Bickerstaffe Boat Company

We have now been living on our Bickerstaffe Narrowboat for 3 months, so I thought it was time for a review.When we decided to retire & live on a boat we visited a few boat builders, this was quite a trying experience as all promised the earth, but fell short on some of their reviews.We then approached Sue & Kev Kenny of Bickerstaffe and were immediately put at ease as they, along with Rob, explained the complete process. We decided to put out trust in this Company & waited patiently for out build slot. Only when the hull had been delivered did they request a small deposit. When we asked about the staged payment terms, Kev informed us this wasn’t “The Bicker Way”, payment would only be required once the boat had been fully built & we were happy with it.Over the ensuing months, we visited & viewed the progress as often as we could. Once lockdown started we were sent regular update of photos etc so as to feel part of the Bicker family.Throughout the entire build we were consulted & asked for our choice of colour, fixtures & fittings etc.....Kev & the team were always helpful and let us know what was & what wasn’t practical (we had a few weird ideas)Finally the launch day arrived, a little late due to the Marina lockdown. Again Kev & the team oversaw the launch & held our rather nervous hands throughout the day. So 3 months in, would we recommend Bickerstaffe Boats? The answer is a resounding YES, because you end up with more than just a boat.......but you’ll only understand that when you’ve got one!All in all, this was a stress free enjoyable experience for us as we watched our new home take shape

We made a life-changing decision to sell our house and buy a narrowboat to live and work from. Having spent six months visiting boat builders, boat shows, and brokerages, we felt an instant close connection with Kev and Sue from the Bickerstaffe Boat companyThe team at Bickerstaffe are friendly, committed to quality, and it's obvious that they strive for perfection. We got to feel on our first visit that the care and attention to every hand-built boat demonstrates a personal connection between the craftsmen and their boat. A determination to create a home rather than a production line of narrowboats.We were invited at any opportunity to visit the workshops and watch our boat develop, which we recorded and vlogged on our YouTube Channel (Search Foxes Afloat). It was an amazing experience watching the boat being created.As of the date I wrote this review we've know the team at Bickerstaffe for two years and they continue to be close friends, like family, and that's how they talk about their customers. 'Fambobs', and I'm sure all their customers feel the same way.The after sales service is truly world-class. A phone call with an issue leads to a rapid response and any issues are dealt with professionally and swiftly. We had no major issues with our boat but we know we can trust the team if anything happens.If we could give these guys 10 stars we would. I'd 100% recommend going to see them, have a cup of tea, talk for hours, see the boats in build. These guys don't need to sell you a boat, you'll fall in love when you see them for yourself.

My husband and I have just completed the RYA training course with Kev at Bickerstaffe Boat Company. It was an amazing experience. Kev our instructor was patient and insisted from the beginning that the most important thing to grasp was Slow and steady was the best way to achieve our goals.The course was very comprehensive, we learned how to moor up, cruise safely, tackle bridges and locks, even reversing and Emergency stops.We spent a very enjoyable 2 nights aboard the Bickerstaffe training boat,The Katie K and all catering was done by Sue, Kev's wife. The food , boat and quality of training were second to none. We would highly recommend anyone who wishes to buy a boat or undertake a narrow boat holiday to undertake this course.

As we were considering buying one of their boats we also decided to take a RYA course with Kev Kenny of Bickerstaffe Boat Company. Stephen didn't really need the course but as a very nervous boater I did. Kev was just wonderful, more a counsellor than a trainer who helped me through everything from mooring to turning. If you are thinking of spending time on a boat and you are at odds because one of you is dreading the experience through fear of doing the wrong thing, I can guarantee Kev will improve any couple's relationship and well as their united boating skills.As a couple Kev and Sue were just a dream, providing us with a beautiful boat, the Katie K named after Kev's Mum, not only to train on but to use as our own every night to wake refreshed the next day for another fun day of training. Thanks for all the great food and wine you provided. We feel we have made some truly good new friends. Oh and by the way, we will be hoping to order a new boat next year!!

It's rare to find a Company that take so much pride in their products and not only do the team at Bickerstaffe take pride in their beautiful Narrowboats, they offer the best after care of any Company we have dealt with. Best of all Bickerstaffe treat you more like family than customers and we can't thank them enough for making us our dream Narrowboat. Kev and the team are proud to put the words She's a Bickerstaffe" on all their boats and so they should be.You can see our beautiful boat on YouTube at Narrowboat Life Unlocked"

RYA Training CourseWe chose to do our training with BickerBoats, despite it being a 6.5 hour drive from our home, to say we have not been disappointed would be an understatement.I'll start by stating that Kev and Sue are the most welcoming and pleasant couple you are likely to meet.We are both fairly novice boat owners and wanted to gain experience and confidence to help us enjoy our time on the canals, rivers, and importantly gain valuable tips on control of the boat, learn to enjoy the waterways and not worry that around every corner may be an obstacle which may hinder progress.Kev put put us both at ease on the boat, Sue did the same as we drove to the pick up point.Over the next 2 days we were shown how to control, moor, turn, lock and reverse the boat with ease and safely. With tips on how to use the throttle to stay fully in control we even did emergency stops! Not something we thought was possible.The boat Katie K was exceptionally well presented, both inside and out, Sue was the host from heaven, providing food and drink for the duration which was absolutely lush.By the end of the 2 days, we had both learned new skills, new ways and importantly boosted our confidence thanks to the patient and calm tuition from Kev. Its so important to be talked to, rather than talked at, which is something we have both experienced in the past.If you want to take the RYA course, look no further, if you want a boat, there really is only one place to go.Thank you so much for all the help and assistance over the duration of the course. You have given 2 nervous boaters the biggest boost they can get.In case you're wondering we both passed!Colin & Rachel

Our first visit today to Bickerstaffe Boats to meet Kev, Sue and Rob, and what an interesting few hours we spent with them. We were made to feel very welcome and the long list of questions we had were all answered and explained in full.It is evident the team pride themselves on the design and quality of their boats and their passion to produce a 'best in class' product is obvious. We have some homework to do now, however when the time comes to decide on the supplier for our new boat, Bickerstaffe will definitely be up there at the top of the list.Thanks again team for your time today and look forward to further discussions.

We set off early yesterday morning from the NE to visit Bickerstaffe Boats. On arrival we were met by Rob who straight away put us at ease. Within 5 minutes Sue appeared and offered us a welcoming cup of tea. We were then given a thorough tour of one of their nearly completed boats where we also met Kev. They then spent well over an hour answering each and every one of our various questions. We particularly liked their complete honesty and transparency with no hard sell whatsoever. As for their boats, they are truly works of beauty and exceptionally crafted. We were so impressed we’ve asked to be added to their build waiting list and have booked their helmsman course for later in the year. Once again guys thanks for all your time and look forward to seeing you soon!

We have just successfully completed our RYA Helmsman's course with Kev, on the lovely narrowboat Katie K. We had the best two days, and learned a lot in the process, improving our competence and confidence when out on the canals.This course is highly recommended to all boaters, both experienced and novice. Thank you Kev and Sue for making our stay on board Katie K such an enjoyable experience

Just a note to say a very big thank you to Sue and Kevin, a great team. Wendy and I enjoyed our narrow boat training in very challenging conditions with Kevin who is a mine of information and a great instructor. The boat is well set up, comfortable and Sue’s catering is second to none. Very many thanks for an enjoyable and informative 3 days.