Braidbar Boats Ltd

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Reviews

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  Mike Binnington

  My experience with Braidbar throughout the build process was excellent - from the early discussions about length and layout, through finalisation of the design, the whole build process, handover and after sales. James's advice around what was possible and how he turned some of my ideas into something buildable was most appreciated. Unfortunately, we entered a second Covid lockdown shortly after the launch of the shell, which meant I couldn't visit during construction. That was not a problem, however, as James kept me regularly updated on progress via regular walk-through video calls and chats on the phone. Handover went smoothly, as did the shakedown cruise. I wanted a couple of slight interior tweaks, which were quickly fitted. I am absolutely delighted with the completed boat. The build quality is excellent. And the service and support have been tremendous. James and Donna - indeed, the whole Braidbar team - are great people to work with. And they build great boats.

  17-06-2022
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  Paul Clingan

  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. Inevitably, with any new boat, there is snagging to be done. This was fully completed with no issues and the after sales service was just as good as the rest of the sales process. Every effort to solve any issues was made with no avoidance which to us was very important. We are looking forward to spending many years on Kumpali. We cannot tell you how many people have admired our boat since we have moved on and asked many questions. They have even said "you can't go wrong with a Braidbar ". I think that sums it up quite well. We found all of the Braidbar staff very helpful, professional and worked very hard to achieve the best results. As a result of our excellent experience with Braidbar we would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone wanting their own narrowboat. Paul and Kim KUMPALI

  17-06-2021
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  Andy & Tara Nash

  Like many our journey started at Crick, after multiple visits we started to hone our layout and ideas for our live aboard adventure. After narrowing our builder choice down to three we embarked on visiting and discussing some of our ideas and wishes to see who we felt most confident in. After a morning with Braidbar we’d found our builder, its funny how you get that feeling when you know something is right. Flutterby has a number of individual requests, from the potters cabin designed with Tim Tyler, the tipped in enclosed bow bedroom, the vinyl weave flooring, a dog shower and dinette steps, to the LED lights in the dog boxes. James and the team at Braidbar took all of our requests and delivered. The final product is everything we dreamed of and more, everything has been executed with quality and care along with a few surprises from James. As to be expected we’ve had a few minor issues, all have been sorted with speed and without any hassle. If you're looking for a new narrowboat that’s designed with you and built by a team who can incorporate your ideas along with guidance on what’s not practical you can’t go wrong talking things through with the Braidbar team.

  17-06-2021
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  Mike Hargreaves

  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. It mattered greatly to us that we never felt Braidbar were clock watching, every matter we raised was responded to quickly and thoroughly, nothing was too much trouble, they went the extra mile and more to guarantee our satisfaction, even through the dreaded 2020 lockdown. I cannot recommend Braidbar highly enough, we are delighted with our boat and have made good friends along the way. Braidbar have turned an empty metal shell into a sophisticated, mobile, well appointed, luxury country cottage with excellent canalside views and we love her.

  17-06-2021
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  lynn walker

  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. Telephone calls, copious amounts of emails and photographs were exchanged, to ensure that we were all on the same page and that the design was exactly what we wanted. Donna and James have been very patient with us at all times, they listened to us, advised us, and have built our new home exactly as we envisaged it and then some! 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.

  17-06-2020
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  Chris Blaydon

  We were that confident in Peter, Susan and the team that we had our boat built and fully fitted out - before our return from Australia.The first time we actually saw it was when we moved in!

  17-06-2016
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  Beryl Johnson

  Just over two years ago we took delivery of our second boat from Braidbar Boats Limited and as with our first boat it has exceeded our expectations. Braidbar encourage their customers to table their own ideas and choose their own fittings and fixtures. They listen carefully to customers requirements and ideas, discuss and advise on feasibility, or suggest alternative options. Peter and Susan are a joy to work with and customers greatly enjoy the planning and building stage of their boat. Such is their way of dealing with customers, that everything is out in the open, there are no hidden extras and their after sales service is exemplary.

  17-06-2016
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  William Waters

  My first contact with Braidbar Boats about having a narrow boat built was amazing - Susan Mason was delightful and very helpful - it is the sort of customer service that is sadly lacking in many other places nowadays. Peter soon contacted me and we exchanged ideas before meeting them both about a month later to finalise the design and being the build process. Peter and Susan make sure you are fully engaged in the entire process and we were invited to the shell launch on 1st August - what a great day that was seeing the launch and towing it back to the boat yard. As with all large projects customers like to make changes and Braidbar were very positive, flexible and efficient to ensure the boat met the customers expectations. They encouraged regular visits during the build and their hospitality was great at all times. The run through prior to the acceptance trail was first class and ensured the new owner was ware of the technical and operational aspects of the boat, I am delighted with Peggy Ellen 152 which was completed in December 2014 and has now clocked-up over 160 hours of thoroughly enjoyable boating. I would recommend that anybody who is thinking of having a boat built meet Peter and Susan to discuss their requirements as I am confident that they will not be disappointed!

  17-06-2015
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  Gina Price

  We had our boat built nearly six years ago and love every moment on board her. Peter and Susan Mason made the decision to go with Braidbar easy as they are both trustworthy and experienced boat builders. They were able to guide us through the whole process so that we got the perfect boat tailor made to our requirements making the most of any little spaces for extra storage (for instance the galley drawers are extra deep to fit under the gunwhale instead of being normal kitchen drawers). We opted for a half-dinette which gave us extra space in the saloon. If we had a second boat built we would go with them again! nb La Suvera #124

  17-06-2015
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  Jerry Mabbott

  From the first time we met Peter and Susan in Feb 2013 it has been an absolute pleasure. We truly felt that we were starting on a new adventure together where nothing was too much trouble. At every step they carefully considered our views agreed with them or suggested other solutions which were more practical and gave us a similar result.Peter guided us through the build process like a well oiled piece of machinery, Susan supporting with copious cups of tea and sandwiches! The result was the boat of our dreams delivered on time with no hassle, which hadn`t seemed possible 2 years ago.The design and quality of the build was all we hoped for and more. It didn`t stop there, the after service is second to none, nothing has been too much trouble all in all it has been an exciting experience which I would commend to anyone considering commissioning a new boat.

  17-06-2015