You need to know how amazing this boat is that's been made for me.
She goes so well in the deeper water of the Trent & Mersey.
Everything I needed to do, she did beautifully and locking was a dream.
Thank you so much!
As existing Narrowboat owners, we looked around for quite a long time before commissioning Braidbar. So why Braidbar?
Our main priority was that we wanted a company that was secure and would still be in business at the end of the build. You hear horror stories of companies folding part way through we did not want that worry for nearly a year before we both retired.
The "after support" has been excellent we can't thank Braidbar enough.
We achieved the boat of our dreams through the Braidbar team and can't speak highly enough of them, they are truly professional and build boats in a different league.
Having Salodin built by Braidbar was fun from start to finish!
Throughout the build I had ideas of what I wanted. Then I was offered alternatives that had worked well on other boats or options that I hadn’t heard of. The final decision was always mine.
This means I got a boat that was ideal for my needs and the follow up service has been great. I had a lot to learn about some of the new technology and I have had excellent support throughout.
We started our journey about 5 years ago looking at different types of narrowboats that would suit us best.
As existing continuous cruisers and loving life on the canals, we wanted our forever boat to be designed and built. After extensive research and a very positive meeting at Crick Boat Show with James and Donna we chose Braidbar Boats and we have not regretted our decision.
James listened to our requirements and also added many positive ideas to produce our home which we are delighted with. We were very impressed with the technical and practical advice we received to the point of James designing his first (I believe) built-in ironing board.
There was extensive attention to detail and the build quality is second to none. The whole boat was completed to our wishes with no corners cut.
The best decision we ever made! Braidbar have enabled us to fulfil our dream. The whole journey from reserving a build slot to owning our own pride and joy was seamless, thoroughly professional, but much more besides, we really feel a valued part of the Braidbar family.
We were kept fully informed at all times and involved in all the decisions about Alkemi. We received invaluable advice, but our wishes were respected and acted upon. Nothing was too much trouble, we felt valued, never rushed, and supported throughout.
From choosing the length, type of shell and engine type, to the initial launch in the snow, designing the interior, shakedown cruise and finally taking possession we felt the most important part of the whole process, no question was left unanswered, everything was explained in detail and staff ensured we understood all.
When we were in the process of specifying and buying our Braidbar narrowboat, we enjoyed the experience throughout. From visiting the Braidbar stand and show boat at the Crick boat show, through to visiting the boatyard and refining our boating ideas.
We can only score the people and process with a 10 out of 10!
Now we have our superb Braidbar Boat... and it is truly fantastic!
Out on the cut we have been amazed at how many people, either walking on the towpath or other boat owners, have said how beautiful our boat is.
We were worried when we decided to have a boat built as we do not live in the UK and would not be able to watch the build take place in person, but we need not have been.
The first time we saw the boat was on the handover day, and we were both extremely impressed with the quality and workmanship.
We can't thank them enough for everything they and their team have done for us, from the planning stage, design, build and to the eventual handover, and also for the support they continue to offer us even now.
They were a pleasure to deal with, very helpful and knowledgeable and I wouldn't hesitate in recommending them to anyone who wants a boat built by real craftsmen.
Braidbar Boats Ltd