About Lochin

Lochin Marine International Ltd design, build and sell fast 'offshore' commercial and leisure craft. The company is owned and run by Simon Thomas including the brokerage division - Simon Thomas Yacht Sales with over 40 years of experience specialising in the resale of ‘offshore’ vessels of all types.

The Lochin established range includes 10m (33ft), 11m (36ft), 11.5m (38ft), 12m (40ft) and our new introduced 13.5m (44.3ft) semi-displacement mono hull designs as well as 11m, 12m and 14m Catamarans with an ability to custom build up to 20m LOA. All Lochin craft are custom built to meet individual customer requirements and diverse commercial applications. Optional interiors and wheelhouse positioning gives complete freedom of choice based on accommodation or cockpit emphasis and all our designs are fully supported by our design team including leisure constructions.

These are proven vessels able to operate in the toughest conditions.

Lochin History

Lochin Marine was founded in the early 1970's by Frank Nichols, previously a well known racing car entrepreneur, the result of a near fatal experience during a perilous journey across the English Channel in exceptional weather conditions.

A major fire and engine failure nearly cost him his life and the experience poignantly illustrated to him the need for more sea kindly craft to cope with typical rough offshore weather conditions. The name ‘Lochin’ is an anagram of 'Nichol' and Lochin Marine (Rye) Ltd was started in 1972 based near to and latterly at the port of Rye in East Sussex.
Lochin philosophies are never compromised...
Whilst any declared philosophy can sound like an advertisement it is our belief that history speaks volumes. With over 40 years of boat building experience and some 500+ boats built and operating in sometimes of the most alien of environments, our statement has already been amply illustrated . However, we will perhaps highlight what we believe are the key factors that make Lochin stand apart from production boat builders:

  • Design team involvement in each and every project
  • Utilise what is proven and innovate with prudence
  • Never compromise safety for profit
  • Maintain or improve standards of construction for the end users benefit
  • Listen to our customers for they are our arbiter and the future of our business

Our regular reply to the uninitiated to our craft has always been:
"Ask a Lochin owner what he thinks about his boat - on his answer our reputation rests!"


Quality Build

When comparing ‘like for like’ Lochin craft introduce a greater strength regime to the structural content of the mouldings and core structural integrity. The illustrations on this web site provide some insight into typical hull construction and you will instantly recognise where our emphasis lies. Compare this with any production hull and you will find a different emphasis - to reduce weight and hence cost. That’s what sets Lochin apart from other craft and the philosophy on which we have built an enviable reputation for more than 40 years. The proof of our capability is out there to be seen rather than speculated.


The Future

We have embraced a policy of continual design development through a greater understanding of the 'keeled' semi-displacement hull forms on which our designs are based. In commercial terms, we have investigated modern techniques and standards and we continue the path of development in terms of design and structural enhancement using design teams that push the boundaries.

The employment of modern power systems developing even greater horse power has provided an excellent opportunity to maximise performance but retaining that essential characteristic for which Lochin is known - seaworthiness. New designs have been introduced and continue to be developed where additional power can be best utilised . All Lochin craft meet Cat. B 'Offshore' status under the Recreational Craft Directive (RCD) and structurally in accordance with Lloyds Special Service Craft Rules.