Our Services
At Central Boating, we specialise in the design, construction and refurbishment of high-quality narrowboats and widebeam vessels for residential and leisure use across the UK inland waterways.
Whether you are commissioning a brand-new floating home, fitting out a sailaway shell, or transforming an older vessel through a full refurbishment, our team provides a structured and transparent build process from start to finish.
Every project is approached with careful planning, clear documentation and high attention to detail — ensuring your vessel is built to a high standard and ready for many years of ownership.
Bespoke Narrowboat & Widebeam Builds
Central Boating offers fully bespoke narrowboat and widebeam builds tailored to each client’s lifestyle and requirements.
We work closely with trusted shell fabricators and suppliers to deliver beautifully crafted floating homes that balance practicality, durability and comfort.
Each new build is carefully planned through detailed consultations and specifications to ensure the final vessel reflects the customer’s vision while maintaining the build quality we are known for.
Our bespoke build service can include:
• Narrowboat and widebeam design consultation
• Shell coordination with trusted fabricators
• Full interior fit-out and joinery
• Electrical systems and battery installations
• Plumbing, heating and hot water systems
• Kitchens and bathrooms
• Flooring, cabinetry and interior finishes
• Final commissioning and handover preparation
Our goal is to create vessels that feel like true homes on the water — combining craftsmanship with reliable modern systems.
Sailaway Fit-Outs
For customers purchasing a sailaway shell, Central Boating offers professional interior fit-out services to transform a bare shell into a fully functional and beautifully finished living space.
Our fit-out process is structured and organised, ensuring each stage of the project is completed efficiently while maintaining high standards of workmanship.
Typical sailaway fit-out services include:
• Insulation and interior battening
• Electrical system installation
• Plumbing and water systems
• Heating system installation
• Interior wall and ceiling finishes
• Bespoke cabinetry and furniture
• Kitchen installation
• Bathroom installation
• Flooring and interior detailing
• System testing and commissioning
This service allows customers to benefit from a professionally installed interior while still maintaining flexibility in layout and design choices.
Narrowboat Refurbishments
We also specialise in refurbishing existing narrowboats and widebeam vessels.
Refurbishment projects can range from cosmetic interior upgrades to complete strip-out and rebuilds, allowing older boats to be transformed into modern, comfortable living spaces.
Refurbishment services may include:
• Interior strip-outs and re-lining
• Insulation upgrades
• New kitchens and bathrooms
• Electrical rewiring and upgrades
• Plumbing system replacement
• Heating system upgrades
• Interior carpentry and cabinetry
• Flooring installation
• Interior modernisation
Refurbishment projects are a great way to revitalise older vessels while retaining their character and charm.
Ownership Protection Programmes
All Central Boating builds include a standard warranty covering workmanship and installation carried out by our team.
For owners seeking additional peace of mind, we also offer optional Ownership Protection Programmes which provide extended support and maintenance options after handover.
These programmes are designed to help owners protect their investment and maintain their vessel to a high standard over time.
Further details on these programmes are available during the later stages of your project as handover approaches.
Our Build Process
Every Central Boating project follows a clear and structured process designed to keep customers informed and ensure projects run smoothly.
Our typical build process includes:
Initial consultation and project discussion
Specification development and quotation
Contract agreement and staged payment structure
Structured build programme
Installation and system commissioning
Final inspection and handover preparation
This organised approach helps ensure every vessel leaves our workshop finished to a high standard and ready for life on the waterways.
