Customer Stories
Willow Haven
A bespoke 57ft narrowboat, handcrafted for comfortable canal living.
Meet the Owners
Chris & Morag
The trust that Chris & Morag placed in us as our very first customers will always be something we're incredibly grateful for. Throughout the build, they provided valuable feedback, worked closely with us as the project evolved and have kindly allowed us to share their experience.
Their Experience
★★★★★
"From the outset, working with Central Boating has felt like a genuine partnership rather than a straightforward customer–builder relationship. As their first customer, both sides have been learning along the way, and there have inevitably been a few adjustments and refinements.
What has stood out is that feedback has always been listened to, discussions have been open and honest, and solutions have been found without unnecessary friction.
The fabrication by HD Narrowboats gave us a good starting point. The steelwork, welding and overall build quality we've seen throughout the process have given us real confidence that Willow Haven has been built on a solid foundation.
Central Boating have remained engaged throughout the build, keeping us informed, responding to questions promptly, and being willing to adapt where appropriate. At no point have we felt like just another order in the system.
With around four weeks still to go before delivery, it's too early to comment on ownership or long-term aftercare. However, based on our experience so far, we have every reason to be optimistic and are looking forward to finally taking ownership of Willow Haven."
Chris & Morag
Owners of Willow Haven
About Willow Haven
Willow Haven is a bespoke 57ft narrowboat built to provide comfortable, modern liveaboard cruising while retaining the timeless character of a traditional canal boat.
Every detail was carefully considered throughout the build, from the quality of the steel fabrication and engineering through to the high quality interior, electrical installation, plumbing systems and final finishing touches.
Like every Central Boating build, Willow Haven has been documented throughout construction with comprehensive technical records, quality inspections and owner documentation, ensuring complete confidence both during handover and throughout ownership.
Key Features
✓ 57ft Birmingham Style Narrowboat
✓ Premium Interior
✓ Full-Size Walk-In Shower
✓ Twin Roof Skylights
✓ Diesel Central Heating
✓ Victron Energy Electrical System
✓ Modern Liveaboard Specification
✓ Complete Owner's Manual & Technical File Included
✓ Delivered with Comprehensive Build Documentation
Thank You
We'd like to thank Chris & Morag for placing their trust in Central Boating for our very first customer build.
Their encouragement, honesty and constructive feedback have helped shape the way we build boats today, and we're incredibly proud to have shared this journey with them.
We wish them many happy years aboard Willow Haven.
Joneli
A Bespoke 60ft × 12ft Widebeam Designed For Modern Liveaboard Living.
Meet The Owners
Anneli & John
Joneli was designed much more than just a boat. Anneli and John wanted to create their full-time home on the water, with a spacious contemporary interior and a specification tailored around the way they wanted to live.
Their involvement throughout the design and build process has helped shape every part of Joneli, from the layout and cabinetry through to the practical systems behind the finished interior.
Their Experience
★★★★★
“We honestly couldn’t recommend Arron and Luke at Central Boating highly enough.
From the very beginning, they have been an absolute pleasure to deal with. They make a great partnership, and one of the things we have valued most is their communication. They are honest, detailed and straightforward, which makes such a difference when you’re building a widebeam from scratch and, inevitably, things don’t always go exactly to plan.
What really stands out about Arron and Luke is that they genuinely care about what they are creating. They have listened to our ideas, understood our vision and worked with us to create something that feels like our home — not just another boat.
Our dream was to create a minimal, classy and comfortable living space where we can enjoy everyday life, the outdoors and being on the river with our beautiful dogs. As we reach the final stages, we can finally see that dream becoming a reality, and we honestly can’t wait to see the finished result.
They work incredibly hard and juggle so much, yet they never seem to drop the ball when it comes to our project. Even when challenges have come up, they have dealt with them openly and worked hard to find solutions.
Building a boat is a big leap of faith, particularly when you’re effectively creating your home from the ground up, but we have felt listened to, involved and looked after throughout the process.
It has been a real pleasure getting to know Arron and Luke and watching our dream home take shape. We would 100% recommend Central Boating to anyone thinking about ditching the bricks and mortar and choosing a life on the water.
We’re nearly there now — and we absolutely cannot wait to step aboard Joneli! ❤️🚤”
John & Anneli, owners of Joneli
About Joneli
Joneli is a bespoke 60ft × 12ft widebeam designed and being built as a full-time floating home, combining contemporary styling with the comfort, practicality and systems required for modern liveaboard life.
Every element of the boat has been designed around Anneli & John’s vision, from the spacious open-plan layout and bespoke cabinetry through to the electrical, heating, plumbing and onboard systems that sit behind the finished interior.
As a Central Boating build, Joneli has been documented throughout construction with comprehensive technical records, quality inspections and owner documentation, providing a detailed record of the boat from build through to handover and future ownership.
Key Features
✓ 60ft × 12ft Bespoke Widebeam
✓ Full-Time Liveaboard Specification
✓ Bespoke Island Kitchen
✓ Integrated Appliances
✓ Feature Media Wall
✓ Large Circular Skylight
✓ Luxury Bathroom
✓ Fitted Bedroom
✓ Victron Energy Electrical System
✓ Lithium Battery & Solar System
✓ Webasto Diesel Central Heating
✓ Stainless Steel Fresh Water Tank
✓ Hydraulic Drive System
✓ Comprehensive Owner's Manual & Technical File
Thank You
We’d like to thank John & Anneli for trusting Central Boating to turn their vision for Joneli into their home on the water.
Their enthusiasm, ideas and involvement throughout the project have made Joneli an incredibly rewarding boat for our team to build, and we’re proud to have been part of their journey from initial concept towards their finished widebeam.
Once the fit-out is complete, we wish them, and of course their dogs, many happy years aboard Joneli. ❤️
Interested in Building Your Own Boat?
Whether you're just starting to explore ideas or you're ready to begin your build, we'd be delighted to hear from you.