During the early 1960s, John Franklin, an esteemed engineer, was challenged by his brother, Nick, to create a more refined alternative to heavy, bulky wooden beaching legs into his own Boat's design. John rose to the challenge and conceptualized a groundbreaking design featuring telescopic, lightweight aluminium and stainless steel legs, complemented by a unique socketed hull fitting system for effortless on-deck attachment.

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In 1973, this vision gave birth to "The Yacht Leg Company," with the first fully engineered Yacht Legs introduced for sale a year later. The initial design's versatility made it popular among private boat owners in the UK, Channel Islands, and on the Continent.

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Subsequent enhancements led to the addition of Fully Adjustable Legs to the product range. These adjustable legs offer the added benefit of on-the-hull length customization, facilitating easy adaptation to unforeseen seabed conditions or slopes.

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In 1992, Paul Williams joined the company to spearhead sales expansion domestically and internationally. By the mid-1990s, the company diversified into the design and manufacture of Yacht Cradles and Boat Stands. The provision of these shore storage solutions enabled the company to secure supply contracts with leading Marina Groups.

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In 1998, the company was rebranded as "The Yacht Leg and Cradle Company" to better align with its expanded product line. Following John Franklin's retirement in 2005, Paul assumed the role of Managing Director with a heightened focus on the Stand and Cradle segment.

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Escalating costs and the discontinuation of the original Yacht Leg components' fabrication compelled the company to cease Yacht Leg production in 2012, with the remaining inventory being sold a year later. Fast forward a decade, and Paul, desiring a more relaxed role, initiated discussions with the current Stand and Cradle supplier, SCP, regarding a potential acquisition.

Collaborating closely with SCP's Operations Director, Matt Shore, Paul facilitated a seamless transition, culminating in the sale's completion in July 2023.

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Reflecting on the acquisition, Matt Shore remarked, "As part of the takeover I obviously spent time reviewing the various drawings and documents handed over by Paul. It was during this time that I came across a folder relating to Yacht Legs. I didn’t give them much thought originally, until the emails started coming through… at least one in three mails to the sales account were from people asking if we still made/could supply Legs for their boats. A few conversations later and I had a better understanding of how the Legs worked and just why so many people were so desperate to see them available again.”

 

Leveraging his engineering background, Matt commenced work on the drawings, adhering to the original proven designs. Collaborating with SCP's Cradle and Stand manufacturing team.

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The endeavour has undeniably been worthwhile, as the Yacht Legs represent a superbly engineered and unique solution, offering boat owners diverse opportunities. From facilitating access to deep-water moorings to enabling hull inspection and maintenance without requiring a lift out, the Yacht Legs present versatile utility.

As "The Yacht Leg and Cradle Company" celebrates its Golden Anniversary, reinstating the Yacht Legs stands as a fitting tribute to its founder, ensuring the enduring legacy of John Franklin.