With the ever growing order books, the workshops are packed with boats in various stages of completion. Here are the latest boats to be delivered to our clients.
– Manuka –
The 57ft Dutch Style Barge, “Manuka” was completed last December for Guy Clifford and Vicki Drabble, who were then working in Abu Dhabi. The commissioning and launch was delayed until their return to the UK, but it went ahead down at Thames and Kennet Marina on 1 April.
– Lautrec –
The first of our new 49M wider designed Dutch Style barge at 49ft x 14ft, again launched on April 1 at Thames and Kennet Marina, for proud owners Janet and Gerald Walker. This is a second Piper boat for them as their previous boat “Toulouse” was a narrowboat – a very smart looking boat which was much admired as the only Piper narrowboat down at our Henley event last September. Janet and Gerald are planning to venture over to the European waterways.
– Cailin –
At the end of April, and right on time, the 60ft traditional narrowboat “Cailin'” was launched on the Macclesfield Canal. “Cailin” was built for Richard Dawson and it was a case of “deja vu” for him. Richard and his late wife, Bridie, used to own a 60ft narrowboat, built by David Piper (Boatbuilders) which they christened “Cailin” too. They spent a great deal of time, cruising extensively on the UK canals, and thoroughly enjoying their retirement. Sadly Bridie became ill and eventually passed away and following this Richard’s health deteriorated and regretfully he parted with the boat. Happily, Richard has now recovered and after what he calls “a nice little windfall” he came to see Simon and commissioned a new traditional narrowboat, after the style of “Cailin”, right down to the colours and livery. We all wish Richard and his family all the best with the new boat and look forward to meeting him around the system.
– Blue Belle –
The second of our 49M (49ft x 14ft) barges has just been exhibited at the Crick Show, before proceeding to the launching at Thames and Kennet Marina. The M stands for motor, so there’s no rear cabin as it has a rear well deck. The fit out is one bedroom, one bathroom with second toilet, spacious saloon and galley and occasional two berth accommodation in the wheelhouse. The owners are David and Wendy Dalton, from New Zealand, who plan to be off to the French canals in the near future.
– Gillian B –
The next Dutch Barge Style boat due out of the fitting out shop is virtually complete. Another new design – a 65L (65ft x 15ft) Dutch Style Barge, with a rear cabin (Luxe motor). The boat was built for Peter and Gillian Bennett, who come from Dubai. A feature of this boat is the “garage” in the bow, with a lift up lid and crane in the bow to house their two Vespa scooters – making them truly mobile.
