About Ovation Boats
We are small personal team of professional boatbuilders with a range of skills from apprentice to experienced.
Offering a broad spectrum of ‘Charnwood’ fully fitted steel boats from the all-electric short narrowboat ‘Charnwood Hobbit’ to the Dutch barge style ‘Charnwood Euro’.
The ‘Charnwood Edge’ on spec narrowboat and ‘Charnwood Choice’, built to your specification, remain ever popular.
Collectively, and with many years’ experience both at a personal and professional level, we understand what works well and what makes for a good boating experience.
Testimonials
...build and quality of the boat external and internal is of a very high standard ... team at Ovation only too pleased to help with any individual requirements and requests...
Geoff Messenger
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...Just had a valuation survey undertaken by Ovation Boats, and I am very pleased with their prompt and very professional service...
Stuart Nicholls
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... very down to earth and comprehensive after care and nothing seems to be out of the question when we have made requests for tweaks or upgrades...
Nigel & Ann Pickin
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...Comprehensive and detailed survey and report on potential purchase of a Narrow boat. Great and prompt communication further to the survey. Recommended!...
Stephen Coy
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...beyond thrilled with the incredible narrowboat Ovation Boats built for us ... exceptional craftsmanship, attention to detail...
Nigel & Ann Pickin
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...Ovation was really good ... Nothing was too much for them, they kept us informed and up to date with the build...
Karl and Rachel
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...couldn't have chosen a better builder, great service, good price, great after sales service and a great boat...
Rob and Karen Brent
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Testimonial
Geoff commissioned Ovation Boats to build Charnwood Choice custom built 57’ reverse layout semi cruiser with diesel propulsion.
Chatter Box
Had a new narrow boat built with Ovation Boats - completion August 2022. Chatter Box. Slightly shorter than the standard build at 57ft but for mainly a single hander - it has proved to be just right. Extra's fittings worth noting – the 42 hp engine has ample power to cover river travel. Also fitted a small freezer, and solar panel set up, to provide that bit of extra convenience. The pullman dinette has proved to be a very social area and a great success. I did not have a coal/woodburner fitted and for a non liveaboard have not regretted or missed that. A very worthwhile choice was the Compoost toilet avoiding all that extra hassle of finding discharge points.
The build and quality of the boat external and internal is of a very high standard, and the team at Ovation only too pleased to help with any individual requirements and requests. Well worth noting (as we are not into having many boats built in our lifetime) you can be confident that once the price was fixed and agreed that no surprise extra costs and additions were even suggested. So unlike other deals we are involved in!
Chatter Box has proved to be an ideal boat and I am pleased to recommend "Ovation Boats" if you are searching for a new boat builder.
Geoff Messenger
Testimonial
Our surveying business undertook a recent valuation for Stuart.
Just had a valuation survey undertaken by Ovation Boats, and I am very pleased with their prompt and very professional service.
Stuart Nicholls
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Boat name: Saul Goodman
We recently bought our boat from Ovation - a stock boat show vessel - a couple of months on and we couldn’t be happier regarding the quality of build and service from Chris and the team at Ovation.
We have received a very down to earth and comprehensive after care and nothing seems to be out of the question when we have made requests for tweaks or upgrades to our wonderful boat.
The very few snags have been dealt with in an efficient and prompt manner.
We would not hesitate to recommend Ovation Boats
Nigel and Ann Pickin
Testimonial
Our surveying business recently undertook a pre purchase survey for Stephen Coy.
Comprehensive and detailed survey and report on potential purchase of a Narrow boat. Great and prompt communication further to the survey. Recommended!
Stephen Coy
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Having purchased a Charnwood Edge from Ovation Boats in 2023, Nigel and Ann commissioned us to build a Charnwood Choice custom build with Hybrid Marine Barrus engine and Lithium batteries.
Breaking Bad
We are beyond thrilled with the incredible narrowboat Ovation Boats built for us. From the very beginning, Chris, Darren and their team demonstrated exceptional craftsmanship, attention to detail, and a genuine passion for what they do. They took the time to listen to our ideas, incorporate our preferences, and delivered a boat that not only meets but exceeds our expectations.
The quality of the materials, the precision in the construction, and the flawless finish are truly a testament to their expertise and commitment to excellence. Throughout the process, their communication was clear and professional, making what could have been a stressful project an absolute pleasure.
We can wholeheartedly recommend Ovation Boats to anyone considering a custom boat. Whether you’re dreaming of a sleek, modern design or a classic build, you won’t find a more dedicated or skilled team to bring your vision to life. Thank you for crafting my dream boat—we couldn’t be happier!
Nigel and Ann Pickin
Testimonial
Karl and Rachel commissioned Ovation Boats to build a Charnwood Choice custom build with Hybrid Marine Beta engine and Traction batteries.
Ash
Ovation was really good. They did everything we asked for. Nothing was too much for them, they kept us informed and up to date with the build.
There were a few teething issues at the start, but they were put to right very swiftly.
I wouldn't hesitate to go with Ovation, just do it, you will be pleased.
Karl and Rachel
Testimonial
Rob and Karen commissioned Ovation Boats to build narrowboat Grace with diesel propulsion.
Grace
We decided to have our boat built by Ovation and couldn't have chosen a better builder, great service, good price, great after sales service and a great boat.
The main guys at Ovation are all experienced boaters and builders so they know what they are doing, they have taken on apprentices too so hopefully their knowledge will be passed on to a younger generation.
We love our boat and the lifestyle she has given us. Thank you, Ovation!
Robert and Karen Bent