Boating on canals is unlike any other type of boating. No fast cruisers with bow waves washing the banks away, and no lack of mooring points. Just tie up to the towpath anywhere and with over two thousand miles of the system to choose from you can enjoy the wide-open countryside to walk and fish. Cruise through historic cities and see the remains of a bygone age of transportation. The variety of sights can sometimes be breathtaking. Little things like seeing the azure blue flash of a kingfisher diving to catch a fish then rising to a branch, fish in beak to feed its young eagerly awaiting their dinner. To the man-made marvel of sites such as aqueducts and lock flights that allow a boat to travel the entire canal system with no external power supply save the power of water and a little bit of muscle power.

Boaters young or old, novice or experienced seem to fall into three categories.

There are the traditionalists, who’s idea of heaven is to stand on the stern of a “trad” boat, tiller in hand and spinning a speed wheel, listening to the sound of a Gardner or Lister diesel in the mid engine room, all on show and in pristine condition. All external brassware gleaming in the early morning sunshine and a traditional boatman’s cabin resplendent in the old working boat style. Little range, oval topped drop down table, scumbled and painted, with lace, gimballed lamp and crumb drawer etc,

There are semi traditionalists who’s idea of heaven is to stand on the rear deck of the so called “semi” traditional or cruiser type stern, tiller in hand and working a Morse control. Listening to the quiet purr of a Beta engine set in an acoustic housing with a hospital silencer making the sound barely audible. All external fittings are in stainless steel and chrome to save the chore of polishing. Sociably drinking a G&T or like me a cup of tea while boating,

Then there are the modern boaters who are conscious of the environment and try to eliminate noise pollution altogether with electric propulsion, and a gas free boat.

If it is your dream to have one of the above types boats or you want to get away from the norm we can mix and match. If your dream is an electrically powered fully traditionally fitted out boat then that is what we build.

With a team of qualified and skilled workers we do not under take to merely “build you a boat” more to build your dream. We only build bespoke boats, so the planning of your dream can take weeks if not months to come to fruition. We positively encourage you to come and see the ongoing build of your boat from start to finish so you know what goes on behind the scenes. We make a photographic record from the first steel plate laid until you “sail” off into the sunset.

If for some reason you have never had the pleasure of steering a narrow boat through the meandering canals of Britain or working a boat through a lock flight, we can arrange a helmsman’s course. This will teach you all the tricks of the trade so to speak, and give you the confidence to take your own boat where it has never been before.

As with any of our boats you can have all the comforts of home, i.e.
Refrigerator, freezer, dishwasher, washer/dryer, microwave, electric cooking, granite, Corian or laminated worktops, satellite TV, double glazing, central heating, enclosed shower with screen, push button toilet, you name it and if it will fit, we can fit it. We also offer what you might call a one stop shop service, i.e. Any problem you might have, damage etc. Any extras you might want fitting etc. Scheduled servicing etc.

So drop in for a friendly, no obligation chat, and have a cup of tea and biscuits [if the lads haven’t eaten them all!].

Take the first step, contact us or come and visit.