Portsmouth Marine Engineering, known as Fareham Yacht Harbour, is located on England's south coast, on the east side of The Solent, within the northwest corner of Portsmouth Harbour. It is a small drying marina nestled in the centre of the historic market town of Fareham.

Situated at the head of the protected natural harbour, the marina offers complete protection. Safe access is available in all reasonable conditions, during daylight hours, for vessels prepared to work with the tides.

As the marina accommodates visitors in slots vacated by absent resident berth-holders, it is advisable to make contact in advance of any intended stay.

Keyfacts for Portsmouth Marine Engineering

Position and approaches

Haven position

50° 50.699' N, 001° 10.543' W

This is the southern end of the Fareham Yacht Harbour Pontoon

What is the initial fix?

This is the commencement of the Portsmouth Small Boat Channel. It runs for just under ¾ of a mile between the outer 4 Bar Buoy, QR, and Ballast Pile, Fl.R.2.5s, and is approximately 50 metres wide throughout its length.

What are the key points of the approach?

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What's the story here?

Portsmouth Marine Engineering is situated at the head of Fareham Lake, at the northwest end of Portsmouth Harbour, approximately 4½ miles above its entrance. It is a privately owned boatyard with a traditional quayside layout, located on the lower town quay of the historic market town of Fareham. It is not a full-service marina but a working yard offering berthing, mooring, and storage ashore options.



The marina has 130 pontoon berths that dry to 0.6 metres. Its approaches also dry ½ a mile below. Consequently, it cannot accommodate fin keels and is only suitable for yachts that can take to the bottom. The marina can receive boats between 5 metres (16ft) and 12 metres (40ft) that can take to the bottom and are prepared to work with the tides.

Daily Visitor Berthing [2025] (Excluding electricity):

• • Daily: £15.00


• • Weekly: £40.00

The marina does not have specific visitor berths and usually accommodates visiting yachts in the berths of resident holders who are away. Therefore, it is advisable to arrange berthing in advance by contacting the yard on +44 (0)1329 232854, info@portsmouthmarine.co.uk, or, if unavailable, via the accounts office on +44 (0)1329 288221.




The yard office operates Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, and from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm on Saturday.

How to get in?

Coastal guidance, tidal guides, waypoints, and pilotage are available in Navigating Portsmouth Harbour . The Eastern Approaches to the Solent covers southern approaches, while inshore east/west approach guidance can be found in Southampton Water to Chichester Harbour .



Prepare to come alongside after passing the private Hoeford Lake Sailing Club jetty. This is on the west of the main Fareham Lake channel, after it bends northward near port pile 35. It is set at the northern end of Hoeford Lake, a small inlet that joins Fareham Lake.



Berth as arranged with the yard manager. The marina comprises a single 250-metre-long pontoon that runs parallel to the western shore. It has finger berths on either side.

Why visit here?

Portsmouth Marine Engineering is a charming, privately owned boatyard nestled in a scenic setting on Fareham's historic lower quay.




The well-established business provides boat moorings, storage, and other marine services. Visitors praise the friendly staff, the manager, the clean and well-managed marina, and the peaceful surroundings, with the historic market town of Fareham just a 10-minute walk - see the town details in Fareham Marina entry . For those looking for refreshment, there is a traditional pub right on the quayside next to the boatyard, along with several pubs in the wider Fareham area.




From a boating perspective, if you're a budget-conscious boater seeking a no-frills, engineering-focused berth with good access to technical services, Portsmouth Marine Engineering is a reliable choice. However, if you are fortunate enough to secure a berth, you gain access to much more. This location offers a truly delightful and peaceful setting in the highly protected upper reaches of Portsmouth Harbour, with excellent resources and historical interest of Fareham just a short stroll away.



Being a drying estuary, it is only suitable for shallow-draft, moderately-sized creek-crawling cruising vessels, and all of this can be enjoyed at very reasonable rates. As with Fareham Marina entry , it showcases the unique cruising opportunities these vessels provide.

What facilities are available?

The marina's facilities include water, showers, and toilets ashore, along with a crane capable of lifting up to 10 tonnes. Toilets and showers are situated to the left of the office along the gravel path. Onshore storage is available for up to 35 boats, equipped with metered shore power. A chandlery is located nearby, offering marine engine services, sales, and repairs. While there are no yard services, most issues can be resolved by specialists in the surrounding area.

Fareham town, just a 10-minute walk away, provides extensive provisioning options, bars, and restaurants, including a large new Tesco within walking distance. The easiest route is to walk straight down Lower Quay, past Fair-weather Marine, then immediately left through the short pedestrian underpass. Turn right (ignore the sign pointing left to the town centre), walk under the viaduct, then cross the dual carriageway; the short route to town is now obvious.

The town is well connected by road and rail networks. The M27 motorway runs along the northern edge and is the main route into and out of the area. The A32 passes through Fareham at the Quay Street roundabout, a known bottleneck, on its way from Gosport to Wickham. Fareham railway station lies on the West Coastway Line, with regular services to Portsmouth, Southampton, Brighton, Cardiff, and London. Bus services in the town are operated by First Hampshire & Dorset, covering nearly all routes, extending as far as Winchester. The bus station is situated next to the Market Quay development.

Any security concerns?

The pontoon is accessed by a personal security key.

With thanks to:

Michael Harpur S/Y Whistler.