I learned today from the chap who bought my Crabber 22 last summer that it is being reported that Cornish Crabbers has called in receivers/administrators. Peter Thomas, their managing director, bought the company out of receivership when it last failed, which I think was around 2008. I ordered my Crabber 22 in 2010 and by then they were already in full production again. In the last couple of years they moved from their premises at Rock to an industrial estate in Wadebridge, and a smaller facility down on the Camel banks. I visited that in May and all seemed well with various Shrimpers in build. They have produced many good boats over the years but all their models had become enormously expensive. It is very sad news for the boat building industry and especially for their skilled labour force.
I do have to say however that when I visited them last May about putting my Crabber 22 on brokerage, and potentially buying another boat that they had on brokerage, they seemed so disinterested that I advertised my 22 privately and sold it within a week. I felt they had become a little complacent. But sad news.
