We have been building steel boats for 48 years since the company was founded as Peter Nicholls Steel Boats in 1973. We have vast experience in designing and building a variety of steel boats, so please browse our site for what you need. Peter Nicholls and his business partner Roger Baileff still actively run the Company.
We offer a range of Dutch Barges and Thames barges and other wide beam barges including our Europa 51 to 65 and the Peter Nicholls Inspection Launch. Our FCN Barge is fully seagoing to category B RCD. We can also offer Huffler 35 and 40 motor sailer which is equally happy inland or offshore. Our newly introduced Huffler 56 can be seen now nearing completion.
Our steel boat range also includes our Renegade round bilge 'Blue Water' sailing cruisers, our Mistral chined fast sailing cruiser together with boats specifically designed with disabled people in mind. Subscribe to our mail list to be kept informed of our latest projects, news and open days. We will never sell or pass on your email to anyone else.
We offer a range of Dutch Barges and Thames barges and other wide beam barges including our Europa 51 to 65 and the Peter Nicholls Inspection Launch. Our FCN Barge is fully seagoing to category B RCD. We can also offer Huffler 35 and 40 motor sailer which is equally happy inland or offshore. Our newly introduced Huffler 56 can be seen now nearing completion.
Our steel boat range also includes our Renegade round bilge 'Blue Water' sailing cruisers, our Mistral chined fast sailing cruiser together with boats specifically designed with disabled people in mind. Subscribe to our mail list to be kept informed of our latest projects, news and open days. We will never sell or pass on your email to anyone else.
Services
From Dutch barges, steel blue water sailing yachts, The Huffler swing keel sailing yacht, The Huffler Motor yacht, wide beam inland barges, seagoing barges are all well established steel boats in the Peter Nicholls range. Established in 1973, Peter Nicholls steel boat builders have built many boats that have made excellent live aboard cruising homes.
Blue Water Cruising: We build the Renegade range of round bilge, all steel cruising yacht for serious offshore world-wide cruising. Built for speed and safety it is able to handle sea conditions anywhere in the world. New, from the builders, a Peter Nicholls live aboard inspection launch with 5 plus berths.
Supplied by us new in 2010 she has had very little use and has returned to our yard for a thorough checkup and still available now for viewing for a short time. She is category B for the Recreational Craft Directive. Nominal 40ft x 11ft x 3ft 3n keel up, 4ft 6 in keel lowered. The self-lowering masts enable you to venture inland when required, the lifting keel means she can venture into shallow waters.
Brand new Peter Nicholls Ltd FCN Fineshape seagoing motor barge designed for low wash and low power requirements. Suitable for Electric or Diesel propulsion. Fit out near completion with come interior alteration possible to suit. Can be ready for Summer 2021 with inboard diesel or electric propulsion.
Blue Water Cruising: We build the Renegade range of round bilge, all steel cruising yacht for serious offshore world-wide cruising. Built for speed and safety it is able to handle sea conditions anywhere in the world. The Renegade 37 can be seen at the Peter Nicholls yard (by appointment please). We have recently updated her with teak effect decks, autopilot and chart plotter and electric genoa winches.
Reviews (9)
Dave Small
Jan 24, 2019
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We have visited Peter Nicholls yacht builders a few times over the years and it really is a pleasure to look and listen whilst Peter shows you boats in production, especially from the steelwork upwards and the internal and externally finishing is to the highest standard, just beautiful!! Peter is so knowledgeable and always has time for his customers old and new, it’s an absolute pleasure to visit the marina, and of course Peter.
Neil Hounam
Dec 25, 2018
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We are very pleased with our Huffler built by Peter Nicholls in 1998. Over 20 years we have travelled some 20000 sea miles through North Europe.
We are still in touch with the yard and over the years they have given us technical support over a few bits and bobs.
They are a professional outfit and we would not hesitate to recommend them.
We are still in touch with the yard and over the years they have given us technical support over a few bits and bobs.
They are a professional outfit and we would not hesitate to recommend them.
John Duncan
Nov 29, 2018
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Peter Nicholls built Sue and me a bespoke, high build-quality steel boat tailored to our requirements, and his after-sales service has been AAA.
Our Category 'A' gaff rigged Huffler 35 motor-sailer has been our all-year-round very comfortable liveaboard home since 2014. It can be seen in action on a Simon Cox video (search Vimeo Huffler 35). The firm is an excellent example of a small UK family business where the product and service are both professional and personal. Highly recommended.
Our Category 'A' gaff rigged Huffler 35 motor-sailer has been our all-year-round very comfortable liveaboard home since 2014. It can be seen in action on a Simon Cox video (search Vimeo Huffler 35). The firm is an excellent example of a small UK family business where the product and service are both professional and personal. Highly recommended.
Robin G.
Nov 17, 2018
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Peter Jury
Oct 21, 2018
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Very professional boatbuilder who stretched my narrowboat about 10 years ago.
Good to see whenever we visit Braunston that he and his small team are still working hard and building superbly designed boats.
Tim Spall clearly demonstrated how well his boats are built having circumvented Britain in his 'barge' as shown on tv.
Good to see whenever we visit Braunston that he and his small team are still working hard and building superbly designed boats.
Tim Spall clearly demonstrated how well his boats are built having circumvented Britain in his 'barge' as shown on tv.
Dave Smith
Sep 10, 2018
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I have been thinking about buying a boat for a while and came across this company. I visited their yard to see how they manufactured their boats and was very impressed with their in depth knowledge and their flexibility in discussing my requirements. I would recommend anyone wanting something special to pay a visit.
Andy Soper
Sep 10, 2018
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Peter Nicholls and his team built our 31ft narrowboat, Cassiopeia 20 years ago and she has given excellent service on the canals and rivers. Only routine maintenance has been needed during her life and her reliability has been outstanding.
Two years ago we decided to have her extended as our original design was a little cramped for 2 + 2 dogs (and we wanted to add a proper bedroom). There was only one choice of yard! An additional 12 ft was inserted in the middle giving us a much more spacious craft. We are delighted with the result, the quality of work and the time to complete.
Two years ago we decided to have her extended as our original design was a little cramped for 2 + 2 dogs (and we wanted to add a proper bedroom). There was only one choice of yard! An additional 12 ft was inserted in the middle giving us a much more spacious craft. We are delighted with the result, the quality of work and the time to complete.
Margaret Harrington
Sep 02, 2018
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Graham Hanson
Jun 24, 2018
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Boats to last a Lifetime
I have dealt with and known Peter and his boat building business team for over 30 years. Peter always takes an interest in the customers requirements and designs and builds a boat to suit a customers budget and what the boat is going to be used for whether its leisure or business. Impressive attention to detail and in house skills ensure a boat that will give longstanding reliable pleasure and if the customers needs change over time the Nicholls team are at hand to modify or renovate boats they built many years ago.
I have dealt with and known Peter and his boat building business team for over 30 years. Peter always takes an interest in the customers requirements and designs and builds a boat to suit a customers budget and what the boat is going to be used for whether its leisure or business. Impressive attention to detail and in house skills ensure a boat that will give longstanding reliable pleasure and if the customers needs change over time the Nicholls team are at hand to modify or renovate boats they built many years ago.
