Piper Boats has been building boats on the banks of the River Trent since 1969. David Piper, the father, started with narrow-boats, long and narrow boats adapted to the English canals. In 1993, his son Simon started his own boatyard and gradually adopted Dutch-inspired designs, which were more fashionable and better suited to continental waterways.
Custom-made
About one hundred units have been produced and are sailing all over Europe, but especially in France. On the basis of the few models from 14.95 to 19.90 m that make up its range, the shipyard studies with its customers the layouts they want. Everything is done on site. Only the textile part, upholstery and curtains, is subcontracted. At the end of the construction process, Piper Boats has its boats checked and certified by an independent organization, for its own peace of mind and that of its customers.
The customer is involved from start to finish
Throughout the construction process, photos are taken and a beautiful album retracing the birth of the boat is given to each owner. Just one of the many ways we pay attention! Piper Boats is unique in that it doesn't just deliver beautiful boats, but continues to be involved long after the boat is launched.
A club spirit
If the shipyard is a family affair, the hundred or so owners make up another family, who share their tips, their navigations and willingly meet up, in Saint Jean de Losne in Burgundy or in Henley on the Thames. On the occasion of river shows, those who can come by boat and play ambassador. As a thank you for their presence, Simon Piper offers a great evening and makes its technical service available free of charge to fix, adjust or replace anything that does not work perfectly.
Ambassadors
In return, the owners open their boats, and share their experience with visitors. They do it so well that the shipyard's organizational chart does not include a sales department! The shipyard has created a beautiful harmony with the owners, who praise its sense of service. They appreciate this reunion and this sharing without constraint, which respects the tastes and independence of each person.
A "pleasure" size
Each time, a good dozen boats meet. This is an opportunity for the crews to discuss the merits of their choices in terms of layout. Piper Boats are very comfortable. The woodwork is made of solid wood, without excessive luxury or fantasy. Everything is warm and serious. Their size, less than 20 meters, allows them to remain in the pleasure boat category.
The shipyard itself is in England, but has an occasional office in Saint-Jean-de-Losne, on the banks of the Canal de Bourgogne. A nice place to learn more about these boats, with their traditional silhouette.
