About

1932: Humble beginnings

In 1932 my Grandfather started building boats in a shed on the beach at Three Anchor Bay. Now the shed is a lot bigger and technology and know-how have come a long way, but decades later, essentially, we’re doing the same thing. After some deliberation we figured ‘The Boating Shed’ is as apt a name as any.

Victor Hardman begins building his simple yet sturdy fishing vessels in a small shed on the beach atThree Anchor Bay near what is now the Cape Town Waterfront.

1939: Early publicity

Victor’s already popular vessels are featured on a number of occasions in the Outdoor section of the Cape Times, marketed as the affordable and durable fisherman’s choice. The articles generate healthy business for the young company.

1963: A business with backbone

Coral Hardman, a member of the prestigious boating family, breaks the South African 250cc hydroplane speed record.

1970: The second generation

Dudley Hardman joins the boat building business with his father Victor, a testament to the success of the business.

1974: Setting the precedent

The Hardman family becomes one of the first importers in South Africa of the new Japanese outboard engines.

2001: Big shoes to fill

Neil Hardman follows in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps, continuing the ever strengthening lineage of family built quality.