Bates Boatyard and Dry Dock

New Wooden Narrowboat – Maid of Oak

A Bespoke Boat

Bates Boatyard has recently built a bespoke new wooden narrowboat to compete with the top of the range steel boats in terms of luxury and performance. This boat is "Maid Of Oak". A centrally mounted 53hp Isuzu engine running hydraulic drive to front and back for bow thrusters and drive makes for particularly quiet boating and the low gunnel height combined with large windows makes for good visibility and access for all on board.

Semi Trad

Combining elements of tug style, semi trad sterns with a blend of traditional and modern techniques and materials this latest arrival in the world of wooden boats will certainly turn some heads.

Low Maintenance Cabin

The cabin is constructed on ash frames with tongue and groove followed by marine ply. This has been bonded with aluminium sheets, powder coated with the final finish to avoid costly paint jobs and repetetive maintenance in the future.

Joinery Grade Fit Out

The internal furniture, doors and windows are all of the highest standard of workmanship, incorporating 12mm Lexan Margard with silica face to give maximum insulation values. Hatches and doors in American White Oak have built in weather seals and all fixings and fittings are of good quality stainless steel. To add the final customized finish, the T-stud, back dollies and centre stud have been hand sculpted with oak leaf designs and then cast in solid bronze, Click here to see more bronze work carried out at the yard.

Hand Crafted

In an age of mass produced items, there is nothing quite like a boat that has been built from trees to such a high specification, with such quality craftsmanship.

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Contact J Bates; email:  info (at) batesboatyard.co.uk. Telephone:01296 632017 Mobile:07718 096557