When the opportunity arose to breathe a new lease of life into the 1958 Hamble-Warsash ferry we jumped at the chance! Restored to her former glory, and upgraded with a near silent electric engine, ‘Gull’ provides pleasure trips on the river. From our base in Swanwick Marina we are positioned perfectly in the centre of the beautiful, easily explored, River Hamble. Gull seats up to 8 passengers comfortably, although she is licensed for a maximum of 12 by prior arrangement, she is electrically powered and easily helmed.
Being a tidal river means that the tide dictates where you can go on any particular day. So, going down the River is possible on any tide, but to explore up river towards Botley means that you need to leave about an hour before high water. Our normal cruising area is down river as far as the Harbour Masters pontoon on the Warsash side and up river to the fork just before Fairthorne Manor. Beyond the fork requires specific permission as the river has shallowed and requires local knowledge.The combination of shallow water and river debris past this point may cause damage to Gull, and could ruin yours and others future trips, so please call if you wish to take her past the fork as we will need to advise you what the issues are on that days tide.
Tide times for Bursledon
These are today’s tides for Bursledon
30 April 2025
| Time | Type | Height |
| 01:24 | high | 4.8m |
| 07:01 | low | 0.5m |
| 13:49 | high | 4.7m |
| 19:21 | low | 0.8m |
Copyright 2025 © Tides Today. By using this data, you are agreeing to the Terms and Conditions
Gull is available to charter Bareboat or Skippered.
To charter Gull bareboat, boating experience is required* and we will need a conversation with you to determine that experience. If you choose to bareboat charter from us you are solely responsible for the vessel and your guests. We will ask that you complete our charter agreement.
£95/3 hours
Maximum 8x People
£105/3 hours
Maximum 8x People
£215/3 hours
Maximum 6x People
£225/3 hours
Maximum 6x People
* Minimum age of skipper, 18 years old. As the Hamble River is tidal, a suggested minimum of an RYA powerboat 2 or Dinghy level 2 or 2 years afloat as skipper, you are responsible for the boat, if unsure about your ability give us a call to discuss before you book or why not consider skippered charter?
Not sure how to skipper Gull yourself? We have the solution! We will happily provide your own private skipper who knows the river well, will take you where you want to go or if you prefer, will suggest some great spots to visit, leaving you to relax and take it all in.
£200/3 hours
Maximum 8x People
£320/3 hours
Maximum 6x People
£335/3 hours
Maximum 6x People
Embark on a Skippered or Bareboat Charter along the serene Hamble River and elevate your experience with a delightful afternoon tea provided by Bespoke Dining. Indulge in a selection of sandwiches, a savory tart, sausage roll, scone (fruit or plain) with jam and clotted cream, and a slice of cake (your choice). This combination of sailing and afternoon tea promises a memorable and indulgent adventure, allowing you to soak in the scenic beauty of the river while treating yourself to a sumptuous feast.
The History of Gull
28th July 2016"Gull" was originally built in 1958 by R A Hamper in Fareham Hampshire for use as the Hamble - Warsash Ferry. She was licenced...
Gull Launch
6th June 2016After months of hard graft on this restoration project the time has come for us to launch Gull, will she float?
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Lovely little boat, all safe and great fun for families- thank you 
Mark Richards
26th June 2024 Lovely relaxing 3 hours on the Hamble with Fran for my wife's birthday. Would happily recommend Hamble River Boat Charter. 
Sean Sillick
17th September 2023 Outstanding service, extremely knowledgeable and went over and above in service. Can't say enough nice things about Mrs. Melissa Lepore and her platform! Melissa has an amazing reputation in her... read more 
Abul Khairat
22nd October 2022 Had a great evening out to celebrate my mum’s birthday. Grandkids loved it and my 7 year old drove the whole trip from leaving the berth to getting back again.... read more 
Graham Stones
12th August 2022 - Fantastic family day out celebrating my parents birthday!!
So easy and simple to book and access. We had a wonderful day and everyone enjoyed the experience!!
Definitely will be back for... read more
Finn Kellow-Webb
19th June 2022 What a fantastic 3 hours we had. We were so lucky with the weather. Paul-was simply amazing. We loved every minute of it. Thank you so much for sorting it... read more 
Marta Obuchowicz
6th June 2022 Absolutely cracking stuff. Lovely little boat, Fran was a great, friendly skipper, very knowledgeable which really added to the experience, accommodating as well. Lovely scenery. Couldn’t recommend highly enough. 10/10... read more 
Christopher Thomas
27th August 2021 What a great experience and easy to use, will definitely hire agin 
Jo Needham
6th June 2021 - Highly recommend! Easy and quick to book, great instructions and set-up and we had a fab sunny day on the boat exploring The Hamble. 3hrs of hassle free... read more
Kate Wilson
5th June 2021 Just a fantastic experience. The team were super helpful & the boat was the perfect way to see the river. Loved every minute!! 
Tom Gurd
14th October 2020 We had a brilliant time out on Gull! Took a 3 year old and 6 year old who really enjoyed themselves. Excellent service too. Would thoroughly recommend for something a... read more 
Claire Jones
22nd September 2020 What a fabulous way to spend a Saturday afternoon to celebrate my dad’s birthday! The boat was charming, the river picturesque and Fran a fantastic host. Fran’s knowledge of the... read more 
Jo Fleming
12th September 2020 - We had a fantastic trip on the Gull. It was a great trip and the kids loved it. It’s a lovely boat and great fun to take it out for... read more
Mel Broach
16th August 2020 Had a great time on the river on Gull. Great service, hilghly recommend. Thank you! 
Darren Dyson
16th August 2020 Lovely afternoon exploring upstream on the River Hamble. Easy booking, seamless collection of keys and peacefully voyage past Manor Farm Country Park for a picnic in the sunshine. Many... read more 
Bertie Marsh
5th August 2020 We have had a great day out on your lovely boat.Thank you! 
Karen Seagrief
4th August 2020 - This is a hidden gem, hired it for two hours on a glorious July day, a fantastic quiet boat and beautiful scenery. Very easy to operate. This is something... read more
Andy Sc
20th July 2020 Great morning today onboard Gull.
Very well maintained and quiet boat. Highly kitted our and very safe. From emailing to getting the key the service was amazing. Looking forward to... read more 
Liam Dobbin
28th October 2019 It was such a lovely experience, so quiet and unspoilt. The electric motor really helped see more wild life. Thank you. 
Ruth Cole
14th September 2019 Lovely way to spend a few hours, bareboat pottering on the Hamble. Not stupidly expensive, and lovely and peaceful. Just make sure you don't go too heavy on... read more 
Phil Clark
23rd July 2019 - A fantastic way to explore the Hamble, and the history of Gull, and the wonderful restoration work just adds to it.
John Westgarth-Pratt
15th July 2019 We had an absolutely lovely time on the boat! It was so peaceful and lovely! We had our dinner on the Hamble!
We couldn’t recommend it more!! So different and... read more 
Llinos Ogwen
13th July 2019 We had a great time exploring the river on Gull for a few hours this weekend. The booking process was simple and good instructions and all the kit you need... read more 
Matthew Chambers
23rd June 2019 What a day to be on the water! Had such an Amazing time cruising up and down the river. Definitely will be returning to the Gull in the future!! 
Tom Gillespie
21st June 2019
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Get in touch
For more information on booking your trip on Gull please call us or fill in the form below.
