Blacking near Reading

[flatplane8]

Hi,

 

Does anyone have any recommendations for blacking a 53 narrowboat near Reading? The marina I'm in can do this, and while its the most convienient option, the cost was more than I expected.

 

Thanks in advance

 

Simon

[Tomska]

Hi,

 

Does anyone have any recommendations for blacking a 53 narrowboat near Reading? The marina I'm in can do this, and while its the most convienient option, the cost was more than I expected.

 

Thanks in advance

 

Simon

 

Hi Simon,

 

I'm guessing you're at the hugely expensive Thames & Kennet Marina? There are a few other places you could try. Better Boating have a crane and if you wanted to DIY it, you could do it there. I'm not sure if they will do it for you, but you could ask - it's certainly convenient. Reading Marine in Aldermaston can certainly do it (0118 9173666). But if they have the facility to do it, I reckon Newbury Boat Company is probably your best bet - they're sound people and are not likely to overcharge you. They're on 01635 42884.

 

Cheers,

 

Duncan.

[flatplane8]

Hi Simon,

 

I'm guessing you're at the hugely expensive Thames & Kennet Marina? There are a few other places you could try. Better Boating have a crane and if you wanted to DIY it, you could do it there. I'm not sure if they will do it for you, but you could ask - it's certainly convenient. Reading Marine in Aldermaston can certainly do it (0118 9173666). But if they have the facility to do it, I reckon Newbury Boat Company is probably your best bet - they're sound people and are not likely to overcharge you. They're on 01635 42884.

 

Cheers,

 

Duncan.

 

Thanks, I'll probably go with All Aboard in Newbury (http://www.aamarine.co.uk/ ).

[Malcolm82]

Hi Simon,

 

im in a pretty similar situation to you and wondered if you’d be so kind as to tell me whom you went to, what the cost was and how you rated the service?

 

kind regards,

 

Malcolm

[Tony Brooks]

Ask ABC at Aldermaston, not too far up the K&A

[Cinimod]

A quick reopening to this topic - who is currenlty recommended near Reading for a 40ft Springer - thanks :) 

[Tony Brooks]

46 minutes ago, Cinimod said:

A quick reopening to this topic - who is currenlty recommended near Reading for a 40ft Springer - thanks

 

Definitely not a recommendation because I have never used them but Better Boating at Caversham have a crane and work on narrow boats. Not sure if Thames & Kennet marina does such jobs. Ask Caversham Boat Services because I think the have a slipway and operate a couple of narrow boats.

[Cinimod]

Very many thanks

 

[Drayke]

Its not Thames & Kennet that does the blacking but "Butcher Marin"  0780 191981.

5 hours ago, Tony Brooks said:

 

Definitely not a recommendation because I have never used them but Better Boating at Caversham have a crane and work on narrow boats. Not sure if Thames & Kennet marina does such jobs. Ask Caversham Boat Services because I think the have a slipway and operate a couple of narrow boats.

 

[Col_T]

Google the dry dock company in Newbury.

Used them last year; seemed pretty good.

[Cal Ando]

I can definitely recommend Aldermaston Wharf for Blacking and craning.   Careful and considerate craning and a good, thorough job that will last for years.   I monitored the work closely but didn't need to as Dave was way ahead of me regarding fixing the issues before I ever got to mention them!   Had bottom plate new anodes, bow thruster tube, weed hatch and tunnel bands redone.  Cost about £1800 inc VAT then.  This was done in 2020 and I'm heading off up north this and next year.   I am most reluctant to head north without revisiting Aldermaston for a 'wash and brush up' as I know it will be done properly there.   No aspiration on other boatyards, but if you've got a good one, stick with it is my motto!

[Cinimod]

Thanks @Cal Ando
Mine is finally out of the water and just been blacked, I have ended up using High Line Yachting on the Slough arm at Iver...
John and Neil are a great bunch and they have done a really  good job..