What it's really like to build with Bluewater.

“Why we chose Bluewater Boats, Steve and Jill Porter Originally in the market for a second-hand narrowboat to take the place of our previously owned share boat, Jill and I found ourselves at The Crick Boat Show in May 2023. During the show we viewed many of the new boats on display and realised that having a boat built for us would be a better option than buying a used vessel. Bluewater had two boats in the show and we couldn’t help but be impressed by the build quality of both boats. For us though, although build quality is very important, our main reason for choosing Bluewater came from talking to the owners of their vessels on display. Both owner couples explained how Bluewater Boats build their boats from scratch. They don’t buy in hulls, but fabricate their own on site. As a result Bluewater are able to cater for any design modifications that a customer might want. Furthermore, their paintwork is second to none with great emphasis on preparing the steel hull for that important first coat of primer by shotblasting and removing any mill scale. Something that you cannot guarantee has been done when a hull is fabricated and primed elsewhere. The attention to detail in Bluewater Boat’s paintwork will provide protection to the hull for years to come and the superior finish on the topsides will ensure True Blue continues to look good for years to come. Something we have seen evidence of in some of Bluewater’s previous boats. The feedback that Jill and I received from previous Bluewater customers about their positive build experience has proven to be well justified. Our experience throughout the build has been very positive indeed. David and Sharon always made us welcome during the build and were always available to talk through our ideas and/or concerns. Such has been the relationship during the build, that Jill and I don’t really feel like customers anymore. We feel like friends.”

“If you’re looking for a dream team to build a truly exceptional boat right from the ground up, then you need look no further than David and Sharon from Bluewater boats. Astrid will be our second owned boat. We originally had a very nice 57ft diesel stock boat which we purchased in 2020. This gave us some valuable experience in learning what worked for us and what didn’t in terms of layout, function and build quality so we had some very clear ideas of what we would want in our next build. We toured round quite a range of builders and met some good ones but it was clear early on that Bluewater boats offered advantages that absolutely made the decision easy for us to trust them with our build. Firstly everything is bespoke. The shell is built by Bluewater boats on site which has had enormous benefits for us as we could have exactly what we wanted down to every last detail, even changing to hydraulic steering so we could have a superb social seating area that works for us, friends and dogs too! We did choose to use quite a few design ideas from their many previous builds as we loved them so much once we saw them for ourselves but Sharon and David were totally up for some more unique creative challenges too like the rotating dividing wall and installing the first of the 22kw vetus electric motors in the uk. Second is the quality of the build and the finish. The attention to detail is fabulous and David would never let a piece of work not be completed to his exacting standards. This runs right from the industry leading shot blasting and epoxy hull treatment to the paint work, to the carpentry fit out and the spectacularly neat and tidy electric cupboard. Thirdly is experience. They have a very capable and experienced team working for them and they have built many boats from wide beams to Dutch barges and I think our boat is the 75th Narrowboat they have built to date. They have usually come across any design ideas and build challenges before and have solutions and example photos to help achieve exactly what we envision at every stage. Finally the team themselves. David and Sharon have been fantastic to work with at every step of our build. David clearly loves building great quality boats and Sharon is extremely organised and efficient and a great communicator too, sending us regular updates and photos throughout and we have been made very welcome every time we have visited. We live about an hour and half away for visiting, but we would still have had every confidence in them both if we hadn’t been able to visit in person. In summary, it has been a remarkably easy and even a joyful process. Bluewater boats have managed to build us our dream boat, to time and to budget and we couldn’t wish for more than that! Thank you everyone, you’re all awesome!!”

“Dear David and Sharon, I hope you are both well. We would like to thank you both and your crew for our wonderful new home. I can’t believe it’s a month since launch. We have already had the first service done but due to the ice we’re now confined to the marina. The boat is everything we were hoping for and the attention to detail is superb. We would like to thank you for the professional way that the whole build was completed. You always had time to explain and listen to our ideas and your experience and input was always spot on, resulting in what we would say is a perfect boat. From the sheet of steel that we first saw to the finished boat which is now our home a very big thank you. Also a big thanks to all your staff and Jeff the sign writer for his finishing touches to our Coffin Dodger. Paul Karen and Mr Pisssh Coffin Dodger Coffin Dodger is almost 3 years old and I can truly say we are as happy with her today as the day she was launched. We have lived aboard from day 1 and it really is our home. Still after three years we get praise every time we are out “what a beautiful boat, never seen one like that before…love the back end” . It looks as good today as the day we stepped aboard…apart from a few surface scratches below the gunnels 🤣. We haven’t had any issues and would highly recommend Bluewater Boats for their superb build and after care service.”

“In 2023 we ordered our 57’ Narrowboat hull for fit out by ourselves Sharon and Dave and the rest of the team are just so helpful and have so much knowledge. Thanks Al & Foxy Narrowboat LUNAR”

“My Wife and I recently bought a Narrow Boat April 2025 from Blue Water Boats Ltd, Ladbroke, The owners of the business Dave & Sharon were very accommodating and nothing was too much trouble, the boat was transported from their factory to Dunchurch Pools Marina on a low loader with a lot of care . Thanks guys Paul & Sue”

“When deciding on our boat builder, we wanted two things (other than a keen price): A brilliant boat at the end, and an enjoyable engaging build process. Bluewater excelled at both. They fully involved us at all stages, honestly helped us with things we didn’t know, but most of all treated us like friends. It was a great experience and having now cruised our barge all around the coastline of the uk over two years, it has performed brilliantly.”

“We were complete newbies to the boating world, so when we decided to build and live on our boat we did our research . We heard good things about Bluewater Boats, and so we decided to go with them. They guided us through the build every inch of the way, nothing was too much trouble. We were kept informed of every step, and guided through the whole process. The finished boat was and still is amazing, and we are now 10 years on and love everything about our boat. We recommend this company to anyone who shows any interest in building a boat. Great job Bluewater”

“We have been living on our Bluewater built narrowboat for over a year as constant cruisers and couldn’t be more happy with the boat or our chosen lifestyle. We looked at a number of boat builders before deciding to go with Bluewater Boats. We liked the way they worked, being able to arrange everything in one place from the steelworks, to the engine, the electrics and fit out. They listened to our ideas but also offered suggestions to build the boat we were looking for. The quality of the work was excellent in all areas. Communication was good despite Government Covid Restrictions and the distance of the boatyard from our home. Once we were on the water they were available to correct any issues which arose. We would highly recommend Bluewater Boats if you are considering having a boat built from scratch or just a fit out.”

“I just wanted to drop you a line regarding a boat of the above name we were lucky enough to buy a couple of years ago. She was built by yourselves as a copy of an inspection launch. She is the most beautiful craft and never a day goes by that she is not admired and talked about by people who pass. We absolutely love her both inside and out,she is truly a head turner.”

“Superb boat builders. Amazing steel work and attention to detail on all aspects of their boats.”

“Iris is the boat that Bluewater beautifully renovated for us, and we couldn’t be happier with the result. She gives us complete peace of mind, knowing we have a strong, reliable vessel built to stand the test of time.”

“Bluewater have just finished repainting our boat which they built 15 years ago. The original build was amazing so she has worn really well, and now after another super repaint and some internal maintenance, is as good as new. They have done a spectacular job and shown so much care and kindness in getting Pericles back to us in time for our family Christmas. Thanks David and Sharon - you are the best!”

“Excellent quality built boats.”

“The design of our boat and the quality of the build are excellent. some little snags as you might expect but generally wonderful.”