The Motorboat Museum (originally known as The National Motorboat Museum) opened in 1987 and closed in 2009. It was wholly owned by Basildon District Council. The original collecting policy was an open one; the Museum collected all motorboating artefacts. However the policy was changed several years ago to take into account the collecting policy of other museums e.g. navy and military collections.

The Museum later concentrated on sports and leisure, making it unique in the UK.

The Museum was granted full Registration in 2002 by Resource (the Council for Museum, Archives & Libraries). It had more than 30 motorboats on display dating from 1873.

The Motorboat Museum was based within Wat Tyler Country Park, in Pitsea. The 125 acre park is situated beside a tidal creek in the Thames marshes. The park has a very high usage, with over 240,000 visitors a year coming to enjoy the wonderful views of open countryside, peaceful walks, excellent bird watching and the amenities. These included a state of the art Adventure Play Area, miniature railway, cafe and retail craft units and the Museum, of course. Basildon Council's Countryside Services also have a successful Environmental Education Section operating from Wat Tyler and two other centres in the district. It offers curriculum-based teaching and informal courses to schools, groups and adults throughout the year, including at the Museum.

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