WHAT SHOULD YOU CHOOSE?

Here are some important things to consider when choosing a new boat


1. CAN I GET AN ELECTRIC BOAT?

Yes! Electric prolusion is possible, at the moment our electric powered boats need to have a way of repleninshing power and this is commonly through diesel, but things are changing. Get in touch to find out more about the benefits of diesel, electric or hybrid boating.

2. WHICH IS BEST- ​A NARROWBOAT  A WIDEBEAM OR A BARGE?

See our summary below or get in touch to find out more.

​3. WHAT IS A 'SAILAWAY'? 

A sailaway usually includes the steel shell of the boat and everything that you need to take it away by water, ie the engine and relevant electrics (so you can drive the boat) the windows and vents (so it is sealed to the elements) and the ballast (so it is stable in the water.) Some sailaways also include a coat of holding primer.

4. HOW MANY SOLAR PANELS DO I NEED? AND WHAT TYPE IS BEST?

We offer up to 2k rigid panel array which will fit on a typical narrowboat roof or a 1.5kw semi flexible array for the same area (semi-flexible panels typically have a lower wattage than rigid panels.) On our widebeam you can have 5kW of rigid panels or more on a bespoke boat. Get in touch to find out more.


​5. DO I REALLY NEED DOUBLE GLAZED WINDOWS AND PORTHOLES?

The difference is amazing! As a liveaboard boater the first question I get asked is "Is it cold on board?" It doesn't have to be. Double glazing (together with good insulation) akes a massive difference to the on board temperature. We say yes to double glazing.

6. WHAT IS THE BEST TYPE OF TOILET TO CHOOSE?

There are currently four options, each has its benefits and limitations. In summary:
Cassette toilet: easy to empty, quick to fill up! 
Pump out: lots of capacity, can be expensive to empty, you need to get to a pump out to empty
Composting/ separating toilet: simple to operate, much less water used, disposal of waste in bins is now a problem, toilet paper can't be used in some models so has to be disposed of eslewhere.
Incinerating toilet: expensive to install, requires gas for operation, no need for waste tank.

So which is the best size of boat for you?

Different boats lend themselves to different conditions and lifestyles. The boats we build come in all shapes and sizes, from a 30 foot narrowboat to a 65 foot x 12 foot 6 inch Barge and anything in between. 
The size relates to where you want to travel (UK or mainland Europe) and whether you will be living on your boat or using it for short breaks.

A narrowboat?
Giving the opportunity to travel throughout the inland waterways combined with the joy of getting so much into (and out of) a carefully designed space.

A Dutch style Barge?
Our Dutch Barges look great from the outside and have generous proportions on the inside: it’s a totally different space to a typical canal boat with lovely curves and the bonus of a wheelhouse. Greater power gives the option of travelling on more challengine waters in the UK and mainland Europe.

A widebeam boat?
Spacious enough to spread out and giving lots of options for built in or freestanding furniture. Large windows, hatches and bright pale finishes can also boost the feeling of space.