David Kemp Boatbuilding

10/10/2026

Start of work on new stern on narrowboat 'Kilsby' for

08/09/2026

Back at it for . Refooting, riveting, new lower rubbing guards and we even managed to re use the original guard sections for the Bow. Next stage is starting to build the new stern.

07/09/2026

As part of heritage open days we are doing small tours of Dafords Wharf. There will be information about the history of the yard, how it has developed as a boatyard over the last 30 years and there will be some demonstrations of the kind of work we do here, including some hot riveting. The tours are filling up so if you are interested please book through the link. Hope to see you there.

Visit a C19 former transhipment shed on the Stourbridge canal, now home to a working boatyard. See a hot metal working demonstration, and learn about traditional narrow boat restoration and associated crafts.

22/05/2026

An enjoyable week shaping and fitting new fore end footings to narrowboat 'Kilsby' for with help from .r.holmes_metalwork. Signed off by our yard dog Poppy

10/05/2026

Start of work on ex FMC Horseboat 'Kilsby' for . Removal of welded motor stern and removal of existing bottoms. New baseplate set in place and re-footing work started.

18/04/2026

07/04/2026

A pleasure to do the Signwriting on John Sanderson's of Traditional Painting Services last paint job. An excellent job by John as always!

02/04/2026

Signwriting on ex working boat 'Lancing'