Testimonials

Testimonials

From a number of Braidbar Boats' customers in their own words... please do read their stories.

Gill - Desiderata 

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!

Martin & Polly - Napoli

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.

 

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Sheila - Salodin 

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.

Paul & Kim - Kumpali

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. 

 

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Mike & Alison - Alkemi 

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.


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Bob & Barbara - The Tudor Tamar

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.


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Lynn Walker - Inukshuk 

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.


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Pete & Dani - Fantastica

We cannot recommend Braidbar highly enough.

The whole experience from initial visit, planning and ordering through to the delivery phase has been a pleasure.

We have felt that we became part of the family and were welcomed by the whole team every time we visited the boatyard. They are all true craftsmen who put their heart and soul into each and every boat.

This approach was exemplified with the swift resolution of a post delivery issue with the absolute minimum of fuss.

Simon & Chris - Jolly Good 

We have a stunning beautiful boat which gives us a functional, sociable, comfortable and fun way to do what we love...messing about on rivers and canals with family and friends. We also wanted
a boat that could be used as an floating office, but also a a bit of a retreat and comfortable home with a bit of style, for extended cruising through the seasons as we gently move to a slower pace of life.

Braidbar have delivered on all our expectations and more. The whole experience from start to finish has been better than ‘Jolly Good’...in fact our boat should really be called ‘Bloody Brilliant’ thanks to Braidbar.

Ian & Clare - Aqua Duck

As first time boat owners, our choice of Braidbar was made at the open day where we had the opportunity to experience a variety of styles and designs and discuss the pros and cons of our favoured layout with other owners.

Seeing older boats which still looked as good as new convinced us of the superb quality of the materials and workmanship.

Our pride and joy was clearly built to last, but if we somehow do manage to outlive her, we would not hesitate to buy another Braidbar.

Laurence - Elizabeth Anne 

The decision to live aboard a narrowboat came gradually. So once that big decision to move aboard was made I never had any doubts that Braidbar was the company to choose.

I have settled happily on my boat, everywhere I look there are things that give me pleasure, the level of craftsmanship is simply quite astonishing.

I was lucky enough to be able to see the build at least once a week and saw how solidly this vessel was constructed, everything is built to last, there is nothing that is only skin deep.

Chris & Lizzie - All Right Now

Our last narrowboat was a Braidbar and when we decided after 10 years to have a new one there was only one choice.

Braidbar again. How right we were!

From the first discussions to cruising away in our new boat the whole experience has been wonderful.

All the team have been fantastic; nothing is too much trouble.

To top it all the end result is beyond our hopes and dreams.

Andy & Angela - Bethany May

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 the 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.

Cathy & Alistair - Serenity

We first came across Braidbar about 8 years ago when we went to the Crick boat show to 'window shop'. We can't remember which boat of theirs we saw but it made a lasting impression on us.

When it came to actually deciding which builder to use 6 years later we researched others but, as well as the high quality workmanship we remembered, a main draw now was also their experience with hybrid engines.

We went to see them early in 2016 intending just to chat and came away having placed an order! 

We are delighted with Serenity. Throughout all the discussions and decision making we have received sound advice and flexibility in accommodating all our design ideas. The workmanship is exquisite and the layout (reverse semi-trad) is perfect in terms of space use and size.

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