The Ultimate in Bespoke Narrowboat Building

A green narrowboat named 'Crevevous Angel' docked along a canal, with other boats in the background, trees, and a brick wall.

Don't settle for off-the-shelf.

JD Narrowboats are "luxury narrowboat builders" who specialize in "bespoke narrowboat build UK". From initial design to "custom narrowboat construction", we build a boat that is uniquely yours.

Your Dream Narrowboat, Built Exclusively for You.

You've spent a lifetime building your dream. Now, it's time to build your dream boat. At JD Narrowboats, we are "luxury narrowboat builders" who believe your vessel should be as unique as your next chapter. From the first weld to the final coat of paint, our team works to craft a vessel that meets your exact requirements, ensuring it’s a beautiful, reliable home for your new life of freedom.

We Don't Just Build Boats. We Build Trust.

The JD Narrowboats difference is our unwavering commitment to quality and transparency. Unlike other builders, we undertake all "custom narrowboat construction" in our own workshop in Shardlow, near Derby. We never outsource work, allowing us to maintain the highest quality standards at every step. This isn't just a claim—it's a promise, backed by a team with over 50+ years of boat building experience.

  • 100% In-House Builds: From the hull up, every detail is meticulously crafted by our expert team.

  • A Proven Track Record: With dozens of custom boats built, we have the experience to bring any vision to life.

  • Your Personal Workshop Pass: You can visit our workshop whenever you like to witness your dream boat take shape.

The Only Guarantee is Our Craftsmanship

We understand the concerns about reliability and maintenance. That's why our "bespoke narrowboat build UK" process focuses on a low-maintenance design and a meticulous quality assurance process. We are so confident in our work that every new build comes with up to a comprehensive 5 year warranty. We'll also provide a detailed, post-delivery handover and training session to ensure you are confident and worry-free from day one.

Let's Start Building Your Vision.

Our bespoke narrowboats are more than just a purchase; they are a collaboration. We offer a free "dream boat" planning session to discuss your ideas, lifestyle, and unique needs. We'll help you with every detail, from the layout to the on-board systems, ensuring your boat is perfectly tailored to you.

"I chose JD Narrowboats because of their unwavering commitment to craftsmanship. I visited the workshop throughout the build and saw the quality for myself." - A Discerning Client

Start Your Custom Build Journey With Your Free Quote Today!

Why JD Narrowboats is the Right Choice For Bespoke Build

Attention to Detail

No outsourcing. No shortcuts.

Every stage of your boat’s construction is handled in our dedicated workshop.

We oversee every weld, electrical wire, and wooden join so you can be confident in the quality of every detail.

Experienced craftsmen

Over 50 years of boat building experience

As expert boat builders, JD Narrowboats brings together time-served skill, technical knowledge, and the kind of insight that only comes from building hundreds of boats.

We are experienced and professional.

A skilled woodworker wearing a work apron marks a wooden plank with a pencil, preparing the custom timber for the interior cabinetry of a narrowboat.
A black and white photograph of skilled workers performing a bespoke narrowboat restoration inside a large, professional workshop, with tools and materials visible.
“We would visit the workshop every few weeks to see the progress of our boat. We are delighted with the result. Thank you!”
— Archie Braithwaite - 'Free & Easy'
“Andy and Darren offered amazing insights and experience in regard to our build. We would highly recommend JD Narrowboats.”
— Katherine Ryan - 'Orchid Rose'
A majestic white swan glides across the glistening surface of a body of water, reflecting sunlight.
An atmospheric photograph of narrow boats moored beside a wooden dock, with the sky aglow in the warm colors of sunset.
“We sailed away on the 12th April safe in the knowledge that if anything broke then it would be fixed. We also have 5 years warranty on inverters and such”
— Robin Simpson - 'Maggie May'
“Every potential problem we came to Andy and Darren with, they provided a solution. We have every confidence in their approach because they’ve seen it and done it all before!”
— Ruben Moura - 'Casa Aqua'

Proven Track Record

Over 200 boat projects complete

We’ve created everything from compact cruisers to luxury liveaboards. Each boat is a one-off just like the people who own them. Over 200 new builds which we’re incredibly proud of.

Your Peace of Mind

Every build includes up to a 5 year warranty

Every boat comes with up to a 5 year warranty on our workmanship.

There will also be manufacturer warranties on key systems which can be up to 5 years.