The New & Used Boat Co

Narrowboat and widebeam brokerage in the UK

The New & Used Boat Co is a British company dedicated to brokering the sale and purchase of canal boats. It presents itself as the largest independent supplier of new and used canal boats in the country, a claim the firm makes on its website and backs with over twenty years of activity within the canal boating community.

Its activity revolves around brokerage: it connects owners who want to sell with potential buyers, and also offers new boats for immediate delivery. The team describes itself as boating enthusiasts, so customer service is provided by people familiar with this type of boat rather than purely commercial profiles.

Used boats in the catalogue

The list of second-hand boats includes narrowboats of various lengths, years and stern types. Examples published include Lady Marianne (1999, semi-traditional stern, 55ft), Missy Moo (2009, cruiser stern, 58ft), Shoehorn (2006, traditional stern, 50ft), Snark No7 (1999, semi-traditional stern, 56ft), Jemi (1995, cruiser stern, 47ft) and Hannah (2016, semi-traditional stern, 60ft). All share a 6.10ft beam and are advertised with prices that, at the time of listing, ranged from £33,950 to £79,950.

The boats in the catalogue are located in various places, including Mercia, Droitwich Spa and Dunchurch Pools, reflecting the geographical spread of the portfolio managed by the brokerage.

Boat sales and associated services

For owners wishing to sell, the company offers a brokerage service that, according to its own data, manages to get the boat 'Under Offer' in under thirty days on average. Alongside this option, it also considers part exchange or a cash offer for the boat, subject to conditions.

The firm also provides free, no-obligation valuations. Contact to request them is channelled through Ian Parrot, identified on the website as the point of contact for this process.

Three sales offices in the UK

The company operates three sales offices strategically distributed to cover the whole of the UK. According to its presentation, these bases were chosen to make visits easier for customers living anywhere in the country, and are located in areas with cafés, bars and shops that allow the visit to become a leisure day out.

Customer profile and advisory approach

The brokerage targets buyers and sellers of canal boats, both narrowboats and widebeams. Its proposition is based on advice from people with practical boating experience, with the stated aim of helping the buyer find the boat that best suits their needs.