‘Eithne’
‘We ordered a boat from GWV in 2005 and took delivery in February 2006. We found GWV to be very helpful, friendly and knowledgeable without being pushy or patronising. Before alighting on GWV, we had searched widely and talked to many people and boat builders, but on meeting John and Liz at the Crick Boat Show, we knew we had found the right people to build our boat.
As beginners to narrowboating, we knew we needed expert advice and to be able to have confidence in the people to whom we were entrusting our money. We found John and Liz to be enthusiastic about boating and about their business, and more than prepared to go the extra mile.
Since taking delivery of the boat they have stayed in touch and continued to offer practical help and advice and some improvements. During the critical first year after delivery, John and Liz were personally on hand to provide advice and to sort out the one or two minor problems that arose during our first few cruises as beginners.
We have been very pleased with the boat and the quality of its fit-out, which has been much admired by other boaters. We have recommended GWV to friends, and have no hesitation in continuing to do so.’
Hugh & Kathy Flanagan
'Four Winds'
Being regular boaters with a boat of our own, which we had bought second hand, my wife Mary and I decided we would like a bespoke boat. It was not that there was anything wrong with the boat we owned, but more that we wanted one laid out internally different. I, having worked in the marine industry for many years and knowing the quality of GWV's work, approached John and Liz without hesitation to ask them if they would build us a bespoke boat. We chose to have the galley at the stern end of the boat, and whilst John was not wholly convinced this was the right thing to do, he agreed quite amicably saying “if that's what you want, then that’s what you can have.
Both Mary and I are delighted with Four Winds. The quality of their work, and the help and support during the build process was excellent, and as others will testify they became not only our boat builder but also our firm friends, also this is true of their very skilled workforce.
The final testament is that I have always had a hankering for a Russell Newbery engine, and guess what? We are having a new boat, built of course by GWV!
Ian & Mary Oliver
'Canny Annie No 2'
We were so relieved and delighted to meet John and Liz Barber at GWV Boat Building. They turned a nightmare into a dream.
We had previously been having our 'dream boat' built by another boat builder who had renaged on his original promise, and we were left with a half built boat shell and a lot of worry. That all stopped after meeting John and Liz. They listened to our plans, made many helpful suggestions, and worked tirelessly to get our boat completed on time. The result has been a boat far better than either of us had dreamed of ever owning with a standard of fit-out second to none.
We will always be so grateful to GWV Boat Building for giving us back the boat of our dreams.
Margaret and Peter Cann
‘Toddy II’
‘We are delighted with the beautiful narrowboat that GWV built for us. From our crude sketches, they have produced a work of art that we're very proud of. The nice thing is that we know they’re proud of it too.
The standard of workmanship is superb, with attention to detail that exceeded our expectations. A lot of people that we've spoken to who have engaged other boat builders have invariably fallen out, but I'm pleased to say that we've become friends.
We'd have no hesitation in recommending GWV and indeed they are in the process of building a boat for friends of ours.’
David & Lesley Sargood
‘So Comfeable’
GWV impressed us in a number of ways. The quality of workmanship on their boats is excellent, down to the last detail, and nothing is too much trouble for them.
The care and attention they have given us has been wonderful, and they still keep in regular contact to see if we need any more help or advice. They are passionate about the boats they build and their after-care service is excellent.
George & Anne Homes
‘Elan Valley’ & ‘Spring Valley’
John and Liz Barber at GWV Boat Building are not only the kindest, most obliging people we have met during our time at the helm of Excellence Afloat at Valley Cruises, but the most talented as well. In the winter of 2007/08, GWV Boat Building completely refitted our beautiful ‘Elan Valley’. The finished product was simply astonishing! The cabin interior dimensions remained the same, yet John managed to make the Bathroom, Saloon, Galley and Engine Room noticeably bigger! Since ‘Elan Valley’ has been back in the fold, and working hard during the 2008 season, there have been no teething troubles, she has performed perfectly in every way. Customers love her and VisitBritain, who assess us annually, were so impressed they increased her star rating from 2 stars to a top of the range 3 stars!
The work was carried out to a very high standard, on time and budget! GWV Boat Building are currently building our newest boat, ‘Spring Valley’. She will be fitted out to 5 star standard.
There are, as we all know, a lot of boatbuilders out there, few if any offer the kind of service John, Liz and their gang do!
David & Elaine Smith
Excellence Afloat at Valley Cruises
Narrowboat under construction
If are looking for a friendly and helpful boatbuilder, who produces quality boats, go and talk to the team at GWV. They will listen to your ideas and produce a truly bespoke boat to your design.
What they will provide is a quality fit-out in a quality hull (that can also be designed to your requirements). The mechanical and electrical installation is to a very high standard, paying great attention to detail, as is the joinery and rest of the installation.
We selected to have our new boat built by GWV after discussions with several other builders, and seeing our friends’ boat being built by them.
Andy and Rose Bimson
