Description

Smithwood Narrowboats Limited was formed in 2013 by proprietor Chris Smith.

Chris started his obsession with carpentry at the age of 9 when he tried to copy his neighbours new garden bench. It's fair to say his carpentry skills have somewhat developed from those early days, as he is now recognised as a true craftsman.

Chris started working on narrowboats from a young age, but moved away when his employer went under. After many years of working on sites, Chris decided to return to his roots when working next-door to the old boat yard he worked at as a young apprentice, and so in 2013 Smithwood Narrowboats was born.

Since those early days, Chris has grown his business considerably. From building on the water, then moving into a poly tunnel, Smithwood Narrowboats is now located in a well equipped unit in Harborough Magna in Warwickshire. This unit is ideally located to access all the major canals that form the 'Warwickshire Ring', including the Coventry Canal, the Oxford Canal, the Grand Union Canal, the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal and the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal.
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Striving for perfection
Throughout this period of growth, Chris has always aimed for perfection with each boat build. Chris achieved second place in the 'favourite boat' category at the 2018 Crick Boat Show, and will be aiming for first place with one of the two boats being shown at the 2020 Crick Boat Show.