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 David 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 David 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

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

Fabric:
Top: Weathermax 80 Pacific Blue
Sides: Weathermax 80 Silver
Binding: Weathermax Pacific Blue

Project Brief:


Craft: Narrowboat "Rasputin"
Location: Barton Grange Marina
Framework: 3/4" 316 Marine Grade Stainless Steel Tubing
Fabric: Weathermax 80 - Black with contrast "True Red" Weathermax Bias Binding

To dispose of the semi wheelhouse and design a new, more usable enclosure for Cruiser Stern Deck as well as a new Cratch cover to match the black and red colour scheme.

One of the most frequently asked questions we receive is "How can I remove green stains or mildew from my Sunbrella canvas?"

Here's some helpful information from the Sunbrella web site...

General or Light Cleaning:
To clean Sunbrella while still on a boat, follow these simple steps:

1. Brush off loose dirt.
2. Hose down.
3. Prepare a cleaning solution of water and mild soap such as Dri-Pak Liquid Soap Flakes 750ml

1. Use a soft bristle brush to clean.
2. Allow cleaning solution to soak into the fabric.
3. Rinse thoroughly until all soap residue is removed.
4. Air dry.
5. May not require re-treatment depending on the age of the fabric.

If stubborn stains persist, you can use a diluted bleach/soap mixture for spot cleaning of mildew. For roof run-off or other similar stains a strong degreaser made be required (see our Stain Chart for specific recommendations).



Heavy Cleaning for Stubborn Stains and Mildew:
Sunbrella fabrics do not promote mildew growth, however, mildew may grow on dirt and other foreign substances that are not removed from the fabric.

To clean stubborn stains:

1. Prepare a solution of 1 cup bleach and 1/4 cup of mild soap per gallon of clean water.
2. Soak affected area in solution for 15 minutes.
3. Blot stain with a sponge or clean towel. (Note: This step should be avoided when cleaning the coated side (Back side) of Sunbrella Plus, Supreme, or Clarity.
4. Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue.
5. Air dry.

 Note: Use caution when cleaning the coated (underside) of Sunbrella Plus, Supreme, or Clarity with the recommended bleach solution. The coated side of the fabric should only be sprayed with the recommended bleach solution and rinsed thoroughly.

Remember to protect the area around your Sunbrella fabric if using a bleach solution. Carpet or other fabrics that are not Sunbrella may have an adverse reaction to the bleach.

View the Sunbrella fabric Stain chart.