Suppliers, resources and links

Boat building information

TB Training

Easily the best online resource for narrowboat builders and owners. Tony also runs a free email Q&A service and hands-on training.

Narrowboat Builder's book

Graham Booth's book is indispensable for all narrowboat projects.

Scoraig Wind

Hugh Piggott is the country's expert in small to medium wind turbine projects. If you would like to built a generator everything you need to know is here.

Canal Junction

Vast directory of canal-related stuff.

Boat Builders

This is just a small selection of the many that are out there. All these people kindly provided me with a quote for this project.

The New Boat Company

The New Boat Co. sell off-the-peg fully fitted boats in fine shells made in Gdansk, Poland. They also sell a range of sailaways built by Liverpool Boat Co, though it's cheaper to buy direct.

Liverpool Boat Co.

Bulk builder of 'mid-market' narrowboat and wide beam shells at low prices. Will supply to fitters and direct to the public.

Colecraft Engineering

Large scale supplier of high quality shells mainly to industry. Email: sales@colecraft.co.uk, Phone 01926 814 081.

Paul Widdowson Jnr.

Small custom narrowboat builder with reasonable prices and very nice looking shells. His recessed panel design is particularly attractive. Email: marlonpaulj@aol.co.uk, phone: 07704233984.

BH Boats

Another small custom builder operating at the top end of the market for those special projects. Very helpful. Email: bh.boats@blueyonder.co.uk, Phone 07974 808277.

NRM Narrowboats

Another small builder constructing and fitting shells to order and to very high specs. Helpful and informative. Call 07743898432.

ABC Boats, Boston, Lincs.

The "Affordable Boat Company" builds all sorts of shells to order at excellent prices. Head man Dean Atkinson is a semi-retired builder of 30 years experience who is continuing as a 'hobby' builder. Unusually designers preferred. Call 07748460888.

Northwich Boat Co. / NRM Narrowboats

Produce sailaways and fitted boats 'off-the-peg' at competitive prices. Call 01270 760770 or email john@carefreecruising.com.

Marine Windows

Companies supplying windows suitable for use in narrowboats. Click here to see my window spec, the quotes I received and some value-by-area calculations.

Caldwells

Produce the usual range of single-glazed narrowboat windows and portholes. Competitive prices. Email: sales@caldwellswindows.co.uk.

Worcester Windows

A good range of marine windows and portholes. Call: 01905 358800. Email: worcestermarine@btconnect.com.

Wesley Windows

Impressive range of finished and good prices. They extended to me a healthy discount and were my eventual choice. Call 01400 283286 or email info.wesleywindows@fsmail.net.

Channelglaze

Makers of very desireable high-quality single and double glazed units at the top end of the market. Email enquiry@narrowboatwindows.co.uk.

Tools and materials

BES

Mail order plumbing supplies. Very good for gas fittings. Web site is a bit difficult to navigate but the stock is impressive and delivery very fast.

MD Finney

Experts in all aspects of wood finishing. Mail order service, free friendly advice on the phone.

Screwfix

THE online shop for tools, fastening and all sorts of other stuff.

Mead Plant

Good source of engine and generator parts and spares.

Bradnams Timber Merchants

Good service and very reasonable prices. Based in Haverhill, Suffolk.

Your Welcome

Good source of LED lights and fittings...

Ultra LEDs

...and another.

Vehicle wiring produces

Supplier of cables, terminals, switches etc for 12V wiring systems....

Auto-Connect

...and another.

Cheap Fire Extinguishers

Does what it says on the tin.

Marinestore

General chandlery with wide range of stock at decent prices. Enter code A2020 for 5% discount.

Solar 24 / Koekraf

Solar panels, regulators etc. Based in Germany. Turn off your speakers before visiting.

Ely Boat Chandlers

Especially recommended for BSS inspections.

General interest

Canal Plan AC

Superb online route planner for the UK waterways. There is even a downloadable mini version for use on the move.

How a gas fridge works

Far far cleverer than you thought. Well, it did take Einstein to invent it.

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