Testimonials
Andy & Sally - Hrafn
We’re absolutely delighted with Hrafn; she’s everything we’d ever hoped for - and more.
The build quality and attention to detail are second to none. It’s now some two months since completion and, looking back, the whole build process was such an incredible adventure and so much fun.
From narrowboat holidays, we kind of knew the basics of what we were looking for in our own boat, but didn’t have that live aboard experience to fine tune everything.
We needn’t have worried as Braidbar discussed and explored our needs and wants lists both before and throughout the build, offering expert guidance to help us decide on the fine details.
Alan & Alex - Hollingworth
We have been boat owners since 2013. During our travels around the network over the next 8 years, we became aware of the Braidbar brand and admired the individuality of the boats and the quality of the external finishing.
In 2021, we made the decision to have a brand-new boat custom built to our requirements. After considerable research (online and in the trade magazines), we decided that Braidbar would be our preferred builder and sent them an email enquiry.
The finished boat is stunning both internally and externally, and more than met our expectations. The inevitable snags that were found during the shakedown cruise and even afterwards have been cleared cheerfully and in a timely manner.
We are very happy to be part of the Braidbar family!
Jim & Clare - Avatea
This narrowboat 'thing' has been a bit of a personal journey of discovery for Clare and I - it's been challenging enough to bend our heads around some of the practical stuff about narrowboat life - cooking, heating, being safe, mooring-up.... so when it came to envisioning our future, (older!) selves living-aboard, we needed help.
We were assured and extremely grateful to Braidbar for navigating us towards a finished article that met our (partly known at the time) needs.
But....what a 'finished' article it was! On 'handover day', it was an emotional experience seeing the newly completed interior and immaculate exterior...
Hazel & Nigel - Fearnbeg
Can’t believe it’s almost a year since we picked up our lovely 60ft diesel powered narrowboat and we couldn’t be happier with our purchase.
We had spent a number of years in a syndicate boat, but always dreamt of owning our own boat for extended holiday cruising.
From the first couple of visits to Braidbar and then placing the order, the whole process of design, build and handover was excellent.
We did look at other builders but were always so impressed with James, Donna and their team that we knew we were in safe hands.
We had a pretty good idea of what features we wanted in our boat, but it was great to also receive lots of practical advice and being able to see other boats at various build stages was also very useful in cementing our thoughts on what we did and didn’t like.
David & Ruth - Mary Matilda
We have had such a positive experience with our boat build – from initial discussions, meeting our design requirements, keeping us updated on build progress, providing support for answering technical questions and generally making the process as smooth as possible.
James and Donna made the whole process so easy and enjoyable.
We are absolutely delighted with our beautiful narrowboat Mary Matilda. She has already been much admired whilst out on the cut.
We cannot recommend Braidbar enough for anyone who is thinking of having a boat built.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
