We chose Bluewater Boats to build a custom barge.
The idea of a custom build might not work for everyone but the more we thought about it, the more we realised that if we were to live on this boat for extended periods then we needed to have a major input to the design and construction.
We looked at a number of options but decided to work with Bluewater to create our boat. With no serious boating background, I was certainly a bit nervous, but I have never been a fan of packaged solutions so I like the idea of working with the team to create this. A little bit daunting as Nicki and I both had to get to grips with what we actually wanted as an end product but also ensure that it was suitable for our target environment.
We had so much useful input from the DBA community that a list of credits would just go on for ages. Needless to say, with the input from other barge owners and the design experience that Bluewater brought to the table, we were able to work together to ensure that we covered off as many aspects of the build as possible.
Whilst we started to grips with what we wanted, we grappled, or at least I grappled, with the whole concept of the boat being largely self contained. The builders helped a lot with that but that does not mean I always took their advice. The main point being was that there was good flexibility on both sides.
Bluewater do pride themselves on being able to work with you to produce a custom boat that meets your expectations and so far I for one , have no regrets.
http://www.bluewaterboats.co.uk
http://www.barges.org