Join us at our Autumn Showcase between 10.00am – 9.00pm on the 14th of September.
Come and view our amazing selection of narrowboats, join us for a bite to eat and drink at the cafe and listen to some amazing acoustic music from 4pm.
Our glamping tents and electric boats are available to hire during the day too!
Find out more
We’re thrilled to announce a fantastic new partnership between Aqueduct Marina and Water Freedom. Starting on the 14th of September, you can find Water Freedom’s cutting-edge water purification solutions at Aqueduct Marina in Nantwich, Cheshire.
Join us in the Chandlery for an all-day demo, running from 9 AM to 4 PM
Find out more
Five 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 which will be launched in February at Boatlife in Birmingham 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 up to two weeks with a fabulous 20% discount.
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 the facilities of another independent marina with a 20% reduction in visitor mooring fees.
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.
Aqueduct Marina’s Boating Event hailed a success!Visitors, exhibitors and organisers agreed that despite the somewhat blustery conditions, this year’s Aqueduct Marina Boating Event was a great success. The aim was to provide an event that was a ‘boat show for boaters’, and as a result, around 500 visitors took the opportunity to visit the marina, speak to staff and visit 19 trade stands.
In addition, over 200 people attended the evening’s entertainment, much of which was provided by Elvis tribute Paul Larcombe and singer Josh Whittall.
Both exhibitors and marina staff commented on the levels of interest shown by visitors, the majority of whom were genuinely interested in discussing their boats and their boating experiences.
Robert Parton, Aqueduct Marina’s MD, said, “I am very grateful to the exhibitors who supported us and had a stand at the show, some of whom stayed until late and enjoyed the lively Elvis night as well. Also, well done, Hannah (Aqueduct Marketing), who successfully managed to target the right people and get boaters and aspiring boaters here. I spent most of the day by our brokerage boats and had plenty of excellent conversations with existing and soon-to-be boat owners.”
Kevin Peart, MD of Aegina added, ”It was good to meet you and your team, we enjoyed the day and had many interesting conversations about solving water supply and making safe drinking water for the canal boat community. We will be back next year”.
Anyone interested in visiting or exhibiting at next year’s event should keep an eye on the Aqueduct Marina website and social media channels where the next Boating Event, expected to take place in July, will be publicised. Visit www.aqueductmarina.co.uk
Selling your narrowboat is as easy as 1 2 3The brokerage team at Aqueduct Marina are always looking for ways to make selling your boat easy and hassle-free and are pleased to launch a limited time, fixed fee commission offer ahead of their Boating Event in July.
Aqueduct Marina are offering anyone that lists their boat for brokerage between now and their Boating Event on the 15th of July the unique opportunity to know in advance exactly what commission they will be paying.
This innovative commission structure offers a guaranteed fixed price for Aqueduct’s proven brokerage process with the aim of making selling your boat easier than ever whilst showcasing your boat at this popular boating event.
The three pricing bands, based on the value of your boat, offer brokerage commissions of between £2,450 and £4,450.
Anyone considering selling a boat and want to have their boat displayed at the Aqueduct Boating Event, get in touch today via the Sell Your Boat page or call 01270 525040 to discuss the new commission rates.
Exhibiting at Crick Boat Show 2023Following on from the success of the offer made at BoatLife, the Aqueduct Marina team in Cheshire are offering some real savings at this year’s Crick Boat Show to help you enjoy your narrowboat in 2023.
Any narrowboat owner visiting the Aqueduct stand at the Crick Boat Show between the 26th and 29th of May, and holding a full-price admission ticket, should visit the Aqueduct stand V-BW to get their ticket stamped. This can then be exchanged for either a free week’s mooring, worth £154 or one free use of the slipway, worth £160; terms and conditions apply. Come and visit us for all your narrowboat needs, especially if you have any work that needs to be carried out on your boat.
And if you are thinking of selling your boat, sign up today with Aqueduct’s brokerage for it to be displayed at Crick to give it the best chance of reaching a potential buyers eye.
Both ticket options will enable boat owners to use Aqueduct Marina as a mid-cruise safe harbour in 2023, as it is within easy reach of the Llangollen, Macclesfield and Caldon canals.
The Church Minshull marina’s significant savings are something everyone is looking for during these difficult times. So why not plan your boating year and cruising routes to make the most of the marina’s giveaways and join the many boat owners who already moor at Aqueduct and find the marina an ideal place to moor or store their boat, whatever the season.
Aqueduct Marina Boating EventWe are delighted to announce the Aqueduct Boating Event 2023, which will take place on Saturday 15th July from 10.00am – 4.00pm
Whether you are new to boating, or you have years of experience this day is aimed at you and your boat.
Free advice from our industry expert exhibitors. A range of Boats for Sale. Behind-the-scenes access to Aqueduct Marina’s award-winning facilities. Exclusive event offers in our on-site Chandlery.
FREE entry and FREE parking
Discuss all of your narrowboat requirements with our staff, whether this be; moorings, blackings, welding, painting or anything in between.
Confirmed Exhibitors:
Aqueduct Marina, are the exclusive agents of Knights Narrowboats. Our resident boat builders can meet each of your requirements to build you a bespoke, high-quality narrowboat, that exclusively matches your individual needs.
www.knightsnarrowboats.com | 01270 525040
Manufacture and supply of bespoke canopies, covers and marine upholstery.
www.amtrim.co.uk | 01772 285100
✅ Elite Furnishings
Elite Furnishings offers you a large range of pre-created sofa beds that are designed to go down the canal boat and the easy to use click clack sofa bed opens across the width of the narrowboat, fulfilling all your narrowboat bedding needs
elitefurnishings.co.uk | 01827 313334
If it floats, chances are we’ll cover it. Get a boat insurance quote from the award-winning crew.
www.havenkj.com | 01732 223650
Our HyArk unit produces domestic power for boats based on hydrogen fuel cell technology. Quiet, reliable, clean.
www.hydrogenafloat.com | 07702 725158
Lockgate is the UK’s leading supplier and installer of Refleks Diesel Stoves, with over 20 years experience.
✅ LeeSan
LeeSan, the largest single source of marine sanitation and pump out equipment, parts and service kits.
UK manufacturer of market leading fuel treatments and our new zero plastic range of cleaning products.
www.marine16.co.uk | 01686 622213
River Canal Rescue offers membership based breakdown cover for boats on the inland waterways.
www.rivercanalrescue.co.uk | 01785 785680
Wifi On Board are the leading mobile internet equipment suppliers on the inland waterways network.
www.wifionboard.co.uk | 01335 666203
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6.30pm – Late (Evening).
Evening entertainment from the renowned Elvis tribute Paul Larcombe
Moorers Rate: £15.00 per person or £20.00 per person
Tickets including food
The SBS BoatLife 2023 exhibition at the NEC was hailed as a success by the Aqueduct Marina team, who described the event as “positive”.
The Cheshire-based marina received a number of strong enquiries for moorings, together with interest from brokerage buyers, those considering selling their boat and owners interested in boat repairs. Much of this interest was generated by Aqueduct’s offer of a free weeks mooring or a slipway use.
Robert Parton, Aqueduct’s MD, said, “I believe we had a decent few days because the show had grown from last year’s first year, the weather was better, so the trains ran and most importantly, the inland sector had a much greater presence, with a decent number of boats to view. All this created just enough footfall. I also think it is excellent for the inland sector to be in an exhibition such as this which combines both inland and coastal leisure boating.
Robert echoed the views of many other exhibitors in saying, “The timing in February is excellent, with customers just starting to think about the summer ahead, and because the main season hasn’t started yet, marine business and their staff are able to get to the show.”
The team are looking forward to a busy season and next year’s show which, it is hoped, will continue to go from strength to strength.
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