If you look around, how many pieces of plastic do you have in arms-reach? One, two, five, ten? Plastic is everywhere and has become one of the go-to manmade materials used in everyday life across the world. Although a revolutionary invention that has made many aspects of life easier for many, it is becoming a burden on the planet, destroying our oceans and killing wildlife.

Some plastic items, such as water bottles, take up to 450 years to break down. That bottle of water you picked up at the shop to drink while out and about will be around for generations.

Although this problem is global, the UK is not blameless, in fact the amount of plastic waste generated in the UK alone is estimated to be nearly 5 million tons! That is the equivalent of 5 million fully grown polar bears, imagine those in our waterways!

So, what can be done? This issue is critical but in no way a lost cause, by making changes now we can start to stop future damage being done and even correct damage made. If more people recycled their plastic waste instead of putting it in general waste if more made swaps to sustainable and reusable products we could start to see a real change.
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It is also a case of spreading the message. This infographic is aimed not only at people already living on the waterways but those who want to find boat moorings to start living on them as well. If these boaters and potential boaters started making changes then a difference would start to be seen.

Amtrim will be exhibiting at the Crick Boat Show this year for the first time!
*** 26th - 28th MAY ***

​Please call by and see us at stand number V22

If you want to make an appointment with us please complete the form below and let us know you preferred time and date.

This interesting info-graphic depicts the pros & cons of living afloat vs living on land as well a giving a useful break-down of associated costs. Food for thought for those considering a move to the water.
Image courtesy of British Waterways Marinas Ltd  https://bwml.co.uk/priory-marina

It must be that time of year... we seem to be doing one of these fishing boat cuddies every week at the moment:-0

This brand new Crestliner 18 came with a factory-fitted tonneau cover but the owner wanted to create a convenient shelter that would easily stow out of the way.

Patterned and fabricated by James Torevell 
Fabric: Weathermax 80 - "Graphite"
​Framework: 316 Marine grade Stainless Tubing 3/4" dia

A Folding Cuddy is a great addition to a small open fishing boat. It can be erected or dropped in seconds and gives much-welcome protection from the elements whilst out on the lake.

This one was custom-made for this Norwegian Pioner 10' rowing boat for fishing in the lake District.

Collingwood Boat Builders is probably known as being the the biggest manufacturer of quality craftsman-built narrow and wide-beam boats in the Northwest and we have recently had the priviledge of being commissioned to design and build canopies for a few. All the models shown in the picture gallery below were made using "Weathermax 80" woven polyester fabric over stainless steel frames.

If you have a Collingwood boat or are thinking of buying one please contact us to discuss what we can do for you. Call us on 01772 285100 or email info@amtrim.co.uk. 

The best and most cost-effective way of keeping the stern deck area of your narrowboat or wide-beam clean and dry is to fit a stern cover. These can vary from a basic all-in-one cover that encloses the area or, as in this case, a more flexible arrangement with a dodger (skirt) around the stern rail and tonneau cover/cap which clips over.

Patterned, Fabricated and Fitted by James Torevell.

Fabric - Weathermax 80 Woven Polyester - Black

Replacement Cratch Covers - This new cover replaced a very tired looking cratch cover. The owner specified a few modifications and we had the job done and fitted within the scheduled time at Galgate Marina.

​Fabric Type: Hooding Grain PVC - Burgundy

Our custom cratch covers start at £720.00 including VAT.

​Please call us on 01772 285100 to enquire about replacing your cratch cover.

Fishing canopies, half canopies or cuddy extensions as they are variably known come in all shapes and sizes. They offer valuable shelter from the elements without drastically impeding the cockpit fishing area. The problem with most is the lack of headroom causing the fisherman to stoop or be seated. We had two customers who each had a Warrior 165 and they both wanted a fishing canopy with standing room and for it to convert to a simple overhead shelter by way of removable side panels. We came up with a design, booked them both in and made these two beauties.

These Canopies are available as an off the shelf item for £600. They will fit any MK1 Warrior providing that no extra equipment has been fitted where the canopy should lie.

Fabric: Acrylic Canvas
Framework: 316 Marine Grade Stainless Tubing - 3/4" 18's gauge.

Design: David Brindley
Patterning: James Torevell
Fabrication; James Torevell & Shannon Sumner