Fletcher F23: British boatbuilder relaunches with first new model in 20 years

British sportsboat manufacturer Fletcher has revealed details of its new F23 model, set to launch in July 2023 and be ready for delivery from March 2024.

The F23, which is a completely new design from Fletcher, will initially launch as a petrol outboard before the brand introduces a fully electric version in autumn 2024.

Fletcher has a long history of building sportsboats in the UK, but met problems in the 2000s and stopped production. The F series marks a surprise comeback for the beloved British brand.  

“This is an incredibly exciting time for Fletcher as the launch of the F23 not only marks our first new model in twenty years, and the first in the F series but also highlights a major step in our new direction towards a fully electric offering in 2024,” says Ed Ahmed, chief product architect at Fletcher.

In June 2023, Fletcher revealed it is spearheading a recruitment drive as part of plans to double production over the next two years.

The new F23 features a frameless tinted wraparound windshield with a hinged centre section, which swings open to provide walk-through access to the bow lounge with sunken seating. At the stern is a full-width integrated bathing platform that can also act as a platform for waterskis and wakeboards.

Designed entirely in-house at Fletcher, the F23 is set to reach speeds of 50mph, powered by a 300hp outboard. The vessel is constructed of a fibreglass and carbon fibre sandwich structure.

The exterior design features styling cues of previous Fletcher models, such as a deep-vee hull and cockpit swivelling bucket seats. The F23 can hold up to eight passengers on board. Other features include a removable picnic table, ski storage underneath the sunbeds, a multifunctional steering wheel, a multitouch 12” display, GPS, and a digital compass.

“We have developed this model with our customers in mind and with entertainment at the heart, and we hope they love it as much as we do,” says Ahmed.

The Fletcher F23 will be available from £175,000, excluding VAT, and is available in six colours.