Narrowboat Builders

[Mike Hands]

We are thinking of buying a new narrowboat, 57-60 foot semi-trad. Problem is, we know very little about potential builders, i.e. workmanship, after sales service, financial integrity etc. Can anyone give us any info on:

 

The New Boat Co Ltd/Aqualine Marine, Hanley, Worcester

Narrowcraft Ltd/Narrowboat Sales Ltd, Tamworth

The Northwich Boat Company Ltd, Sandbach

Amber Boats UK Ltd, Evesham

 

Thanks in anticipation,

 

Mike Hands

Truro

[MartinC]

We are thinking of buying a new narrowboat, 57-60 foot semi-trad. Problem is, we know very little about potential builders, i.e. workmanship, after sales service, financial integrity etc. Can anyone give us any info on:

 

The New Boat Co Ltd/Aqualine Marine, Hanley, Worcester

Narrowcraft Ltd/Narrowboat Sales Ltd, Tamworth

The Northwich Boat Company Ltd, Sandbach

Amber Boats UK Ltd, Evesham

 

Thanks in anticipation,

 

Mike Hands

Truro

 

No refection on any of the builders you have named, but from my experiences, and the

mutitude of postings from people who have had problems with their boatbuilders, go

for a ready built production boat.

You can see what you are getting, do not have to worry about stage payments and the solvency

of your builder, and more importantly the boat will be built to sell and therefore will resell when

the time comes, as it will, to upgrade. You only need the cost of one survey, not a surveyor popping

in and out at your expense.

 

You have only to look at a lot of the secondhand boats on the market to see that individual choice

at the time of build can lead to a boat that is of little interest to potential buyers.

 

I am sure that this post will lead to a lot of controversy and that a production boat will not be

your perfect dream. Equally it should not be a nightmare

[redfastlad]

Yes i agree with the previous reply,basically it doesnt matter were you go to have your b oat built you will have problems be it not completed on time about 99% of all boats large unfinished job list,boat not built to your specification " Oh we tried it and it wouldnt work/fit" its a lot of grief having a boat builder on your payroll for month after month,find a boat you like be it new or secondhand and buy it.Dont be tempte to think you can deisgn the best boat on the water and the builder you have chosen can complete your rose and castle coated dream,it wont happen i have seen peiople including myself get to the point of suicide of boats, yes you will travel many miles and get down hearted but carry on because it will still be quicker than trying to buy a new spec built boat. GOOD LUCK

[Theo]

Yes i agree with the previous reply,basically it doesnt matter were you go to have your b oat built you will have problems be it not completed on time about 99% of all boats large unfinished job list,boat not built to your specification " Oh we tried it and it wouldnt work/fit" its a lot of grief having a boat builder on your payroll for month after month,find a boat you like be it new or secondhand and buy it.Dont be tempte to think you can deisgn the best boat on the water and the builder you have chosen can complete your rose and castle coated dream,it wont happen i have seen peiople including myself get to the point of suicide of boats, yes you will travel many miles and get down hearted but carry on because it will still be quicker than trying to buy a new spec built boat. GOOD LUCK

 

I would add my support for the last two posts. I would hate to go through the agony of having my own boat built. I suppose that there are boats built without problems though. It is just that you don't hear about them on here

 

There is a thread on this forum about Amber boats which might be worth looking at.

 

Nick

[chris w]

I give a very big "thumbs-up" for The New Boat Company. Excellent product, excellent service, excellent price and all in 4 months.

 

Chris

[Mike Hands]

Thanks for your posts to date. We had more or less decided to go for a production line boat, for the very reasons that you all mention, hence our shortlist of builders. However, we would still be handing over money "up front", unless we found a suitable boat already in stock. The fact that two of the companies manufacture some or all of their boats in Poland is an added "worry" (but maybe I shouldn't be thinking like this?). I agree with Chris in that The New Boat Co's boats looked very impressive at the National Festival last week. Has anyone else had any experience of the four builders mentioned?

 

Mike

[Gary Peacock]

Thanks for your posts to date. We had more or less decided to go for a production line boat, for the very reasons that you all mention, hence our shortlist of builders. However, we would still be handing over money "up front", unless we found a suitable boat already in stock. The fact that two of the companies manufacture some or all of their boats in Poland is an added "worry" (but maybe I shouldn't be thinking like this?). I agree with Chris in that The New Boat Co's boats looked very impressive at the National Festival last week. Has anyone else had any experience of the four builders mentioned?

 

Mike

 

I think the New Boat Co will take a lot of beating in the market they specialise in.

[veggi]

We are thinking of buying a new narrowboat, 57-60 foot semi-trad. Problem is, we know very little about potential builders, i.e. workmanship, after sales service, financial integrity etc. Can anyone give us any info on:

 

The New Boat Co Ltd/Aqualine Marine, Hanley, Worcester

Narrowcraft Ltd/Narrowboat Sales Ltd, Tamworth

The Northwich Boat Company Ltd, Sandbach

Amber Boats UK Ltd, Evesham

 

Thanks in anticipation,

 

Mike Hands

Truro

 

Whatever you do try and buy something made in UK, there`s not point in complaining about the state of the Canal/River system in this country when you support a foreign economy.

[Gary Peacock]

Whatever you do try and buy something made in UK, there`s not point in complaining about the state of the Canal/River system in this country when you support a foreign economy.

 

That sentiment is very patriotic but in reality people will not pay more to get less.

[reg]

We are thinking of buying a new narrowboat, 57-60 foot semi-trad. Problem is, we know very little about potential builders, i.e. workmanship, after sales service, financial integrity etc. Can anyone give us any info on:

 

The New Boat Co Ltd/Aqualine Marine, Hanley, Worcester

Narrowcraft Ltd/Narrowboat Sales Ltd, Tamworth

The Northwich Boat Company Ltd, Sandbach

Amber Boats UK Ltd, Evesham

 

Thanks in anticipation,

 

Mike Hands

Truro

I believe Liverpool Boats have the Crick Boat show up for sale down (or up) at Braunstone Marina , not sure if this is a semi-trad or not, can be contacted at

 

Quote from Liverpolol boats site

"AVAILABLE FOR IMMEDIATE DELIVERY

 

58' Fully Fitted 2007 Crick Show Boat. Contact Braunston Marina on 01788 891373"

 

Hope this helps

regards

[byewash]

No refection on any of the builders you have named, but from my experiences, and the

mutitude of postings from people who have had problems with their boatbuilders, go

for a ready built production boat.

You can see what you are getting, do not have to worry about stage payments and the solvency

of your builder, and more importantly the boat will be built to sell and therefore will resell when

the time comes, as it will, to upgrade. You only need the cost of one survey, not a surveyor popping

in and out at your expense.

 

You have only to look at a lot of the secondhand boats on the market to see that individual choice

at the time of build can lead to a boat that is of little interest to potential buyers.

 

I am sure that this post will lead to a lot of controversy and that a production boat will not be

your perfect dream. Equally it should not be a nightmare

[byewash]

Like you we are ona mission to find a boatbuilder who will build what we want not just an off the peg design.We have had boats before so we pretty much know what we want. At the present time we have narrowed (excuse pun ) the field to Northwich narrow boats and Wedgewood boats, both of whom seem to fit the bill.I think the most important point is to not rush into the project and visit as many builders as possible,also ask for a copy of their contract.Part of the fun is in the planning although it gets a little mind blowing at times!! Happy hunting.

[blackrose]

You have only to look at a lot of the secondhand boats on the market to see that individual choice

at the time of build can lead to a boat that is of little interest to potential buyers.

 

I'm not sure I understand. Are you saying that we should forego our own requirements in order to satisfy those of a future purchaser when we come to sell?

[KenK]

I'm not sure I understand. Are you saying that we should forego our own requirements in order to satisfy those of a future purchaser when we come to sell?

I think future sales potential is worth considering. If you make the boat too individualistic it could be a problem if you want to sell in the future. That narrowboat Pheonix is a case in point, very different and still on the market two years on.Ken

We are thinking of buying a new narrowboat, 57-60 foot semi-trad. Problem is, we know very little about potential builders, i.e. workmanship, after sales service, financial integrity etc. Can anyone give us any info on:The New Boat Co Ltd/Aqualine Marine, Hanley, WorcesterNarrowcraft Ltd/Narrowboat Sales Ltd, TamworthThe Northwich Boat Company Ltd, SandbachAmber Boats UK Ltd, EveshamThanks in anticipation,Mike HandsTruro

The one that always catches my eye when looking at the ads is Narrowcraft, never used them but I like the idea of a 10% deposit and the rest on completion. Tends to imply they have a great deal of confidence in their product.We looked at New Boat Co when we were boat hunting, basic boat seemed good value but once you start adding extras the price soon goes up. Bought one advertised on Apolloduck in the end.Good huntingKen

[Nige]

We are thinking of buying a new narrowboat, 57-60 foot semi-trad. Problem is, we know very little about potential builders, i.e. workmanship, after sales service, financial integrity etc. Can anyone give us any info on:

 

The New Boat Co Ltd/Aqualine Marine, Hanley, Worcester

Narrowcraft Ltd/Narrowboat Sales Ltd, Tamworth

The Northwich Boat Company Ltd, Sandbach

Amber Boats UK Ltd, Evesham

 

Thanks in anticipation,

 

Mike Hands

Truro

 

Hi Mike,

Was just wondering if yourself or for that matter anyone else, had come across these kits:-

 

http://www.apolloduck.co.uk/display.phtml?aid=54905

 

It's one that appeals very much to me and something i'll keep my eye on over the next few years, as it appeals very much - both from a price point of view and from the looks and lines of the actual boat.

 

Thoughts/ideas anyone ?

 

Cheers,

Nige

Edited September 1, 2007 by Nige

[Guest]

We bought our sailaway through a broker, who required just £1000 deposit, and completion on the day the boat was lowered into the water. It was a low risk solution for us.

[mayalld]

I'm not sure I understand. Are you saying that we should forego our own requirements in order to satisfy those of a future purchaser when we come to sell?

 

Highly personalised boats can be difficult to sell when the time comes, so yes you may wish to compromise.

[whammy]

After some of the commnts on this thread It makes me glad that I went for the New Boat Company, I found them to be excellent in every aspect and have lived on my Aqualine Manhattan for coming up 2 years, have toured the system, have been through nearly 800 locks and has not missed a beat, yes they are near off the peg boats but you can not fault the workmanship, they do provide several variations in lay outs now so you do have a little choice and you wont be on a long waiting list for your boat. Sounds like I am on commission for them but I can assureyou I am not.

 

Regards

[keble]

We are thinking of buying a new narrowboat, 57-60 foot semi-trad. Problem is, we know very little about potential builders, i.e. workmanship, after sales service, financial integrity etc. Can anyone give us any info on:

[snipped]

 

Mike, we too were in your position a few months ago. We decided on Northwich and have placed our order for a "production" boat with a few options. The advice to buy 'standard' does seem good - you know what you are getting.

Northwich have been around a while, and have a reasonable financial track record - always worth looking at Companies House records! Also worth doing: talk to surveyors, financiers, insurers, brokers (eg Harrall) to get their opinion on builders.

Good luck!

[Dominic M]

We are thinking of buying a new narrowboat, 57-60 foot semi-trad. Problem is, we know very little about potential builders, i.e. workmanship, after sales service, financial integrity etc. Can anyone give us any info on:

 

The New Boat Co Ltd/Aqualine Marine, Hanley, Worcester

Narrowcraft Ltd/Narrowboat Sales Ltd, Tamworth

The Northwich Boat Company Ltd, Sandbach

Amber Boats UK Ltd, Evesham

 

Thanks in anticipation,

 

Mike Hands

Truro

 

I work in boat brokerage, so I see a lot of boats built by a lot of different builders.

 

20 years ago you could count the number of boat builders on two hands (ish). At the last two Crick Shows I would say that 75% of the boatbuilders I had never heard of - and they were there one year and not the next. The next year there were another 75% of wannabes.

 

The Recreational Craft Directive (RCD) is supposed to be the CE mark of new boats - yet it is a self-assessment scheme. Anyone who finishes a boat can declare it to be compliant with no independent inspection.

 

There are builders out there who produce wonderful boats - Gary Peacock of Ledgard Bridge who contributes regularly to this forum in my experience is one - but I would advise anyone who is buying a new boat to employ an independent surveyor who specialises in RCD compliance to ensure that the boat they are buying does actually meet the standards required.

 

I have seen too many boats bought with an RCD that do not actually comply in many ways - sometimes quite seriously.

Edited September 1, 2007 by Dominic M

[jollyroger]

We had our boat built by J.D. Boat Services of Gailey. We have had it now for just over 2 years and are highly delighted with it.

We have had a few small problems, but these were sorted out quickly. They delivered on time and on budget, and make a lovely cup of tea.

[steveh]

We have a shared boat built by Carefree Cruising which is the same people who own and run Northwich Boat Company. Fantastic product but the usual problem with after sales care and service. If you want off the peg I would consider The New boat Co. as they have been building pre-fab for so long but be prepared to pay over the top for optional extras.

 

If anyone would like to read more tales of NB Firefly our shared boat them please PM me.

[SoJo]

I had a boat built by Narrowcraft earlier this year.My decision was based on the following thoughts:

1.They've been around for 20 years,have a boatyard,large marina and a pub and only require a 10% deposit with the balance payable upon delivery of the boat.All this makes them a sound financial bet.

2.The list of standard equipment is extensive,the only items I had to add were the soft furnishings.When I compared like for like quotes it amazed me how much other builders advertised prices shot up when I added items I felt were essential.In fact Narrowcraft included equipment some other builders wouldn't even entertain fitting.

3.The quality of my boat is superb,the woodwork cannot be faulted, in fact better than some boats costing twice as much.

4.They are one of the few companies offering the whole package,boat,aftersales care and a mooring at Alvecote Marina(the first 6 months was included in the price)the couple of slight snagging items were carried out quickly and efficiently.A "nothing is too much trouble"attitude seems to prevail.

This only my two penneth but so far the boat has exceeded my expectations and can highly recommend them.

Hope this helps.

[bargeeboy]

The Recreational Craft Directive (RCD) is supposed to be the CE mark of new boats - yet it is a self-assessment scheme. Anyone who finishes a boat can declare it to be compliant with no independent inspection.

 

Here at Narrowcraft we actively recommend that new boat buyers satify themselves that the boat is built to RCD requirements. We have had 2 new boats inspected recently before the purchasers pay their final 90% of purchase price and each time the Surveyor had no recommendations to make.

Edited September 5, 2007 by bargeeboy

[Dominic M]

Here at Narrowcraft we actively recommend that new boat buyers satify themselves that the boat is built to RCD requirements. We have had 2 new boats inspected recently before the purchasers pay their final 90% of purchase price and each time the Surveyor had no recommendations to make.

That's good and shows you have confidence in what you do - and the fact you have been around for 22 years speaks volumes too. We had a boat fitted out by you on brokerage dating from 1996, and the joinery was superb. Every drawer and door still fitted perfectly, every cupboard shut sweetly. Nothing is a test of good workmanship like time. Fair play to you.