"We intend to make boat retailing like the automotive business, " said Barke. "That means big centres offering great service, buying power and choice for the buyer."

We don't do brokerage - we own our stock, which is usually around 150 boats, he added.

"That means there are no VAT or survey problems - the boats carry our own warranty, so if it blows up, that's my problem."

The Barke Brothers own every part of the system, from the lorries that collect and deliver the boats, to the entire 12 acre site, the 70-ton hoist, storage and workshops that can handle anything from a RIB to a superyacht.

And a quick chat with the grinning man from Barclays Bank showed they had complete confidence in the Essex operation.

Most sales are made off the website, with 25% of customers not needing to visit the yard. They reckon they can put a boat on the site at 09.00, have it sold by 10.00 and delivered the next day.

"Essex Marina is the UK's biggest superstore for new and used boats, " said Barke, "and we aim to expand even further in the future."