A new narrowboat brings together its hull, propulsion, electrical system, plumbing, heating, joinery, appliances and finishes. Good aftercare therefore begins with a clear handover, the right documents and a straightforward way to raise a question if something does not appear to be working as expected.
Oakums explains the relevant controls and systems at handover and provides the documentation applicable to the individual boat. We also give each customer a clear route for reporting a concern after delivery.
Oakums provides a 12-month full-boat warranty from the boat’s launch date. The precise cover is set out in your signed contract, warranty documents and policy booklet. Those documents explain the scope of the cover, exclusions, customer responsibilities and how a reported problem will be assessed. Nothing on this webpage limits your statutory rights.
A clear handover
Handover is intended to help you understand the boat you are receiving rather than simply collect the keys. The exact handover content will depend on the specification, but it may include:
- an introduction to the propulsion and steering controls
- electrical isolation, charging and monitoring
- shore-power connection and onboard energy management
- freshwater, hot-water and waste systems
- heating, ventilation and relevant safety equipment
- appliance controls and manufacturer information
- routine checks and maintenance points
- the documents, manuals and declarations applicable to the boat
Electric narrowboats require particular attention to the complete energy system. Oakums’ entry-level electric platform uses an 11kW VETUS E-Line motor, with Törkmar available as the recommended upgrade. The final handover reflects the equipment actually fitted to that individual boat.
What the different terms mean
Handover observations
An observation made during the handover or final inspection should be recorded clearly so that both Oakums and the customer understand what has been noted and what happens next.
Warranty matters
A warranty matter is considered against the 12-month full-boat warranty and policy booklet supplied with the boat. Assessment may be needed before Oakums can confirm whether the reported issue falls within that cover and what repair is appropriate.
Routine maintenance and wear
A narrowboat needs continuing maintenance. Servicing, inspection, winter preparation, cleaning and the replacement of consumable or naturally wearing items are different from correcting a defect. The manuals and maintenance information supplied with the boat should be followed.
Normal wear and tear does not automatically become a warranty matter. The age of the boat, the amount and type of use, maintenance history, environmental conditions and the expected service life of the affected item will all be considered when a concern is assessed.
Natural materials and reasonable tolerances
Oakums uses genuine timber and other natural materials. Oak grain, figuring, knots, tone and colour will naturally vary between boards and may also change gradually with age, daylight, temperature and use. These variations are part of the character of real wood and are not automatically defects.
A handcrafted narrowboat is also subject to reasonable manufacturing and finishing tolerances. Minor variations that do not affect safety, operation, durability or the agreed specification will not necessarily amount to snagging or warranty work.
This does not mean that every imperfection is acceptable. Oakums will assess a reported concern fairly against the signed specification, the condition reasonably expected of a new boat, the material being used and the practical effect of the issue.
Manufacturer warranties
Engines, motors, batteries, chargers, appliances and other bought-in equipment may carry their own manufacturer or supplier warranties. The applicable documents should be kept with the boat records. During Oakums’ 12-month warranty period, contact Oakums first. After month 12, claims relating to manufacturer or supplier cover should be directed to the relevant provider in accordance with its terms.
How to report a problem
Contact Oakums as soon as reasonably possible if you believe something is wrong. A clear first report helps us understand the issue and decide what information or inspection is needed.
Please include:
- your name and the boat’s name or build number
- a clear description of what has happened
- when you first noticed it
- any relevant warning message, sound, smell or change in operation
- photographs or a short video where useful
- the boat’s current location
- whether the affected system has been switched off
- details of any checks or work already carried out
If there is an immediate safety concern, stop using the affected equipment where it is safe to do so and seek suitable professional assistance. Do not continue operating equipment in a way that could increase damage or risk.
What happens after a report
Every report needs to be considered in the context of the boat, its specification, its maintenance history and the symptoms described. The next step may include:
- reviewing the information, photographs, video and relevant documents
- asking for a simple check or further evidence
- consulting the equipment manufacturer or specialist where appropriate
- arranging access to inspect the boat if an inspection is needed
- confirming the proposed repair once the cause and responsibility are understood
Warranty reports are prioritised according to their nature and urgency. Oakums does not promise a universal acknowledgement or response time because a safety-critical issue and a minor finishing item require different handling. Oakums will not diagnose a technical fault from incomplete information or promise a particular repair before the issue has been assessed.
Return-to-base warranty policy
Warranty inspection and remedial work normally take place at North Kilworth Marina. This is Oakums’ return-to-base location for warranty work.
We appreciate that returning a boat is not always possible. An exception may be agreed by Oakums in writing before attendance or work is arranged. Where an exception is approved, the customer may be responsible for travel, call-out, lifting, marina, transport and related access costs. The precise allocation of costs depends on the circumstances and the applicable written terms.
Oakums’ warranty covers approved repair costs where the reported matter is accepted under the policy. It does not automatically include the customer’s travel, transport, lifting, marina or call-out costs.
Looking after your narrowboat
Good ownership records make maintenance easier and can be important when a problem is assessed. Owners should keep the supplied documents and record servicing, inspections, alterations and significant repairs.
The appropriate routine will vary with the boat and its equipment. Typical responsibilities may include:
- following the manufacturer’s service intervals and instructions
- checking fluid levels, bilges, filters and visible connections
- maintaining batteries in accordance with the correct battery guidance
- managing ventilation and condensation
- preparing water and heating systems for freezing conditions
- inspecting paintwork, sealants and exposed surfaces
- reporting a developing problem promptly
- discussing alterations before they affect another system or the agreed warranty cover
Work by another contractor, later owner alterations or failure to follow the relevant instructions may affect a claim. The effect will depend on the circumstances and the written terms, rather than an automatic blanket exclusion.
Snagging after launch
Snagging is intended to identify genuine completion issues, not routine wear, accidental damage, maintenance items or the natural characteristics of materials. Any snag should be described precisely and supported with photographs where possible.
The purpose of this distinction is fairness. Customers should receive the standard of boat and workmanship agreed, while Oakums should not be expected to treat normal use, natural materials or minor acceptable tolerances as defects.
When reviewing a snag, Oakums may consider:
- whether the item differs materially from the signed specification
- whether it affects safety, operation, durability or normal use
- whether it is a natural feature of timber or another chosen material
- whether the change is consistent with normal settlement, movement or wear
- whether maintenance, misuse, accidental damage or later work has contributed
- whether the proposed correction would be reasonable and proportionate
Oakums will not classify every cosmetic observation as a defect simply because it is visible. Equally, a genuine workmanship or installation issue will not be dismissed merely by describing it as wear or natural variation. Each concern will be considered on its facts and under the applicable written terms.
Documentation and conformity
The conformity process and the warranty serve different purposes. The Recreational Craft Regulations set product-compliance obligations for relevant recreational craft, while a warranty explains the voluntary or contractual cover supplied after purchase. A Boat Safety Scheme examination, where applicable, is also separate from a builder’s warranty.
At handover, customers should keep the documents and manuals supplied for their particular boat. These form an important reference for safe operation, maintenance and future ownership.
Independent protection after the first year
Oakums works with an independent warranty provider. All Oakums boats are pre-approved for this additional protection. Where relevant, equipment and systems must have been installed as part of the factory build and the provider’s eligibility requirements must be met.
Subject to the independent provider’s terms, conditions, acceptance and continued eligibility, cover may be available for periods of up to 15 years. This is separate from Oakums’ 12-month warranty and is supplied by the independent provider.
Later modifications or work by others may affect eligibility or lead the independent provider to reject a claim. Customers should check with the provider before authorising changes that could affect the covered systems.
Independent cover is intended for eligible mechanical and electrical breakdowns involving the components listed on the customer’s own warranty schedule. It is not a general maintenance plan and does not automatically cover every part of the boat. Repair limits, any excess, geographical limits, servicing requirements and the claims process are set out in the individual policy documents.
Customers using the independent cover should retain servicing records, report a possible claim before authorising non-urgent repairs and take reasonable steps to prevent further damage. Exact requirements are governed by the current policy supplied to that customer.
Aftercare built around the individual boat
Oakums narrowboats are made to order, so the relevant aftercare depends on the final specification. A diesel boat, an 11kW VETUS E-Line boat and a boat with the recommended Törkmar upgrade will not have identical systems or documentation.
That is why the individual contract, specification, handover record, equipment manuals and warranty documents matter. They create a more reliable basis for support than a generic promise on a website.
Oakums has completed more than 50 boats. The Previous Builds archive is being expanded using genuine Oakums build photographs to show that history and the work behind the finished boats.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Oakums warranty replace my legal rights?
No. Any voluntary warranty is additional to the customer’s statutory rights and does not restrict them.
Is every problem covered by warranty?
Not necessarily. The cause, policy-booklet exclusions, maintenance, alterations and the circumstances all matter. Oakums will review the report before confirming whether it falls within the applicable cover.
Are natural variations in oak covered as defects?
Not automatically. Real oak naturally varies in grain, tone, figuring and colour, and it can change with age and exposure to daylight. Oakums will distinguish these normal characteristics from a genuine workmanship, durability or specification issue.
Is ordinary wear and tear covered?
No. Reasonable wear arising from normal use and age is different from a defect. The nature of the component, level of use, maintenance and circumstances will be considered when Oakums assesses the concern.
What if a component has its own manufacturer warranty?
Keep the manufacturer documentation supplied with the boat and contact Oakums before arranging non-urgent work. The correct route will depend on the component and the agreed terms.
Does the independent protection cover every part of the narrowboat?
No. It applies only to the eligible components, level of cover and limits shown in the customer’s own policy schedule. Narrowboat equipment varies, so sections of a general marine warranty booklet may not apply to an Oakums boat.
Should another contractor repair the boat first?
Contact Oakums before authorising non-urgent work because an unapproved repair can make diagnosis more difficult and may affect the available remedy. Where urgent action is reasonably required for safety or to prevent further damage, keep evidence and records of what happened and what was done.
Is the warranty transferable if the boat is sold?
No. The Oakums 12-month warranty does not transfer to a later owner. Any independent third-party cover is governed separately by that provider’s terms.
Are travel and call-out costs included?
Oakums operates a return-to-base warranty policy at North Kilworth Marina. Oakums covers approved repair costs for an accepted warranty matter, but the customer is normally responsible for travel, lifting, marina, transport and call-out costs. Where returning the boat is not possible, Oakums may agree an exception in writing. The cost arrangement can vary with the circumstances and must be agreed before attendance or work is arranged.
When does the Oakums warranty begin and end?
The full-boat warranty begins on the boat’s launch date and continues for 12 months, subject to the policy booklet. Separate manufacturer or independent warranty-provider terms may continue beyond that period.
How quickly will Oakums respond?
Oakums uses a priority-based service rather than promising one response time for every report. The nature, urgency, available evidence and safety implications of the issue determine its priority.
What records should I keep?
Keep the purchase documents, final specification, handover record, manuals, conformity documents, service invoices, maintenance records and details of later alterations.
Planning a new Oakums narrowboat?
We can discuss the intended use, preferred length, layout and propulsion before the specification is agreed. Open Bow and Closed Bow are presented at 60ft, but other lengths can be considered with the resulting compromises explained during consultation. A build opportunity is currently available for 2027 delivery. Contact Oakums for the latest confirmed availability.
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