full in-house capability - boatbuilding, mechanical, electrical, hydraulic
+ Fast response & flexible scheduling for urgent operational needs
+ Ideal coastal location supporting the Southwest and national fleets
Start your project
Whether you need a new build, refit, engine repower, RHIB upgrade, or government-grade small-craft support, Balaena Padstow delivers dependable, high-quality solutions tailored to inshore and coastal operations.
Contact our Sales Team below: