PLYMOUTH MARINE CENTRE

Plymouth Marine has built up a strong reputation as one of the most experienced and well-equipped dealerships offering the very best in marine engineering covering the Southwest and beyond. We spoke with the founder and CEO of Plymouth Marine, Dennis Mallett and his son David, the Managing Director, to find out how they built their reputation and their plans for the
near future.

Dennis was born in Plymouth and had a successful forty-year career in telecommunications, working with some of the largest organisations in the UK. With two growing sons and living close to the coast he and his wife Janet purchased a boat which enabled the boys to learn to water ski, scuba dive, sail and surf which ingrained their love of the sea.

When a mooring failed, the family boat suffered significant damage which required a variety of repair specialists but as these were not co-located, Dennis identified an opportunity to provide a ‘1 stop shop’ and the notion of Plymouth Marine was born.

It became a reality when Dennis and his wife secured the boatyard in 2005. Given its location to the Eastern Gateway into the city visibility and access proved to be fundamental. Following personal financial commitment to secure a mortgage, he was able to build Plymouth Marine Centre – a three-storey building with showroom, offices, and service bays. Construction took approximately one year during which time, Dennis juggled Project Management and operational business plans with his telecommunications career.

Completion gave the Ocean City a ‘landmark’ building but was the next step in helping fulfil the mission to become the Southwest’s leading watercraft stockist and marine engineering company as Dennis envisaged focusing on the premium and luxury market.

In 2007, Dennis made the decision to retire from telecommunications and focus solely on the new venture with his then business partner.

The visions Dennis had for the company were all possible but his original business partnership fully funded by Dennis had run its course in 2014 and subsequent to a parting of the ways he was able to drive the business forward. A new partnership was his priority and required a business minded ‘people person’ who was committed to the business vision and success. Fortunately, Dennis’s son David who had always hoped to become part of the family business stepped forward after leaving his teaching career of over 10 years.

As David and Dennis both share their love and passion for the water and watercraft it meant the idea of joining his father felt like second nature. After a truly decisive conversation (over a pint), they decided to become business partners and pushed Plymouth Marine Limited into its next chapter and the direction they envisaged.

Since David joined in 2011, they have seen a gradual but significant growth in the business. The father and son team work very well together with Dennis visualising new plans and David’s knowledge of how to achieve them. Over time, they have supplied high-quality marine services and engineering and grown the team from 2 people to its current position of 12.

It is clear that this family business embraces their team and clearly appreciate the commitment that each member brings to their roles, all of which creates a complete family feel that is imparted to their customers.

It was recognised following Covid-19 that a good up to date website presence was key to improve visibility and business awareness. Securing the family bond Dennis and David enlisted Richards (David’s brother) creative mind and significant business experience to assist a local media company with the construction. Time differences from living in Australia didn’t hinder progression and the site was launched in 2021. The website can be accessed using the QR code at the bottom of the page.
Plymouth Marine offers a range of boats, PWC’s, ribs and engines from established and trusted brands such as Mariner, Mercury, Mercruiser, Highfield, Honda, SeaDoo, Torqeedo and Yamaha.

Their expert knowledge, sincere client relations and experience with these brands gives them a competitive advantage which was recognised by Nimbus boats who have recently awarded the company a dealership. The Scandinavian boats will be on display later this year.

Further diversity of Plymouth Marine services is evidenced by managing a contract for the Environment Agency looking after their non-coded fleet of boats, trailers and engines for England. They have some forty sub-contractors across England carrying out servicing, inspections and maintenance of the assets. This fleet and the sub-contractors are all managed by Gill (David’s wife) from their offices in Plymouth. With the ongoing development of the business, the need for increased data processing is supported by Lindsay (Richard’s wife) completing their Family commitment.

Plymouth Marine are also conscious about their environment and have invested in solar energy, recycle all waste products and where possible manage their carbon footprint.

If you are considering purchasing a boat, rib or PWC and would like a sea trial on the river Plym or in Plymouth Sound, it is advisable to make an appointment with a member of their friendly and helpful team who can assist you every step of the way including the aftercare.

The fully factory trained and experienced engineers provide a variety of service and repair works to PWC’s, inboard and outboard engines both on and off site to provide flexibility for their customers.
The knowledgeable staff are also on hand for your spare part requirements.

Pomphlett Lake owned by Plymouth Marine allows customer access by water and annual tidal moorings. It also offers a fantastic base to head off to Salcombe, the South Hams or to Fowey and the rest of Cornwall. With their own crane, they can lift boats in and out of the water and provide all year-round dry storage and maintenance services such as antifouling.

For customers who do not own a boat, but would still like to explore the beautiful Southwest coastline, Plymouth Marine also offer leisure bare boat rib hire. For those who have an RYA Powerboat Level 2 Certificate customers can hire one of the 3 Highfield ribs for a day or even charter a boat for a week or 2 whilst on holiday.

In the coming season JOBE wakeboards, towable toys and wetsuits will provide customers with further choice.

Dennis’s visions haven’t stopped and the company continues to grow and evolve. The family look forward to having both sons physically in the business in the future which may help Dennis think about retirement! But for now, their plans involve extending the showroom to provide customers a relaxed and enjoyable experience whilst browsing. In addition, construction of four new service bays is being co-located within the boatyard.

With the forthcoming expansion Plymouth Marine feels like an exciting opportunity for the local community in terms of jobs. To support the business moving forward an additional fully qualified Marine Engineer and administration role will be created.

Titled as one of the most experienced and well-equipped marine dealerships in the Southwest, we are proud to have Plymouth Marine lead the way in watercraft in our Ocean City and we look forward to seeing their new plans come to life.

Plymouth Marine Limited was incorporated in February 2003 and celebrates its 20 years in business this year in February 2023.