DWR Boat Services - Narrow boat carpentry and fitting out
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I specialise in the fitting out, repair and modification of narrow boats and yachts. These range from small repairs to hatches, modifications to layouts, new cupboards, steps etc. If it’s made of wood or you would like it making in wood, I can do it for you. I endeavour to match the existing style of the original boat. IBTC workshop pilot cutter
Pilot cutter, IBTC workshop
9 foot dinghy 9 foot dinghy I also undertake full and partial fit outs to your own design. If required I can help you plan your ideal boat by giving advice on what I feel is workable and liveable with. I can also build fold down wheelhouses for both narrow and wide beam Dutch barges. I use traditional tried and tested construction methods wherever practical along with modern glues and fastenings.
I trained at the International Boat Building College at Oulton Broad, Lowestoft and qualified in City & Guilds in yacht, boat building and ships joinery gaining a diploma with distinction from the college.

On leaving college I worked with Dave Thomas at Braunston and Rex Wain at Brinklow Boat Services before setting up DWR Boat Services in 2005. Since then I have completed two full fit outs, a number of partial fit outs as well as many minor modifications. These include bed settees, cupboards, wardrobes, cratch boards, hexagrip deck boards, slide modifications, bathroom alterations and tiling.

 IBTC workshop pilot cutter
IBTC diploma
IBTC tool chest IBTC tool chest Recent smaller projects have included removal of a stove and create an ‘L’ shaped settee that converts to a double bed, Perspex cratch boards, bathroom construction, cure to a leaking side hatch and removal of settee to install a wood burning stove. In addition various hardwood cratch boards with and without lift off wings, storage cupboards and steps. Some of these are on show in the gallery pages.

Previous large projects have included;

  • A full refit of a 32’ Barney Boat, the Morris Minor of the canal network, keeping the original feel while upgrading to modern standards of insulation, woodwork and fittings.
  • A complete fit out in American white (with assistance) of a 62’ Norton Canes shell by Graham Edgson.
  • Fit out in oak of 59’ Jonathon Wilson sail away.
 Finished refitting a Barney Boat Finished refitting a Barney Boat
Copyright David Ritson, 2005. Unless otherwise acknowledged, all material and images contained in this site are the property of David Ritson. You may not copy,
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