Thorn Marine

Thorn Marine operates from the Bridgewater Canal towpath in Stockton Heath, offering self-drive day-boat hire alongside a chandlery stocked with boating supplies, diesel and pump-out services. The business runs a six-seat day boat, taking novice crews out with a full handover and safety briefing before they head off unaccompanied along routes toward Lymm, Grappenhall, Thelwall or Dunham Massey. Positioned close to the M56 and M6, the site sits on a stretch of canal built as a contour waterway, meaning boats travel it lock-free. Alongside day hire, Thorn Marine provides Boat Safety Scheme examinations and general repairs and maintenance for boat owners using the Bridgewater Canal. Bookings are taken by phone or email rather than online, with a non-refundable deposit securing the date and a separate refundable security deposit paid on the day. The business is single-site and independently run, trading seven days a week with reduced hours through the winter months.