Is the boatbuilding recession coming to an end?

[nicknorman]

I've just been past a certain boatbuilders at Glascote. There are 8 new boats in the "undercoat club" (ie in various stages of fit out), one fully painted in the "final touches" area, something I couldn't see in the paint shed (maybe another new boat but possibly a repaint) and probably something in the steel shed. It's the most I've ever seen there.

[steven wilkinson]

Excellent news. I do like shiny boats.

[Ray T]

Three wide beams in Colecraft's, yard in Long Itchington yesterday.

[Neil2]

There have been more than a few comments on the forum from buyers who are turning to shell builders because they feel the price of used boats represents poor value.

 

Having been searching the market for almost a year now I continue to despair at some of the examples you see in the £25-30,000 price range, and for that sort of money you are withing striking distance of a decent quality sailaway, maybe even lined out.

 

If builders order lists are growing, maybe this is one reason for it.

 

 

[Victor Vectis]

I've just been past a certain boatbuilders at Glascote.

Is there still a Springer moored in the basin?

 

[Grace and Favour]

A hire-boat company's 2014 fleet replacements?

[nicknorman]

A hire-boat company's 2014 fleet replacements?

No hire companies use those boats - well there is the odd one for hire. These boats will all be for private owners.

[MtB]

I've just been past a certain boatbuilders at Glascote. There are 8 new boats in the "undercoat club" (ie in various stages of fit out), one fully painted in the "final touches" area, something I couldn't see in the paint shed (maybe another new boat but possibly a repaint) and probably something in the steel shed. It's the most I've ever seen there.

 

Stevey was looking EXTREMELY pleased with himself at Crick last year, and the housing market was still in the tail end of the doldrums.

 

Now it is ALIGHT I bet he won't even need to exhibit at Crick this year.

 

I've even managed to shift one of my minor mistakes from 2001 at a half-sensible price, at last. Things really ARE looking up!

 

MtB

[billS]

No hire companies use those boats - well there is the odd one for hire. These boats will all be for private owners.

 

not for the oi poloi then?

[nicknorman]

not for the oi poloi then?

Depends on whether the oi poloi can afford a new boat. If they can, these boats start at very reasonable prices. If not, they will have to buy 2nd hand, or "pre-loved" as the Americans say!

[FadeToScarlet]

No hire companies use those boats - well there is the odd one for hire. These boats will all be for private owners.

Maybe hire companies ought to buy some, really test out the fabled toughness!

[nicknorman]

I'm sure he would be delighted with the business. On the other hand, with 9+ boats already in build not sure he could cope with the demand! Plus, hire fleets usually want cruiser sterns, but Steve does have his standards...

[mark99]

We hired a Huddy from Middlewich N/B. 66 foot tug. I think the rudder must have been bent cos it steered where it wanted to go.

[nicknorman]

We hired a Huddy from Middlewich N/B. 66 foot tug. I think the rudder must have been bent cos it steered where it wanted to go.

That's surprising to hear. Our rudder is very powerful, the boat goes dead straight on its own, but turns sharply and is even moderately responsive in neutral. The only criticism could be that tiller forces are higher than most, but it doesn't worry me.

 

Edit: maybe someone added some rudder in front of the pivot to address the high tiller forces?

Edited January 31, 2014 by nicknorman

[ditchcrawler]

That's surprising to hear. Our rudder is very powerful, the boat goes dead straight on its own, but turns sharply and is even moderately responsive in neutral. The only criticism could be that tiller forces are higher than most, but it doesn't worry me.

For the "shared" boats they changed the rudder. Steve didn't do it. it was an after market job.

[nicknorman]

For the "shared" boats they changed the rudder. Steve didn't do it. it was an after market job.

Ah, you beat me to it, that was my supposition after a couple of minutes thinking time. I wonder why, the rudder / general way it drives is one of the best bits of it!

 

It is a boy boat and thus needs a firm hand!

Edited January 31, 2014 by nicknorman

[frangar]

Just shows how common those Hudson's are......even less point in having one now they are everywhere!

 

Cheers

 

Gareth

[nicknorman]

Just shows how common those Hudson's are......even less point in having one now they are everywhere!

Cheers

Gareth

Yes the creeping invasion. Soon they will be everywhere and anything else will be crushed. It's on CRT's 10 year plan!

[LoneWolf]

 

Stevey was looking EXTREMELY pleased with himself at Crick last year, and the housing market was still in the tail end of the doldrums.

 

Now it is ALIGHT I bet he won't even need to exhibit at Crick this year.

 

I've even managed to shift one of my minor mistakes from 2001 at a half-sensible price, at last. Things really ARE looking up!

 

MtB

 

so you gonna get another boat then?

[mark99]

For the "shared" boats they changed the rudder. Steve didn't do it. it was an after market job.

 

Was that what they did with the specific tug at Middlewich?

 

I just assumed there was a problem with the rudder being bent.

[Lady Muck]

There have been more than a few comments on the forum from buyers who are turning to shell builders because they feel the price of used boats represents poor value.

 

Having been searching the market for almost a year now I continue to despair at some of the examples you see in the £25-30,000 price range, and for that sort of money you are withing striking distance of a decent quality sailaway, maybe even lined out.

 

If builders order lists are growing, maybe this is one reason for it.

 

I agree, i've seen plenty of 25-30 year old ex hire boats that have been 'done up' for sale at more than £1000 a foot, they're having a laugh!

[onionbargee]

On a limited system of muddy ditches like the canals there must come a point of saturation, the market must collapse at some point, 40,000 boats, 50,000 boats..........

[nicknorman]

On a limited system of muddy ditches like the canals there must come a point of saturation, the market must collapse at some point, 40,000 boats, 50,000 boats..........

But don't forget, 90% of them are in a marina at any one time. Except for sunny bank holidays of course!

[Ark Right]

The narrow boat industry is still on its knees.

Hudson may have eight in "the undercoat club", a similar set up below Atherstone had the same just before it ceased. Not that I am suggesting this is the case at all.

It is not rocket science to do a little research and make the obvious conclusions.

From Hudsons website he now finds himself condescending to build Semi trads, shock horror!!

Moreover he is offering fully fitted at sub £75k. And still a Hudson wtf !

This is not a business enjoying post recession order books, this business has its head above water (as far as I know) and trying its hardest to stay there.

I sincerely hope it makes it as there are not many left.

A

[mark99]

Nick N, take a look at the top 10 thread in the New to Boating forum.