JD Narrowboats
Looking for New Narrowboats for sale?
Get Your New, Custom Narrowboat built 100% In-House by JD narrowboats.
JD Narrowboats is the premier, family-run specialist for New Narrowboat Builders . We deliver fully Custom Narrowboat Construction with superior, 100% In-House quality control from our Shardlow workshop. We never outsource core fabrication or fit-out, ensuring consistent, superior craftsmanship far beyond the industry standard.
Limited Build Slots For 2026!
The UK Narrowboat Builders Experts: Our 100% In-House Quality Advantage
Our core commitment to all new narrowboat builds is defined by our 100% In-House guarantee.
This means no outsourced work for the shell, fit-out, or systems - guaranteeing that your vessel is built by a single, accountable, multi-generational family team.
This end-to-end control, backed by over 50 years of experience, allows us to confidently offer a 12-Month Comprehensive Warranty on every custom narrowboat launched from our Shardlow yard.
Full Transparency & The 100% In-House Guarantee
By eliminating external contractors for major construction stages, we guarantee a consistent standard of quality that is simply impossible to achieve otherwise.
This end-to-end control allows us to confidently offer up to a 5 Year Comprehensive Warranty on every finished vessel, built by artisans with over 50 years of heritage.
No Outsourcing
Zero gaps in quality control.
Open Workshop
Clients are encouraged to visit and inspect progress.
Master Artisans
Built by a single, skilled family team since 1975.
Financial Peace of Mind: Our Milestone Payment Plan
We know that financial risk is a major concern when building custom narrowboats. Our solution is simple: you only pay when you see verifiable progress.
Step 1: Design & Fixed Price Contract
We conduct a deep-dive consultation to finalize your precise layout, engine, and material choices. Once agreed, we provide your fixed-price quotation.
Milestone Payment: 2% Deposit (Secures build slot and finalizes technical specification).
Step 3: Complete Steel Shell
The hull is fully fabricated, including the cabin, roof, and stern deck. The boat is now a fully formed, watertight structure, ready for the fit-out shed.
Milestone Payment: 18% Payment (Confirms the structural integrity and completion of the steelwork).
Step 5: Second Fix & Cabinetry
We install all bespoke cabinetry, joinery, and fit all major appliances (white goods). The interior is finished with visible electrical fittings (sockets, switches) and final plumbing connections.
Milestone Payment: 30% Payment (Completes the internal fit-out, making the boat largely functional).
Step 2: Laying the Base Plate
Your vessel officially begins construction. The base plate steel is delivered, cut, and the crucial 10mm steel foundation is welded into position.
Milestone Payment: 6% Payment (Verifies the commencement of major steelwork).
Step 4: First Fix Infrastructure
The boat is moved into the shed for spray-foam insulation, engine installation, and the critical first runs of hidden plumbing, water tanks, and electrical cabling.
Milestone Payment: 30% Payment (Covers the cost of all critical infrastructure and insulation).
Step 6: Final Commissioning & Handover
The final 14% is held until the very end. We complete painting, detailing, and rigorously commission (test) every single system on the boat. You then conduct your final inspection.
Milestone Payment: 14% Final Payment (Due only upon successful final inspection and physical handover of your keys and documentation).
The Metrics That Matter: JD Narrowboats vs. The Field
We're setting new standards in quality, flexibility, and financial transparency for your new build.
JD Narrowboats (Premium Specification)
Design Flexibility
100% Custom Design Service. Every vessel is custom-designed without relying on restrictive templates, ensuring your boat truly matches your vision.
Hull Warranty
An industry-leading 10 Years Full Coverage warranty is provided, offering you superior long-term assurance and peace of mind.
Standard Steel Specification
We use a superior build quality: 10mm Base / 6mm Sides / 5mm Roof steel specification, ensuring maximum longevity and durability.
Build Time Guarantee
Fixed, Contractual Completion Date is guaranteed, ensuring reliable and predictable delivery of your narrowboat.
Typical Industry Standard Builders
Design Flexibility
Options are generally Limited and Template-based, often restricting customisation of the layout and internal features.
Hull Warranty
Standard warranties typically range from 5 to 7 Years, and may often come with various limiting conditions.
Standard Steel Specification
Builders commonly use 8mm Base / 5mm Sides / 4mm Roof steel, which is a lower specification compared to our standard.
Build Time Guarantee
Completion dates are usually provided as Estimated or Flexible Deadlines, which can often lead to unpredictable delays in delivery.
100% Custom Design
Every element, from hull length to interior layout, is tailored precisely to your living requirements.
Master UK Craftsmanship
Built by traditional boat engineers using high-grade steel and premium fixtures for longevity.
Financial Peace of Mind
Payments are strictly tied to verifiable progress, protecting your investment at every turn.
We Deliver our Promises! Join Others Like You.
You've Compared. Now, Discover Your Build Journey.
The next step is to understand the JD Narrowboats process in detail - the final stage before you're ready to design your perfect vessel.
Build slots are limited and running low.