How we built Kingfisher

This year we’re building two new boats, Kingfisher and Wren, bringing our fleet up to 17. Here’s a look behind the scenes at some of the work that went into making Kingfisher.

After the boat is insulated and the first fix electrics are in place, the painted ceiling goes up.

The ceiling paintwork is carefully masked ready for the wood trim to be varnished.

Our supremely talented carpenter, Jeff, takes rough planks of walnut, oak and ash.....

…and turns them into sublime interiors for our narrowboats.

Each boat has a Shire 40 diesel engine (using a Yanmar 4 cylinder block which has been marinised by Barrus, for use in marine applications).

And we use this hoist to carefully place it into the engine bay.

And, of course, we carefully paint the engine bay before we install the engine.

Sarah is responsible for the glossy green and cream exterior paintwork.

We spray each boat in our purpose-built paint booth – shown here with the sides rolled up.

Kingfisher has large, opening, double-glazed windows.

Once the paintwork is properly cured we fit the brass fittings, including the mushroom air vents, and pole and boarding plank supports on the roof.

Finally, she’s ready to have her nameplate attached. Kingfisher is the longest name so her nameplate is the largest in the fleet.

Now, Kingfisher is cruising the canal and we're taking bookings for 2018. Check Kingfisher’s availability.