New Bespoke Narrowboats – Frequently Asked Questions

How can I finance my boat build?

Many people finance a boat build due to a windfall via retirement, redundancy or inheritance. If you are not lucky enough to have the available finances, the next option may be to remortgage your property and approach your current lenders.

How do I pay for my boat build?

We operate a boat building contract with staged payments of 10%, 5%, 30%, 35%, 15% and 5% on completion. At each of these staged payments you will be able to see the boat and discuss your boat build with our team, to reach the next stage. We require a £3000 deposit to secure your boat building slot.

What if I can’t arrange to visit the boat yard at each stage?

This isn’t a problem as we post the ongoing progress of your build on our Facebook page which is updated regularly so you can view the progress online here – https://www.facebook.com/AQUANARROWBOATS.

How do I calculate the cost of my boat build?

Just fill out our ‘Request a Quote’ form here with all the required details and we’ll provide you with a full and detailed quotation. Each option you’ve requested is highlighted and priced individually so you’ll  receive a full and itemised quote with no hidden costs or just one large lump sum that is difficult to understand what you’re paying for.. The quotation stays on file so you can come back to us if you need to alter any options etc. If you decide to go ahead with a build we’ll then go through the quote at our design meeting nearer to the build date – so there is ample opportunity to discuss ideas and change the quote again before anything is signed or committed too.  During the build if you decide to add or remove any options then these will be calculated and added at the end stage build payment. However, in the unusual circumstance of you adding an option that is of very high value during the build, we may need to add this to a stage payment sooner than the end stage payment.

Do you only build 57ft, 60ft and 65ft boats?

No, we can build any length boat over 50ft, these boat sizes have been priced as they are the most popular size of boats in the market.

Do you build widebeam canal boats?

Yes we are a bespoke narrowboat and widebeam canal boat builder so provide a price for either.

How do you let me know what is happening with my boat build – I would like to feel in control of the process?

As mentioned above, we keep our Facebook page up to date so you are aware of the progress of your boat build. You will have decided the design and layout at the start of the boat build and signed the boat build contract. In addition you will have four or five design meetings with the Managing Director to ensure you are happy with the progress and to make any further decisions required at each stage. You are of course welcome to make further liaison via emails and phone calls. Following the boat build, we will keep you up to date with regular e-newsletters.

Can you provide any references?

Yes, we are happy to provide further references from our very happy customers, please get in touch for further information.

What other assurances can you offer?

We ensure best quality. All our boats meet and are tested to the necessary Recreational Craft Regulations (RCR) and will be UKCA marked with full documentation and manuals provided. We also ask a Marine Boat Safety Examiner to inspect and issue an additional Boat Safety Certificate and a landlord gas certificate (if gas is installed). Our new narrowboats are warranted for one year (some parts will be warranted by the manufacturer for longer) however we provide excellent after sales and ongoing support to all our customers – so if you need advice or support after the warranty period we are happy to help via telephone or email, or indeed by popping in at The Boat House (although it’s best to call ahead to make sure the appropriate member of staff is working). As well as our normal liability insurance we also have Builders Risk insurance which covers the loss of a boat in build should our premises catch fire etc.. and you’ll also be fully covered when you first take the boat out on a snagging cruise. However we also recommend you start your own insurance policy as soon as the boat is launched.

Do you offer support with the boat design?

Yes, you will have a team of experts to offer help and advice, with a wealth of experience in boat design and fit-outs, however it is ultimately your dream and we are committed to meet your requirements.

How long does your boat build take?

There is usually a lead time of about two or three months for the hull manufacture, once the hull arrives at our workshop the carpentry and engineering fit-out takes another 12 weeks and the boat painting takes another 3-4 weeks. In total you will need to allow at least 24 weeks from start to finish, so we would suggest that planning starts 12 months in advance as we usually have a 12 month lead time for a boat build due to demand.

Can I choose a hull builder myself?

We don’t offer fitout services on a customer’s own shell  – we only offer a full complete bespoke boat building service from steel work to completion. However we do work with various hull builders including Colecraft, X R and D boat builders and Jonathan Wilson Narrowboats.

I am really interested in buying a boat, what to do next?

The first thing to do is make sure you have the finances available. Next, we would recommend visiting a few boat shows such as the Crick Boat Show. See as many boat designs as possible to build up an idea of what you like and what you dislike – view our Boat Build Gallery or our Facebook album page here. to help you decide. We usually attend the Crick Boat Show & hold one Open Day annually at our new purpose built premises in Foston, you are most welcome to visit & look at the quality of our work. If you are interested in a bespoke narrowboat build by Aqua Narrowboats then we will arrange an individual visit to The Boat House where you can discuss your new narrowboat and take a closer look at the work we produce. We will discuss the specification (if you haven’t already received one), plus the next available timeslots. Most customers will be visiting a number of narrowboat builders to decide who is the right fit for them and therefore have some time to look over the quote and think about the service that we offer. If you decide to choose Aqua Narrowboats then we ask for a £3000 slot reservation fee – this isn’t refundable but is deducted from the first stage payment.

Where can I moor the boat?

There are many moorings available, most marinas will have moorings and Canal & River Trust also have linear moorings along the banks of the canal. Barton Turns Marina (our hire fleet base) will be more than happy to discuss a mooring with you and it has some excellent facilities.

What about after-sales service?

Our new narrowboats are warranted for one year (some parts will be warranted by the manufacturer for longer) however we provide excellent after sales and ongoing to support to all our customers – so if you need advice or support after the warranty period we are happy to help via telephone or email, or indeed by popping in at The Boat House (although it’s best to call ahead to make sure the appropriate member of staff is working).