The "Great Washing Machine Debate" is more than just clean socks - it’s about water capacity and power design. See how we engineer for both.

Mouldy fabric and window runs are the "bane" of many boaters. Learn why condensation is a design challenge we've spent 50 years solving at Shardlow Wharf.

Living in a steel box shouldn't mean living in a digital dead zone. We explore how smart engineering keeps your mobile, TV, and internet signals strong on the water.

An idyllic bank-side mooring looks perfect in photos, but how do you fill your water tank? We break down the logistical differences between marina life and going "online."

A narrowboat is a 20-tonne investment with a steep learning curve. Discover why getting some "mud on your boots" is the best way to design a boat that actually works for you.

The "tin can" myth is officially debunked. We explore why professional spray foam insulation and precision steelwork make the difference between shivering and sanctuary.

With 1,569 locks and 200-year-old masonry, the UK canal network is a feat of engineering. Discover who maintains it and how to plan your journey from Shardlow Wharf.

The journey to owning a bespoke narrowboat starts with a single step. Learn how we help you navigate the transition from a "bricks and mortar" mindset to a life on the water.

The journey to owning a bespoke narrowboat starts with a single step. Learn how we help you navigate budgeting, design, and the reality of life on the water.

Your mooring is more than just a parking spot; it’s the environment your home lives in. From noise levels to ease of navigation, here is what to look for in a marina.

The towpath is your front hallway to the world. Whether it's winter mud or urban traffic, learn how to design a boat that keeps the chaos outside and the comfort in.

Spiders and mice are part of canal life, but your boat’s design plays a huge role in pest control. See how our Shardlow-built boats provide a sealed, secure sanctuary.

Living on a narrowboat is a "life in motion." We explore the fitness and flexibility required for the cut and how bespoke design can help you navigate the physical challenges of life afloat.

Many boaters struggle with temperature drops and freezing bedrooms in winter. We explore how JD Narrowboats' bespoke builds use superior insulation and engineered heating to keep you warm from bow to stern.

Is a static marina mooring right for you, or do you crave the "Holy Grail" of a canal-side spot? We break down the logistical challenges of residential moorings and how bespoke design helps.

Toilets and towpath etiquette are the "unspoken" side of narrowboat life. We discuss the pros and cons of different systems and how JD Narrowboats' bespoke builds handle the practicalities of life on the water.

Don't let a sunny summer's day cloud your judgment. We explore the genuine challenges of living on a narrowboat - from storage to the elements - and how professional craftsmanship makes all the difference.

Continuous Cruising demands maximum self-sufficiency and system reliability. Discover how the JD Narrowboats bespoke build process ensures your vessel has the power, water, and engine systems necessary for a seamless, autonomous life on the move.

The narrowboat learning curve is real, but it doesn't have to be stressful. Learn how investing in a JD Narrowboats bespoke build mitigates common operational issues with expertly designed power, water, and engine systems. Quality craftsmanship equals confidence on the water.

Battery failure is expensive, disruptive, and entirely avoidable. If you live or cruise off-grid, understanding your power system is vital. This definitive guide breaks down battery types (Lead-Acid, AGM, LiFePO4), explains why you need a shunt-based monitor (not just a voltmeter), and shows you how to choose the most energy-efficient appliances (like 12V fridges) to extend the life of your battery bank and reduce engine running time.