Layout designs of luxury canal boats built by Boutique Narrowboats

Boutique Narrowboat builds

Boutique Narrowboats are built to suit contemporary lifestyles, combining premium engineering and unique interiors. We commission quality shells and then design and fit them out to the highest standards.

We never create an “off the shelf” caravan boat. Our narrowboat builds are all individual and draw on our experience of the hire industry to ensure longevity. Interior design and luxury elements are hugely important in the fit-out of our Boutique Narrowboats.


Interior design

Design of a canal boat commission for hire
Elevation of a luxury canal boat build

A Boutique Narrowboat is designed for modern living. We don’t have a production line, preferring instead to create spaces full of personality and soul. Each boat is a collaboration between members of the Boutique Narrowboat team to consider:

  • Layout
  • Furniture and decor selection and placement
  • Floor plan layout
  • Styling (surfaces, sofas, beds, walls etc.)
  • Paint/wall/panel treatments and window treatments
  • Cabinetry and built-ins
  • Fixtures, finishes and trims
  • Creative use of space

Engineering

The various engineering systems are a vital part of each project. Our specifications are created for every individual build, and include:

  • Engine, gearbox and control panel
  • Propulsion system
  • Lithium batteries
  • Premium thermal break double glazing
  • Appropriate inverter type
  • Heating and calorifier
  • Waste management including toilet
  • Plumbing and electrics set up
  • Internet and networking, including WiFi and entertainment systems

New boat pricing

Because each of our boat builds is unique, we don’t operate a fixed price system. A typical 57 foot diesel Boutique Narrowboat with premium double glazing, lithium batteries and hand-painted interior starts at around £165,015 + VAT.

Also included in the price is our minimum 12 months warranty on parts.

 


Purchasing a Boutique Narrowboat

To find out about the next narrowboat build slot, we invite you to get in touch.

We can arrange a meeting at our marina offices at Union Wharf, or at our workshop at Debdale Wharf or arrange a telephone/video call if you prefer. A deposit of £2000 secures your narrowboat and if you choose to reserve before the boat is complete, we use a standard contract from our membership association, British Marine, to ensure all parties are covered during the handover process.


Handing over a new Boutique Narrowboat

We are absolutely delighted with our new narrowboat built by Boutique Narrowboats.   We wanted a 45 foot cruiser stern hybrid with all mod cons including air conditioning, and wow did they deliver.  Our heartfelt thanks to Aaran whose engineering skills  patience and hard work produced a truly lovely boat which has been much admired by boaters and towpath walkers.  A special  mention to Aaran’s custom designed tractor seats with backs which have been the envy of many a boater.

We are absolutely delighted with our new narrowboat built by Boutique Narrowboats.   We wanted a 45 foot cruiser stern hybrid with all mod cons including air conditioning, and wow did they deliver.  Our heartfelt thanks to Aaran whose engineering skills  patience and hard work produced a truly lovely boat which has been much admired by boaters and towpath walkers.  A special  mention to Aaran’s custom designed tractor seats with backs which have been the envy of many a boater.

The interior has been beautifully designed with unique touches – it is spacious, light and airy, with good storage, without compromising comfort and functionality.  Our grateful thanks Sharon for your expertise, advice and for keeping us updated every step of the journey.

Thank you also to Gary, carpenter extraordinaire, for the many beautiful custom made items including the reclaimed wood doors and bedroom shutters.

Very best wishes 

Valerie and Rudolf 

Testimonial for Boutique Narrowboat build
Taking charge of a newly-built Boutique Narrowboat

We still can’t believe that we have such a wonderful new narrow boat …. our little haven of sheer delight!

We were looking for a boat builder who could produce not only high-quality bespoke interiors but was also equally good on the external build and all the many technical aspects. We feel very lucky to have found the real deal with Boutique Narrowboats!!

Whilst the interior needed to capture the unique style of a Boutique Boat we also wanted to accommodate all those mod cons that just make everything easier (Dishwater, Washing Machine, Fridge, Freezer) and comfortable (a great shower and a decent size sofa and bed). Keeping surfaces uncluttered, through the creation of as much storage space as possible, was also high on our wish list! Through some very clever design from the team, we have managed to fit everything in… Even the steps into the boat have an incorporated wine rack…a must!! Finding space for the dog bed came a close second!

Sharon has a real flair for interior design and produced a great little video/virtual mood board of ideas as a starter for ten which we added to. She also patiently hunted down that special basin, just the right shape antique mirror to accommodate a hidden cupboard; some fantastic lights, reclaimed wood for the doors…and so much more. …Thank you, Sharon!!

One of us is a bit obsessed with curves…Gaz, a highly talented carpenter, indulged this with many bespoke items including arched doorframes, oval kitchen bar, curved shelf tables, but the piece de resistance is an awesome rounded corner cabinet!!… Thank you, Gaz!!

It’s all very well looking beautiful but I am reminded that the boat also needs to handle beautifully on the water …. which it does!! It’s also very easy for one of us to take for granted the fantastic heating, lighting, electrics, super big water and waste tanks! So our final and very important Thanks is to Aaran a very innovative and clever engineer!!


It’s been a fantastic experience working with such a gifted team who really have bent over backwards to build a boat that we would be delighted with.


Good luck to those of you who decide to build a boat…you would be in such good hands with Boutique Narrowboats.


Bon Voyage and Best wishes
Jane, Richard, and Rufus dog