Neil Chapman

Boatshed Neil: Founder and CEO.

• Lifelong sailor, shaped by time on the water
• Started Boatshed in 1999 to bring transparency where the industry had little.
• Privately owned company, never backed by outside investors.
• One of the few marine businesses to survive 25 years and still be growing.
• A small UK–USA team with a global reach.
• Technology does the heavy lifting, passion drives the rest.
• BoatshedLabs.com is where we’re building the next 25 years.

I didn’t origionally build Boatshed to be big. I built it to work!

Today a small group of us form the HQ management team, spread between the UK and the USA, we use technology, this means a small team can run one of the largest yacht brokerages in the world.

Boatshed has never taken outside investment. It is privately owned, shaped by people who care about boats first and business second. That’s probably why it has lasted 25 years in an industry that usually chews companies up and spits them out.

We’ve survived because the systems do the heavy lifting. Technology lets us operate everywhere, while passion for boats and the people around them keeps us honest.

BoatshedLabs.com is where we’re working on the next 25 years. It is the place we test new tools, play with new ideas, and try to keep the industry moving forward instead of standing still.

For the full Boatshed Neil story, I wrote it down here: How did I get here ?? (Deep Dive)

You’ll also find a few other articles there that I write down occasionally.
For example : What makes a good Yacht Broker ? Here

Want to chat? No gatekeepers here! I run a transparent business and you can reach me directly.

Book an appointment with me HERE

Reach Out to Neil directly on WhatsApp HERE

Sailing History, New Technology and HQ Gosport

A Lifelong Passion for Sailing
Neil's love for sailing and boats was not just a pastime but a defining part of his life. His sailing adventures began in 1994 with "Kymouthoe," an old plywood 21-foot sloop. (see picture above). Despite its age and quirks, this boat was Neil's gateway to numerous voyages along the UK and Irish coasts.
In 1996, he upgraded to "Supertaff," a 1976 Rebel 41 ketch. He still owns and sails Supertaff today. (see picture below)

Neil has been instrumental in integrating Big Data and Artificial Intelligence (AI) into Boatshed's operations.
Leveraging Big Data:
Boatshed harnesses big data for deep market insights, enabling precise valuations and tailored marketing strategies.
Implementing AI:
AI technologies enhance customer interactions and predictive analytics, offering a personalised and proactive service.

Vision for the Future
Neil's vision extends beyond the current successes of Boatshed. He is committed to continuous innovation, exploring emerging technologies to further refine the boat buying and selling experience.
His goal is to get more people into boating using technology, practical, affordable systems and simple processes.

BoatshedLabs.com is where new tools and ideas for the next 25 years take shape. Access Boatshed Labs HERE

Boatshed HQ, The Engine House, Royal Clarence Yard, Gosport. UK

Headquarters. The Engine House.
Located in Royal Clarence Yard, Gosport, UK, a place renowned for its Navy and boating history.

Want to chat? No gatekeepers here! I run a transparent business and you can reach me directly.

Book an appointment with me HERE

Reach Out to Neil directly on WhatsApp HERE