Hampton Safari is a boat make and model of probably the most successful 25 foot river cruisers ever produced especially here on the Norfolk Broads.
They were built by Dennis Hampton of Hampton Boats, Oulton Broad.
What is less commonly known is that there are in fact 4 variations of the "Safari" brand (Hampton).
The more common models are the Mk1 and Mk 11 which have a fully sliding wheelhouse above the saloon and a single rear entrance door at the stern.
There were various layouts the most common being a 4 berth model with a double berth at the stern and an option of a further double in the saloon using the "L" shaped seating. The engine was normally located in the centre of the boat opposite the galley.
Several of these boats were built for private owners and here at Boatshed Norfolk we have been fortunate to have marketed and sold several of these often exceptional examples.
Some had a separate shower and toilet, or a 2nd saloon/dining area as the engine was relocated to the stern mounted transversely to a hydraulic drive and accessed via an engine hatch on the aft deck and internally from the rear cabin.
The Mk 3 Safari was redesigned and in favour of the sliding wheelhouse a fwd companionway was fitted as well as the aft and a sliding sunroof above the saloon in favour of the fully sliding wheelhouse.
A less known fact is that there were 3 Hampton Safari Mk4's produced which are a very desirable model.
The main difference being that the Mk4 had a sedan style aft companionway with a generous aft deck area with ample seating housing the engine and batteries on the starboard side.
There was a central saloon and galley with the option of a double berth and a separate fore cabin with door. A separate toilet and shower was also standard.
We have been fortunate to sell one of these boats and we are about to re list this boat on the market soon.
In total since my reign began in 2006 at Boatshed Norfolk we have sold 56 Hampton Safari's.
Prices vary depending on age, condition and model but generally a Mk 1 or will be advertised between £12,000 and £19,000, the Mk3 between £15,000 and £21,000. The Mk 4 being so rare and with a superior layout could command a higher price. It is strongly believed that there are only 2 remaining.