"NOT SO MUCH A BOAT, MORE A FLOATING COUNTRY COTTAGE"

Weltonfield Narrowboats Ltd have been an established narrow boat builder for 29 years, and in that time have completed a wide variety of projects to fulfil the specific needs of individual customers. Our experience ranges from hire craft to high tech, and to see examples of our work ask to see our picture portfolio of completed narrowboat boats.

We are members of the British Marine Federation, CBA, and are CORGI registered for gas installations and repairs. Our narrow boats are built in compliance with the relevant codes of practice, standards, and in compliance with the Recreational Craft Directive.

All our narrow boats are based on a soundly constructed steel hull produced by Reeves Boatbuilders of Southam, with over 20 years experience in being a narrow boat builder. We specify 12 mm bottom, 6 mm sides, and 4 mm Steel plate to be used. Strengthening in the hull and cabin is extensive and provides a very strong and straight boat with pleasing and traditional lines.

The hull is painted internally with primer, with cabin bilge’s treated with waxoyl, and the rest of the interior painted out in gloss enamel. Outside we start with primer and then two undercoats plus two gloss coats in colours of your choice. Coach lines, signwriting decoration, roses and castles can all be executed to your instructions. The narrow boat name is normally written on the cabin side. We have an excellent reputation for high quality paintwork. Examples of our work, some five or more years old can be viewed in our marina.

Our engine installations will depend on the customers requirements. The standard installation is a Beta 43, well proven in the marine industry and an economical and reliable option. However all sorts of engine can be supplied and our broad experience help us to provide an excellent installation with a high degree of maintainability. We have specialist experience in auxiliary systems such as generators, inverters and their interface with shore power. Today it is possible to take all the electronic toys you can imagine afloat with you - or leave them all behind and enjoy the old fashioned virtues of reading and conversation in front of a cosy stove! We have also installed very sophisticated remote power steering systems to enable disabled persons to enjoy canal cruising.

The fitout will reflect your ideas and requirements but our expert help and advice will assist in deciding on the best layout for your needs. It is often helpful to view actual narrow boats and base your layout on one of our successful standard designs, and consider your ideas in the context of an actual narrow boat.

Interior finishes are entirely to your choice, oak, ash, maple, mahogany, teak, and other hardwoods may be veneered on ply or blockboard. We use heavy hardwood sections for window frames, door frames and trims taking care to match these timbers to complement the other finishes. Attractive high quality materials are used for our standard cabin lining. Above gunwale level either oak faced ply or mellow parana pine is used with ivory foam backed vinyl ceiling panels, set off by hardwood mouldings. Below gunwales we can use carpet. If required we can build you a complete boatman’s cabin complete with all the authentic details and scumble finish.

The various systems in the narrow boat will be tailored to the customers requirements. Water tanks are generally integral and coated with special approved water tank finish. Separate stainless or galvanised tanks can be supplied as an alternative. A pressurised water system is provided using an electric pressure pump, controlled by a pressure switch and expansion tank. The domestic water and heating circuits are carefully designed for easy maintenance. We can install a drinking water filter at the galley tap.

There are alternative ways of heating hot water; it always makes sense to use the engine cooling system to heat the domestic water but for flexibility and convenience a diesel or gas boiler should also be provided, and a hot storage tank or calorifier is usually specified. The hot water boiler can also be used to provide a very efficient central heating system using domestic panel radiators or skirting finrads. In addition to the heating provided by a central heating boiler, saloons can also have a solid fuel stove such as the Heron or Squirrel installed in its own fireplace. Gas is supplied to the selected appliances from two propane bottles, generally mounted in the bow or stern. Gas pipe runs are accessible and soft drawn copper tubing and compression joints are used throughout.

Ventilators are fitted to each cabin as standard and can be either the brass mushroom or stainless steel ventilator type. Fixed ventilation is provided to the cabin and bilge’s so that adequate ventilation is assured dependant on the appliances fitted.

Galley equipment is of domestic house quality and can be chosen from all the usual makes. We build all our own galley units which will be crafted to match the timbers used for the main features of the interior. They will be complemented by tiled or laminate work surfaces with full size modern inset sinks and high quality taps and hardware.

Bathrooms can range from a simple bath with shower curtain to a shower compartment with generous amounts of built in shelving or a bath with built in shower screen. Vanity units are custom built to maximise utilisation of space. Toilets again can range from the excellent and practical Porta Potti to a sophisticated air assisted pumpout unit. Bathroom decor allows for a range of finishes in tiles or laminates. The sleeping accommodation options are equally varied but once your requirements are established we can make comfortable and attractive bedrooms with a fixed double bed and well planned storage space or provide multi - bunk cabins which can convert to seating for day use.

The saloon area can be fully fitted with shelves, cupboards and pullout convertible seating or provided with free standing furniture. Audio systems can be built in, along with TV and Video equipment. Upholstery will be fire retardant foam, and you have a choice of furnishing fabrics, carpets and curtains.

The boat is equipped with a full cruising inventory including fenders and ropes plus plank, pole and boat hook. Internal equipment includes fire extinguishers and fire blankets. A cratch & cover of your choice can be fitted.

All our boats are CE marked and a Boat Safety Certificate can be issued by an independent surveyor if you require.

In contrast to the normal production boat for offshore use the interior layout and specification can be determined by the customers preference to a degree not available elsewhere within the boating industry, and within a credible budget. As we say - think of it more as a comfortable floating cottage than as a boat! You will also be pleasantly surprised by how much boat you get for your money, the quality of the components, and the excellence of our standard specification.

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