Thinking about repairs or upgrades before summer touring?
Beat the rush and use the downtime to tackle repairs and upgrades now.
Our team will make sure your motorhome is ready when touring season arrives.
Book your boat in with our expert engineers today. Call 01270 525040 for your quote!
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Sell your boat with confidence at Aqueduct Marina. We offer a free valuation and boat collection with no mooring fees and fixed brokerage fees.
Let our trusted brokers take the stress out of the process and make selling your boat simple.
Click the button below for more details
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We truly believe that Spring is the best time to sell your narrowboat. The snowdrops are in bloom, more daffodils are starting to appear, and the lighter days are on their way, it’s a clear sign that the new season is almost here.
As the weather slowly but surely improves and the days grow longer, eager buyers can finally begin to picture their dream life afloat. Their summer plans start to feel much more realistic, and many begin their serious search for the perfect narrowboat.
Buyers are often thinking ahead when it comes to timescales. If any mechanical work needs completing on a boat, buying in Spring gives them plenty of time to get everything ready before the cruising season begins, so they can enjoy the full narrowboating experience throughout Summer.
For sellers, this can mean the potential for a quicker sale.
We know that selling your narrowboat isn’t always easy. It’s about much more than simply listing it for sale, it’s about presenting it at its very best and making the process as smooth as possible for both buyer and seller. That’s where we can help.
There are many reasons why you may have decided to hang up your windlass, but our role is to guide you through the process and make it as straightforward and stress-free as possible.
Getting started is simple; just get in touch for a chat. Our broker, Gareth, is on hand to talk through your options and arrange a free valuation. He will come to meet you and your boat, and together you can get a clear idea of a realistic market price.
Selling might feel overwhelming, but we’re here to take that weight off your shoulders. From listing and marketing your boat, to handling negotiations, legal paperwork, and financial transactions, you won’t have to worry about a thing. We can even move your boat to our brokerage with our free collection service, meaning you can relax and leave the locks behind.
If this sounds like something you’re considering, please give us a call on 01270 525040. Alternatively, send us an email to info@aqueductmarina.co.uk and we can contact you at a date and time that is suitable. We’d be more than happy to help and talk you through all your options.
For full details on how we can help you sell your narrowboat, visit our Sell Your Boat page.
Build your dream narrowboat with Knights Narrowboats.At Aqueduct Marina, we’re passionate about helping narrowboat lovers find or create the perfect boat for their life on the waterways. While our brokerage team offer a wide range of new and used narrowboats, one of the most exciting opportunities we’re proud to present is the chance to work directly with Knights Narrowboats to build your dream, bespoke narrowboat.
Knights Narrowboats are renowned for their craftsmanship, attention to detail and high quality finishes. Whether you’re dreaming of a luxury boat for year round cruising or a home from home for weekend adventures, the team at Knights can help you create a narrowboat that reflects your lifestyle, taste and vision.
From beautifully crafted solid wood worktops and custom interior layouts to stylish exterior finishes and modern conveniences, every boat is built with dedication and care, ensuring you not only love your narrowboat but are proud to call it your own.
This is the perfect time to start your narrowboat journey, because Knights currently have a new build slot available, opening the door for you to secure a place and begin designing the narrowboat you’ve always wanted. Whether it’s your first boat or an upgrade to something even more personal and luxurious, this is your chance to work with experienced builders right here at Aqueduct Marina.
Our brokerage team is ready to help you every step of the way. Gareth can answer all your questions regarding the process and help you secure the next available build slot. To speak with us about Knights’ narrowboat builds or to secure the next available build slot. call us on 01270 525040 or enquire here.
New range of narrowboats available from Aqueduct MarinaThe brokerage team at Aqueduct Marina have welcomed the first brand-new narrowboat from Straight and Narrow Boat Services of Stoke-on-Trent. This new range is now available, with the arrival of the 57 ft narrowboat, at the family-owned and independent Church Minshull Marina in Cheshire.
Straight and Narrow Boat Services only began manufacturing narrowboats in 2022, but under the guidance of Chris Moran, who has 25 years of boat-building experience, the company aims to produce a small number of high-quality boats each year. The focus is not only on the quality of the boats but also on the company’s ethos of training a team of former offenders and others who have faced difficulties in their past, such as drug or alcohol addiction, and who now want to turn their lives around.
The first new boat completed by the Staffordshire company is a 57 ft, four-berth cruiser-style narrowboat, now available for inspection.
With Aqueduct Marina’s team having established a highly successful and well-respected brokerage, selling both new and used narrowboats from a range of manufacturers, the opportunity for Straight and Narrow to join the select group of suppliers was too good to miss. “Having a team as experienced and professional as the guys at Aqueduct will help us promote and ultimately sell our boats is enormously beneficial,” said Julie Gilson, Director of Straight and Narrow.
Aqueduct Marina’s Owner, Robert Parton, said, “The Aqueduct team are keen to support Straight and Narrow with their interesting, innovative and worthwhile plan of producing high-quality narrowboats while supporting those who would otherwise have struggled to gain much sought-after skills.”
Aqueduct Marina’s Brokerage Weekend
Simple – The day is to simply open the boats up, to inspire your curiosity, for you to feel comfortable in asking our expert Team any questions you may have and to enjoy some Aqueduct Marina Hospitality.
We have a selection of used boats; these are ready to go and will make ideal liveaboards or weekend retreats.
Our New Boat selection showcases Knights Narrowboats with Knights No39 ready to welcome you on board, Knights also can build you your dream, tailor made just for you and the Knights Team will be on hand to help.
Whether you are thinking of a boat from £30,000 or towards £300,000, finance packages are available to enable your new floating home quickly achievable.
Our funding partner Pro-Marine has options for you and are always ready to give you advice in order to make the process very easy for you.
Our 5 Gold Anchor Marina is a beautiful place to start looking for your next adventure. You could be planning to retire in a couple of years, sell a property or simply thinking that you’ve contemplated it enough and its simply time to do make the move.
We welcome you along at whatever stage you are at, take a look around and enjoy the time with us.
Book your free tickets below by clicking here.
Aqueduct Marina wins TYHA Team awardAqueduct Marina has long had an enviable track record in customer service, with all staff members working hard to ensure moorers, boat buyers, and visitors enjoy the best possible experience. All of this hard work was recently recognised by The Yacht Harbour Association – which was established to develop the marina industry – by awarding the Cheshire Marina with the coveted Teams Award.
The award, sponsored by Haven Knox Johnson, was made by Steve Arbour, TYHA chairman, and was presented at this year’s Southampton International Boat Show. The Team Award is made in recognition of Aqueduct Marina staff receiving the most overall mentions by customers and visitors. A berth holder or members of the public can nominate a marina employee for TYHA’s Marina Employee of the Year.
In addition, Ian Wood, AKA ‘Woody’, Aqueduct’s Grounds Keeper, was presented with a certificate of appreciation from TYHA in recognition of his positive customer feedback obtained through the year-long nomination process.
Robert Parton, Aqueduct Marina’s MD, said, “Receiving this award was a complete surprise and will go down as one of the high points of the year. Everybody in the Aqueduct team should be very proud. We are all off to an Indian restaurant to celebrate.”
Photo: Aqueduct Marina’s Director Phil Langley, Sarah Rayner, Office Manager and MD Robert Parton pictured at the Southampton International Boat Show with their award certificate.
Cruise Moor SchemeFive independent family run marinas are joining forces in 2024 to offer inland waterway boaters the opportunity to enjoy a new discounted visitor mooring scheme – Cruise Moor.
The Cruise Moor scheme sees Aqueduct Marina, Droitwich Spa Marina, Dunchurch Pools Marina, Overwater Marina and White Mills Marina collaborate to provide moorers with the unique opportunity of staying on each of the marinas on a visitor mooring for a week free of charge.
It is hoped the new initiative will not only encourage more boaters to explore the UKs waterways network but enable them to enjoy the facilities and personal service offered by the ‘fabulous five’ independent marinas.
Boaters can find out how to qualify for a Cruise Moor card from one of the participating marinas and then plan their cruising season in the knowledge that they can enjoy a compliemtary week at all included marinas.
Spokesperson for Cruise Moor, Robert Parton of Aqueduct Marina said: “All of the five marinas involved in Cruise Moor share the same aspirations of encouraging boaters to get out and about and explore the miles and miles of the beautiful waterways network. As family-run marinas we work incredibly hard to be the best in the business and go the extra mile to provide excellent customer service. It is a terrific scheme and a wonderful opportunity for us all to showcase our marinas to each other’s moorers, we are all looking forward to watch it develop over the coming months.”
Credit: Debbie Skinner, White Mills Marina
Aqueduct Marina Tour – Come with us to take a tour around our award-winning narrowboat marinaLet us show you around our wonderful narrowboat marina and show you how we can help you and your narrowboat.
We are here to help you find a new home for your narrowboat in the best location on the inland waterways map!
We are located on the Middlewich Branch of the Shropshire Union Canal giving you the perfect base to cruise to the likes of the Cheshire Ring, Four Counties Ring, Llangollen Canal, Chester or The Anderton Boat Lift.
Our Chief Operation Officer, Phil, is here to show you and talk through all of our marina facilities and services – we are a narrowboat marina that can cover almost everything!
If you are looking for a new base for your narrowboat in a fantastic new cruising location for the up and coming season, please get in touch on 01270 525040
5 Gold Anchor Marina – What does it really mean?As proud holders of a 5 Gold Anchor Marina accreditation, we’re thrilled to share the “ins and out” of what this prestigious distinction means for you, our cherished customers.
Picture it as the narrowboat equivalent of a gold-starred luxury resort—your gateway to an exceptional narrow boating experience.
So, let us explain exactly what our 5 Gold Anchor status means and show you what makes our marina a shining beacon in the waterways.
The Gold Anchor Standard:
The 5 Gold Anchor accreditation is more than just a shiny emblem; it’s a mark of excellence in the marine world and we are proud to say we have held this accreditation for X years.
Awarded by The Yacht Harbour Association (TYHA), this standard is a testament to our commitment to providing first-class facilities and services.
The evaluation process is meticulous, covering six key areas that ensure our marina is a safe, enjoyable, and reliable haven for all boaters.
Berths and Facilities:
Our marina undergoes rigorous assessment to guarantee that berths are well-maintained and equipped with the necessary facilities. From secure mooring options to pristine washrooms, we’ve got you covered.
Customer Services:
Friendly and efficient customer service is at the heart of what we do. The 5 Gold Anchor Standard evaluates our team’s responsiveness, knowledge, and willingness to go the extra mile for our customers.
Quality of Services:
From fuel stations to boat repairs, every service is inspected to ensure it meets or exceeds industry standards. Your narrowboat is definitely in capable hands when it comes to our certified offerings.
Environmental Responsibility:
We take pride in our commitment to the environment. The audit process ensures that our marina adheres to environmentally sustainable practices, minimizing our ecological footprint in the beautiful waterways we call home.
Operational Management:
Efficient operations are vital for a smooth cruising experience. The 5 Gold Anchor Standard evaluates our management practices, ensuring that everything, from safety protocols to emergency procedures, is the best that it can possibly be.
Community Engagement:
A marina is not just a collection of boats; it’s a community. We actively engage with our boating community to foster a sense of camaraderie and support, making your marina experience not only enjoyable but also enriching.
Your Ticket to Premium Boating:
Now that we’ve unravelled the criteria, you might wonder, “What’s in it for me?”. Here’s why our 5 Gold Anchor accreditation matters for you:
Peace of Mind:
Rest easy knowing that your narrowboat is moored in a marina that has passed stringent assessments. Your safety and the security of your boat are our top priorities.
Outstanding Facilities:
Enjoy our fantastic facilities, from secure berths to well-maintained amenities. We’ve invested in creating an environment that enhances your boating experience.
Exceptional Customer Service:
Our team is dedicated to making your stay memorable. Whether you need assistance or simply want a friendly chat about the latest boating adventures, we’re here for you.
Environmentally Responsible Boating:
By choosing a 5 Gold Anchor Marina, you’re aligning yourself with a community that values and actively contributes to preserving the natural beauty of our waterways.
Community Connection:
Join a community of like-minded boaters who share your passion. From organized events to impromptu waterside gatherings, you’ll find a sense of belonging that goes beyond the water.
In conclusion, our 5 Gold Anchor accreditation is not just a title; it’s a promise.
A promise of excellence, dedication, and a commitment to providing you with an unparalleled narrow boating experience.
So, cruise to us with confidence, knowing that you’ve chosen a marina that has earned its stripes in the world of inland waterways luxury. Welcome aboard, and let the journey begin!
A buyer’s market for boats on brokerageThe brokerage market has changed since the heady days at the end of 2022 when, in my view, the Covid bubble reached its peak.
Since that time, we have been hit with a combination of inflation and rising interest rates, affecting a buyer’s ability to spend.
As a result, many types of boats have started dropping in value. This began in the spring and the market did not improve for sellers over the summer.
We are seeing the normal number of boats coming to the market, but the buyers seem to be staying away; as a result, there are plenty of boats listed for sale. So my advice would be that if you are thinking of buying, now could be a good time.
Higher value boats and non-standard layouts at over £100k are the hardest to find buyers for; shorter boats and standard clean 58ft layouts around £60k still have a market.
We’ve also found that new boat sales have almost stopped completely and good quality, nearly new high-value boats have also stopped selling. This is a complete reversal from the summer of 2022. It is these sellers who have a very tough choice to make, between holding out and hoping the market returns or reducing to a level that will tempt these types of buyers.
In summary, with new boats now available on much shorter lead times, I believe new bespoke boats will remain at their higher current price, as there is no point in a boat builder starting a build unless they can cover the costs. But nearly new boats built in the last two years coming to the market for the first time as used boats will, I believe, need to see a much greater depreciation.
The more mid-range boats will likely see some more reductions, though the housing market locally to us here in south Cheshire remains strong, so I know am more hopeful these boats will now stabilise in price. We are also seeing more boats that got too old, and anything that is a “project boat” remains a very hard sell.
Buyer Beware
The other boats we are seeing more of are boats that are coming to us with very poor paperwork, such a no purchase invoices, hull identification numbers, and incomplete Recreational Craft Directive Information. Often, these are DIY fit-out boats trying to get through on a five-year exemption rule.
As a broker, it is always clearly stated on our paperwork that it is “Buyer Beware”, but part of our job is to provide some reassurance to boat buyers. This is a very grey area that differing brokerages are taking differing views on, and the inland boat selling sector could do with a more definitive set of guidance.
We at Aqueduct have now turned away a few boats that the sellers did not want to invest the time and money in to get the paperwork in order, only for the boats to reappear for sale privately or worryingly at another brokerage.
So if you are looking to buy a boat, now could be a very good moment. But remember, always get an independent pre-purchase survey done for you to check the condition of the boat, and please check the paperwork is in order. And if you are not sure, take independent advice.
Written by Phil Picken
Aqueduct Marina Newsletter – October 2023We are excited to share our October Video Newsletter with you!
You may have seen our previous video newsletter, where we introduced you to some of our staff and showed you around our marina.
You can watch our latest video now on our YouTube channel by clicking the link below.
Thank you for being part of our marina community and don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel!
We would love to hear your feedback and suggestions for the future.
If there is anything in particular you would like to see featured in our newsletter, please email marketing@aqueductmarina.co.uk
Click on the link below to view our October 2023 Newsletter.
Festive Opening Hours 2023|
Date |
Office | Cafe |
|
Saturday 23rd Dec |
08:00AM – 17:00PM | 9:30AM – 16.30PM |
|
Sunday 24th Dec |
09:00AM – 12:00PM |
09:30AM – 11:30AM |
|
Monday 25th Dec |
CLOSED | CLOSED |
| Tuesday 26th Dec | CLOSED |
CLOSED |
| Wednesday 27th Dec | 09:00AM – 16:00PM |
09:30AM – 15:30PM |
|
Thursday 28th Dec |
09:00AM – 16:00PM |
09:30AM – 15:30PM |
|
Friday 29th Dec |
09:00AM – 16:00PM |
09:30AM – 15:30PM |
|
Saturday 30th Dec |
09:00AM – 16:00PM |
09:30AM – 15:30PM |
|
Sunday 31st Dec |
09:00AM – 12:00PM |
09:30AM – 11:30AM |
|
Monday 1st Jan |
CLOSED |
CLOSED |
| Tuesday 2nd Jan | 08:00AM – 17:00PM |
09:30AM – 16:30PM |
We are delighted to share with you, our brand-new video newsletter!
Our newsletter is here to provide you with all the latest information at the marina and give you a glimpse of life behind the scenes here, get to know our staff, and have a giggle along the way!
If there is anything in particular you would like to see featured in our newsletter, please email marketing@aqueductmarina.co.uk
Click on the link below to view our August 2023 Newsletter.
The Marina is open:
Mon - Fri: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sat - Sun: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
The Cafe is open:
Sun - Thurs: 9:30 am - 4:30 pm
Fri & Sat: 9:30 am - 4:30 pm
The Chandlery is open:
Mon - Fri: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sat - Sun: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
© 2026 Aqueduct Marina Church Minshull.
