Gilly – A 1997 Narrowboat Brought Back to Life
Gilly was the very first project completed under the Central Boating brand — a 1997 Pinder & Sons narrowboat that required extensive remedial work, thoughtful redesign, and a complete interior transformation.
When we first acquired Gilly, she was far from the modern, comfortable liveaboard she is today. Years of wear, outdated finishes, and hidden issues meant this was far more than a cosmetic refurbishment. From rust treatment and remedial repairs to major interior improvements, Gilly became a project that tested our problem-solving, craftsmanship, and commitment to quality.
More importantly, Gilly became the foundation of how we now approach every build at Central Boating.
The Challenge
Like many older narrowboats, Gilly came with her fair share of challenges. Significant remedial works were required, including the removal of an old waste tank, treatment of rusted areas, brand new systems, and the careful planning needed to modernise a vessel while maintaining practicality for everyday life on the water.
As this was our first project under the Central Boating name, we also used Gilly to trial materials, refine our processes, and identify exactly what standards we wanted our future vessels to meet.
The Transformation
Gilly underwent a substantial interior refurbishment focused on creating a warm, modern, and practical living environment.
Works included:
• Extensive rust treatment and remedial works
• Interior redesign and modernisation
• Electrical upgrades and system improvements
• Installation of a Victron electrical system for reliable onboard power
• Webasto central heating for year-round comfort
• Interior panelling, flooring, and finish upgrades
• Layout improvements to maximise practical liveaboard space
Our vision was simple: create a narrowboat that felt more like a home than a boat.
Lessons Learned
At Central Boating, we believe honesty builds trust.
During this project we trialled an LVT wall system as a fully waterproof finish. While, on paper, it appeared to be an excellent solution for life on the water, our real-world experience showed it required significantly more adhesive than expected and raised concerns regarding long-term practicality.
Rather than simply accepting the result, we took the lesson forward. This experience helped refine our specification process and reinforced our commitment to only using products and methods we genuinely believe in for long-term durability.
For us, every project is an opportunity to improve.
Today
Gilly now serves as temporary accommodation for customers while their bespoke vessel is being completed — a reflection of the comfort and practicality achieved throughout the refurbishment.
Before final sale, Gilly will also receive further finishing upgrades and detailing to bring her fully in line with the evolving Central Boating standard.
Phase Two Begins: Gilly’s Transformation Into a Home
Phase Two marks one of the most important and exciting stages in Gilly’s journey. With the foundations now in place, this is where the boat truly starts to come alive. It is also the stage where hidden issues are uncovered and resolved properly. After the harsh winter weather, we discovered a small leak around the windows, and although it’s never ideal to find, it’s actually a positive. It means we can now fully reseal every window and make sure Gilly is completely watertight before moving forward.
This phase is all about doing things right, not just making them look good. From essential systems and insulation to the first elements of her interior layout, every detail is carefully planned and executed. Catching issues early allows us to build with confidence, knowing the structure is solid, protected, and ready for the next stages. Gilly is no longer just a project, she is beginning her transformation into a warm, secure and welcoming home where real life will be lived and memories will be made.
There’s something special about bringing a boat back to life — and Gilly has been exactly that.
From the moment she came into our hands, she’s been stripped back, reworked, and carefully rebuilt with the level of detail and care we believe every boat deserves. What started as a tired shell is now a warm, modern space, ready for someone to call home.
We’re now entering the final stages of the build.
The electrics are live, systems are coming together, and you can truly feel the boat coming alive.
Next week, she undergoes her BSS certification — one of the final steps before handover.
It’s always a big moment for us. Not just finishing a project, but knowing that everything we’ve put into it — the long days, the decisions, the craftsmanship — is about to become part of someone else’s story.
We’ve learnt a lot during this build, we’ve built a strong team and we can’t wait for next project Willow Haven.
Gilly is almost ready.
Final photos and full reveal coming very soon.
Built to Last
Today
Gilly now serves as temporary accommodation for customers while their bespoke vessel is being completed — a reflection of the comfort and practicality achieved throughout the refurbishment.
Before final sale, Gilly will also receive the rest of her finishing upgrades and detailing to bring her fully in line with the evolving Central Boating standard.
Why Gilly Matters
Gilly wasn’t just a refurbishment project — she became the starting point for everything we want Central Boating to represent:
High quality craftsmanship. Honest learning. Practical luxury. Modern canal living.
Because great boats are not just built — they are continually refined.