Latest 'Charnwood Choice' 2024!

4^th April 2024

With two of our three current boats attending Crick in May, it's time to start planning the arrival of a new commission boat ........due after Crick, for fit-out beginning the start of June!

To say the team are excited is an understatement, as this yet unnamed boat has many innovative features!

At 61ft, this Eurocruiser is a combination between Dutch barge and traditional style narrowboat,  with wrap around seating at the rear and to maximise interior cabin space a Dutch barge style bow to replace the well deck.

The interior will be a reverse layout, but that's where any similarity to our previous boats ends! Fit-out will mainly be walnut, with an oak floor, and heating will be underfloor, with a solid fuel stove taking pride of place!!

The steel baseplate was put down a couple of weeks ago and the shell, as you can see, is coming together nicely!

If you have a dream boat swirling around in your head and need a bespoke builder, whether in shell or fit-out, please call Chris Williams on 07963974793 or email chris@ovationboats.co.uk to discuss your ideas!

We have the skills & expertise to make your dream a reality and with one remaining build slot this year, you too could be living the dream very soon!!

'Ash' - crossing the River Trent

22^nd March 2024

It was time to move 'Ash' from Redhill Marina to Trent Lock, and with the River Trent being swollen by recent rainfall, it was an ideal time to put both electric and diesel propulsion to the test.............and this hybrid engine passed with flying colours!!

Starting off from Redhill Marina, Darren used the diesel engine to turn 'Ash' around at the weir, before changing to electric propulsion for the short stretch onto the Trent. As you can hear, the difference between the two propulsion systems is quite noticeable and, had it not been for a resident at the shoreline pressure washing his slabs, the electric cruising experience would have been perfect!

With the flow on the River Trent being particularly strong, Darren changed seamlessly from electric to diesel propulsion, again, demonstrating the differences in engine sound.

On feeding onto the Erewash Canal, Darren reverted back to electric propulsion and, just to show how clever 'Ash' is, he skilfully reversed into the dry dock using the boat's remote control device!! (actually, we weren't sure who was showing off more......'Ash' or Darren!!!)

Rachel & Karl will soon be taking ownership of their beautiful boat but they'd better be quick............because Darren has 'Ash' in his sights and may very well 'boatnap' her!!!

If you're currently planning your own dream boat, or would like to discuss any of the features demonstrated on 'Ash', you can call Chris Williams direct on 07963 974 793 or email chris@ovationboats.co.uk

Ash - the benefits of hybrid!

21^st March 2024

In today's world of green energy and the need to protect our planet for future generations, the boating world and canal system is no different and doing it's best to keep pace.

With so many people asking about the various propulsion options, especially hybrid engines, the Ovation Team are happy to oblige whenever asked!

With 'Ash' out on the water and almost ready for handover, Darren (who loves anything electric)  was more than happy to demonstrate the differences between 'Ash's' diesel & electric propulsion, and, as you can hear, there IS quite a difference!

If you haven't yet made a decision as to the propulsion system on your dream boat, Chris Williams (or Darren) are more than happy to take you through all the options and benefits!

We will be taking a fully electric 'Charnwood Hobbit' (Arfer) to the Crick boat show for you to view at the end of May, as well as a conventional engine 'Charnwood Edge'! Both of these boats are currently for sale.

For further details on 'Ash' or any of the boats in our workshop, you can call Chris Williams direct on 07963 974 793, or email chris@ovationboats.co.uk.

Ash - and remote control steering!

21^st March 2024

With remote control systems becoming a frequent part of our everyday lives, doesn't it make sense for these to transfer into the boating world!?

When travelling through locks, especially when single crewed or the gates are particularly heavy for one person, there's sometimes a need for everyone to get off the boat, leaving it unmanned.

This isn't usually problematic but, once in a while, boats can be found drifting aimlessly on the river or  just out of reach of their frantic owners, having been left unmanned for only a moment.

With this ultimate remote control device, (as demonstrated beautifully by Darren) any fears of a drifting boat can be put to rest, and just like a model plane or boat, a narrowboat can be manoeuvred safely back to the owner! (as long as you turn the isolator on!)

If considering having your own boat built and would like to discuss a remote control system, you can call Chris Williams direct on 07963974793 or email chris@ovationboats.co.uk.

'Ash' - internal tour & system review

21^st March 2024

'Ash' is the latest boat to leave the Ovation stable but whilst the weather isn't quite sure what it's doing, 'Ash' has no doubts about the next stage of her journey!

A delight to behold and sporting the latest technology, with the assistance of the Ovation Team, Rachel & Karl have turned their dream vision into a reality!

The final stages of fit-out are now complete and Rachel & Karl will be moving in and heading off very soon!

Before Ash leaves us, take a tour around the inside, and also see her technology in operation.

If you would like further details about 'Ash' or any of the boats currently in our workshop, you can speak to Chris Williams direct on 07963 974 793 or email chris@ovationboats.co.uk.

If you'd prefer to visit in person feel free to contact Chris to arrange a convenient date & time.

We will be taking an all electric 'Charnwood Hobbit' (Arfer) to the Crick Boat Show at the end of May along with a more conventional 60ft 'Charnwood Edge'. Both boats are currently for sale and will be sold at Crick, if not before!

Ash - on the water at last!

14^th March 2024

The Ovation Team took 'Ash' out on the water for the first time this week and she'll be handed over to her proud new owners within the next couple of weeks!

We'll be posting an interior video and pictures in a few days, so keep a lookout for those, but call Chris williams direct on 07963 974 793 or email chris@ovationboats.co.uk should you need any further details about 'Ash' or any of the boats currently in the Ovation workshop

Henry....passing with Distinction!

1^st March 2024

In February, our longest serving apprentice, Henry Jones, was presented with a certificate of achievement for successfully completing a two year course at Derby College in 'Carpentry & Joinery' (Architectural Joinery) for which he received a distinction!

Henry joined the Ovation Team in 2021 aged 16years after turning up at the workshop asking for a job & holding a CV that had everyone stunned!

Henry was passionate about engines and had been buying up, stripping down and rebuilding engines since the age of 7years. In addition, he was a skilled yachtsman and was refurbishing his own 21ft Caprice sailing boat............... but he wanted to learn about narrowboats!

Although Henry is a much valued member of the team he'll soon be sailing off with the Outside Your Zone crew to Australia in two sailing yachts of 32 & 38ft.

We'll keep you  updated with their progress!

The Crick Boat is coming together!

1^st March 2024

The Ovation Team have been kept busy again this week preparing & fitting out the two boats due at Crick in May ('Charnwood Hobbit' and 'Charnwood Edge') but before work started on Monday we took a short tour around the 60ft Charnwood Edge!

For further details of the boats currently in our workshop call Chris Williams direct on 07963974793 or email chris@ovationboats.co.uk

Hobbit & Bliss!

25^th February 2024

Saturday, 24 February 2024, found Chris Williams, Julia & John beavering away at the Redhill workshop to get some of those little jobs done which a full compliment of workers doesn't easily allow.

With coffee and cakes provided, everyone got on with their respective jobs before heading back home to watch the 6 Nations Rugby.........and yes, England lost to Scotland......... again!! Doh!

Take a sneak preview of the electric propulsion system in our 42ft 'Charnwood Hobbit' then see how 'Bliss' is coming along! 

Being a traditional stern there's maximum capacity inside 'Bliss' and at 70ft with two toilets, is ideal for family living.

For full details of the boats we have in our workshop or if you would like to visit in person, call Chris Williams direct on 07963974793 or email chris@ovationboats.co.uk

Boat Life Show - 2024!

19^th February 2024

Boat Life Show 2024

Friday, 16 February started early but relaxed as Ovation Boats’ Chris Williams and Julia headed off for a day at the Birmingham NEC Boat Life Show.

Arriving just as the show was opening, they immediately bumped into Justin and Emma Green (ABNB), before a quick tour to get their bearings.

This years’ boat show had an abundance of coastal vessels and paraphernalia but, with narrowboats never far from their thoughts, it was inevitable they’d drift off towards Hall 17 and the inland waterways Zone.

A quick coffee and catch-up with Crick Boat Show Manager, Ian Sharpe, was first on the agenda before Chris & Julia headed towards the Lynch Motor Company stand to say ‘hello’ to ‘Mr Lynch’ himself, Trevor Lees. Lynch have provided the motor for the ‘Charnwood Hobbit’, a 42ft fully electric narrowboat being shown by Ovation at Crick.

Chris & Julia then moved on to speak with Pete Bambury, Sales Executive of Fischer Panda. With more and more people enquiring about electric propulsion, an efficient & convenient way to extend cruising time is by way of charging ‘on the go’, whether solar panels or generators. Ovation are currently in discussion with Fischer Panda about generator charging for future ‘Charnwood Hobbits’.

At 1.45pm a much-needed break was called for, and with ‘Cruising the Cut’ blogger David Johns doing a presentation on the main stage, Chris & Julia watched with Justin & Emma Green who’d also decided they needed a break!

Crick 2024 - the top coat continues!

19^th February 2024

Do you remember back in the day when the only form of entertainment available to break the monotony of the working day was a transistor radio, well, with the first top coat on the yet unnamed 60ft 'Charnwood Edge' almost complete,  John Henty is getting through quite a few episodes of his favourite podcasts and books!

Honestly, youngsters today don't know they're born!! (but keep going, John, you're doing a grand job!!)

Charnwood Hobbit for Crick 2024....... has arrived!

7^th February 2024

The first day of February 2024 coincided with the arrrival of the first of our all electric 'Charnwood Hobbit' range. 

The 'Hobbit' comes in a range of four boat lengths: 27ft, 32ft, 37ft & 42ft, and is very similar in concept to that of an all electric car, giving around 2 days of cruising before needing a charge, whether by returning to base or planned excursion to a Marina charge point. As an alternative, the cruising range can be extended with on-board solar and/ or generator.

Of course, as a bespoke boat builder, there is always the option for a conventional diesel engine, if preferred.

Crick 2024 - Top coat going on!

7^th February 2024

With the Ovation Team taking two boats to Crick this year, a total of four narrowboats are currently being fitted out at the Redhill workshop!

As all Ovation Boats are hand painted that means the paint brushes & rollers are well and truly out!!

Here we see John Henty in the paint booth, carefully rollering on the first layer of top coat onto our yet unnamed 60ft 'Charnwood Edge', whilst the affectionately named 'Arfer', our 42ft, all electric 'Charnwood Hobbit', is in the main workshop being prepared for the insulation.

'Bliss' - check out our project boat!

7^th February 2024

'Bliss' has been quietly moving forward with her fit-out and is coming on nicely. Already her bulkheads are in, and the interior is really beginning to take shape.

This quality, 70ft shell, originally built in 2004 by Measham Boats, has been totally stripped out and prepared, and is now being given a brand new fit-out for some lucky person to savour and enjoy!!

But why fit out an older boat when people want NEW!!!???

Well, believe it or not, there are some people who like a bargain...........and 'Bliss' is certainly that!

Measham Boats are respected boat builders for quality & lines, and with a steel specification of 10mm base plate, 6mm hull sides and 5 cabin sides & top, (not to mention a long, 'head turning' well deck) this is a shell that was built as a classic, and to last!

The interior, leading from the front:

Lounge

Galley

Pullman dinette

Main double bedroom

Walk through shower room

Versatile area (option for fixed seating with table/ two single beds/ one double bed)

Utility area with toilet and laundry

For further details about 'Bliss', or any of our Charnwood range of boats, call Chris Williams on 07963 974 793 or email chris@ovationboats.co.uk

A new generation and creating memories!

5^th February 2024

As we get older, life always seems to get in the way of having fun, but at Ovation Boats not only do we build boats, we build memories too!

Whenever the opportunity arises Chris Williams and Julia will take their 40ft traditional narrrowboat, 'Florrie', out for a spin, and if the kids & grandkids want to come along too then so much the better!

Chris's love for narrowboats and the UK canal system began as a London schoolboy, when an inspirational teacher took a group of lads out on a canal boat...........Chris never looked back!

For the the grandchildren though, their first experiences of boating started much younger, and on each subsequent trip, the memories grow!

With some basic instruction under her belt, 10 year old Ayla was soon confidently steering 'Florrie' towards The Wharf Inn for Sunday lunch, followed by a cuppa from 'Florrie's' side doors before heading back to the mooring!

Crick 2024 - painting the cabin top

2^nd February 2024

All Ovation boats are hand painted, and so with lead carpenter, Ian Shepherd, working hard on the inside, our painter, John, can be seen applying the first coat of a two pack epoxy top coat to the cabin top.

Using International Perfection Pro undercoat and top coat gives a hard protective covering to the steel whilst also providing a high gloss finish.

Crick Boat 2024 - lined out!

29^th January 2024

The as yet unnamed 60ft 'Charnwood Edge' being prepared for Crick 2024 is now lined out and ready for some bulkheads to go in.

As you can see the interior colour scheme consists of the ever popular cream cabin top and upper cabin sides, with light grey panelling below the gunnels.......................

Crick Boat 2024 - moving forward!

23^rd January 2024

With the new 'Charnwood Hobbit' (42ft) due into the workshop within the next couple of weeks, the Ovation Team have been working hard to progress both the internal & external fit-out of the Crick 2024 'Charnwood Edge'.

60ft Crick Boat - 2024!

17^th January 2024

With 'Gypsy Spirit' now on her way to new adventures it was time to bring the latest 60ft Charnwood Edge' into the workshop!

Following a thorough gritblasting to remove all millscale, the yet unnamed boat was brought into the paint booth to receive the base coats prior to top coats being applied.

Walnut delivery for a commissioned boat due for completion 2024

17^th January 2024

If the forthcoming Crick Boat Show 2024 wasn't enough to keep the Ovation Team busy, a delivery of Black Walnut arrived this week for a boat commissioned for later 2024.

Here we can see Dominic and Henry carefully unloading the wood before relocating it to our wood store and then once sanded back and oiled the true beauty of this amazing natural material can be revealed.

'Gypsy Spirit' - our first 2024 launch!!!

16^th January 2024

       

Given the rain we've been having lately and erring on the side of caution, the first stage of 'Gypsy Spirit's' journey to the Ashby Canal was via lorry.

Leaving the workshop on Tuesday, 9 January, 'Gypsy Spirit' took everything in her stride and was safely launched at Dunchurch Pools Marina on a cold but sunny day.

Tour around 'Gypsy Spirit'

9^th January 2024

Gypsy Spirit - artwork by Claire Norton

4^th January 2024

Just before Christmas, Claire Norton of Norton Canal Art came to the workshop to work her magic on 'Gypsy Spirit'.

Crick Boats 2024

3^rd January 2024

Just before Christmas, Ovation Boats welcomed the shell of the latest 60ft Charnwood Edge into the workshop!

With three boats already under construction (and two commission boats due to leave within the next couple of weeks) the excitement was palpable!!

The first of the Charnwood Hobbit range (42ft) which will also be heading for Crick is due to arrive in the Ovation stable within the next few weeks, so, all in all, the team will be kept very busy between now and the Crick Boat Show in May.

We still have availability for one summer build slot should you wish to discuss ideas for your own dream boat, and you can call Chris Williams direct on 07963974793 or email chris@ovationboats.co.uk for further details about our project boat 'Bliss' or any of our Charnwood range of boats.