Andy & Angela, n/b Bethany May

Some years ago, after many years of hire boat holidays, we decided it was time to get our own narrowboat. The first point of call was Crick Boat Show (in 2015) where we looked at both second hand and custom built boats.

We also found out about the hybrid engine option at Crick and realised that to get the layout that we wanted and a hybrid engine custom built was the way to go.

We were very impressed by Braidbar on our first visit to Crick due to the quality of the build, the very friendly and helpful owners (at that time Peter and Susan) and the evident loyalty of Braidbar boat owners who volunteer at the show. Our second visit to Crick the following year confirmed that Braidbar was definitely the right company for us and we visited their boatyard at Poynton the following week. The next day we booked our build slot for November 2017.

Our following visits to begin designing our boat were both exciting and enjoyable. Peter and Susan were always very welcoming and happy to spend as much time as needed to discuss our ideas and advise on the pros and cons of the many choices to be made.

We met James and Donna (Braidbar’s new co-owners) soon after and gradually started working more with them as the design was refined and the build began. They both contributed greatly in different ways and are always such a pleasure to talk to.   

The launch and build process, during which we made regular visits, were an amazing experience. We ended up with a beautiful boat with lovely paintwork, a light, bright interior with superb fittings, and the ability to run on electric to enhance our enjoyment of the peace and quiet of the canals.

As is usual with any build, there were a few minor things to sort out but after care service has been excellent and we even had lessons in winding and reversing from Peter. We are deeply grateful to the whole Braidbar team, who have indeed built our dream boat.