Customer testimonials
Anita and Simon Davies – Saint George
Over 3 years ago, we made the decision to completely change our lives, moving from land to a life afloat. This was a huge project for us but Andrew was aware of our particular needs and walked us through the whole process in a very assured and professional manner.
Andrew and I spent about a year planning, drawing and agreeing a specification which produced an agreed schedule of work, drawings, a payment schedule and a formal contract.
Our original programme was agreed for 52 weeks however I added additional works which pushed us to 58 weeks. We were quite happy with this considering Andrew and his contractors had to battle through Covid Lockdown!
Budget wise, Andrew provided a firm quotation at the beginning of the Contract and this remained unchanged. Additional works were quoted and agreed as the project progressed so no hidden costs or surprises at the end!
Andrew’s standards of work are outstanding to say the least! He has applied a very high standard to all aspects of our build but his carpentry skills are faultless. Andrew applies high standards throughout, not just to the practical build but also to the materials used, planning of the project through to coordination with 3rd parties. As I’ve discovered, real craftsmanship requires time and patience; waiting for the end result is really worth it!
Between my visits, Andrew sent progress photos every week, for which we were very grateful as they allowed the whole family to be included in the projects’ progress.
Andrew provides a very bespoke service. Everything he makes is handmade and unique to our boat. We have also found his post-project support very good. He has provided advice and guidance on things he didn't even build…. that’s how much he cares!
Andrew’s enthusiasm, craftsmanship, pride and hours of effort are all difficult things to explain fully in writing. However, if I was ever to go on the same journey again, Andrew would definitely be my first choice!
Over 3 years ago, we made the decision to completely change our lives, moving from land to a life afloat. This was a huge project for us but Andrew was aware of our particular needs and walked us through the whole process in a very assured and professional manner.
Andrew and I spent about a year planning, drawing and agreeing a specification which produced an agreed schedule of work, drawings, a payment schedule and a formal contract.
Our original programme was agreed for 52 weeks however I added additional works which pushed us to 58 weeks. We were quite happy with this considering Andrew and his contractors had to battle through Covid Lockdown!
Budget wise, Andrew provided a firm quotation at the beginning of the Contract and this remained unchanged. Additional works were quoted and agreed as the project progressed so no hidden costs or surprises at the end!
Andrew’s standards of work are outstanding to say the least! He has applied a very high standard to all aspects of our build but his carpentry skills are faultless. Andrew applies high standards throughout, not just to the practical build but also to the materials used, planning of the project through to coordination with 3rd parties. As I’ve discovered, real craftsmanship requires time and patience; waiting for the end result is really worth it!
Between my visits, Andrew sent progress photos every week, for which we were very grateful as they allowed the whole family to be included in the projects’ progress.
Andrew provides a very bespoke service. Everything he makes is handmade and unique to our boat. We have also found his post-project support very good. He has provided advice and guidance on things he didn't even build…. that’s how much he cares!
Andrew’s enthusiasm, craftsmanship, pride and hours of effort are all difficult things to explain fully in writing. However, if I was ever to go on the same journey again, Andrew would definitely be my first choice!
Paul and Christine
Noble
Andrew Hooke took over the build of our 62 foot semi-trad narrowboat "Mata Kuching" after the steelwork was completed by XR&D Boatbuilders.
Andrew has worked diligently on our boat, fitting all but the engine. He communicated with us at all times about each step of the construction. He gave us information and advice and priced all the products we used. It was very much a collaboration between the three of us from start to finish.
We never fail to be impressed by the very high standard of Andrew's workmanship and his imaginative use of materials. His woodworking is immaculate. We asked for rounded edges wherever possible on the boat and he has produced some stunning craftsmanship in many areas of the boat. Examples would be the kitchen cupboards, including an innovative floating cupboard, and drawers which are all well finished with even the finest details executed with a good deal of care and attention.
Even when we have encountered minor problems with the boat fitting, Andrew has always been prompt and efficient at dealing with them and kept us informed throughout to ensure that the final design met with our requirements.
We would have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending Andrew for future commissions of this nature.
Andrew Hooke took over the build of our 62 foot semi-trad narrowboat "Mata Kuching" after the steelwork was completed by XR&D Boatbuilders.
Andrew has worked diligently on our boat, fitting all but the engine. He communicated with us at all times about each step of the construction. He gave us information and advice and priced all the products we used. It was very much a collaboration between the three of us from start to finish.
We never fail to be impressed by the very high standard of Andrew's workmanship and his imaginative use of materials. His woodworking is immaculate. We asked for rounded edges wherever possible on the boat and he has produced some stunning craftsmanship in many areas of the boat. Examples would be the kitchen cupboards, including an innovative floating cupboard, and drawers which are all well finished with even the finest details executed with a good deal of care and attention.
Even when we have encountered minor problems with the boat fitting, Andrew has always been prompt and efficient at dealing with them and kept us informed throughout to ensure that the final design met with our requirements.
We would have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending Andrew for future commissions of this nature.
Leigh and John Steggles
In 2005 we commissioned Woodworks Boat Fitting to fit out our new boat, Annie-King. Andrew produced an itemised list for the work, with price options for various options, enabling the price to fit the budget as and where required.
We were able to make regular visits and inspections, with the opportunity to photograph the build throughout and document the entire process.
The quality of joinery is magnificent. Andrew has a distinctive finishing style that is very pleasing on the eye. Many people have remarked on the subtle curves and unique detailing throughout. Andrew uses specialist installers for the electrical, LPG and oil systems ensuring the highest standard throughout. The build was independently inspected enabling a CE compliance certificate to be issued on completion.
In the summer of 2006 the boat was on show at Crick for Woodworks Boat Fitting.
In terms of aftercare, Andrew has always been very helpful to source any replacement parts, the odd breakage and tunnel casualty!
Eight years later the boat is as good as ever. Everything continues to perform as intended and there are no thoughts or wishes for anything different. The boat will continue to provide many years of enjoyment. Furthermore any prospective clients are always welcome on board.
In 2005 we commissioned Woodworks Boat Fitting to fit out our new boat, Annie-King. Andrew produced an itemised list for the work, with price options for various options, enabling the price to fit the budget as and where required.
We were able to make regular visits and inspections, with the opportunity to photograph the build throughout and document the entire process.
The quality of joinery is magnificent. Andrew has a distinctive finishing style that is very pleasing on the eye. Many people have remarked on the subtle curves and unique detailing throughout. Andrew uses specialist installers for the electrical, LPG and oil systems ensuring the highest standard throughout. The build was independently inspected enabling a CE compliance certificate to be issued on completion.
In the summer of 2006 the boat was on show at Crick for Woodworks Boat Fitting.
In terms of aftercare, Andrew has always been very helpful to source any replacement parts, the odd breakage and tunnel casualty!
Eight years later the boat is as good as ever. Everything continues to perform as intended and there are no thoughts or wishes for anything different. The boat will continue to provide many years of enjoyment. Furthermore any prospective clients are always welcome on board.
Jan and Dave
Our boat ‘Electraglide’ has been on the water for over five years now. The hull was built by Mel Davis and fitted by Andrew Hooke at Woodworks Boat Fitting.
We were immediately impressed by Andrew’s readiness to take on board some of our rather unique fit out wishes, including an electric drive, compostable toilet (and all its foibles) and no gas supply.
From our initial meeting Andrew continued to be extremely conscientious and diligent. His attention to detail was impressive and his joinery excellent. We really like his:
Andrew received a good review in Canal Boat Magazine for his fit out and now after five years of our abuse, all our fixtures and fittings work as well as when they were first fitted.
Finally, deadlines were met promptly and our agreed payment schedule worked perfectly. If we ever require another boat fit out, our first phone call would be to Andrew.
Our boat ‘Electraglide’ has been on the water for over five years now. The hull was built by Mel Davis and fitted by Andrew Hooke at Woodworks Boat Fitting.
We were immediately impressed by Andrew’s readiness to take on board some of our rather unique fit out wishes, including an electric drive, compostable toilet (and all its foibles) and no gas supply.
From our initial meeting Andrew continued to be extremely conscientious and diligent. His attention to detail was impressive and his joinery excellent. We really like his:
- Design of our bed that we push away under the tug front
- The cat flap inserted into one of the back panels
- The pull out larder
- The heating pipes concealed behind low wooden shelves
- And even the toilet door (private joke)
Andrew received a good review in Canal Boat Magazine for his fit out and now after five years of our abuse, all our fixtures and fittings work as well as when they were first fitted.
Finally, deadlines were met promptly and our agreed payment schedule worked perfectly. If we ever require another boat fit out, our first phone call would be to Andrew.
Sharon and David Asher
We had our boat built by Garry of X R&D in 2001 and then it went across the way to be fitted out by Andrew Hooke. We’ve been delighted all these years with Andrew’s craftsmanship but our circumstances changed and we decided on a re-furb. We took our time between us discussing the new lay-out but there was no discussion necessary as to where we would go to have a good job done. Nancy is still home to us and Andrew once again helped in areas where we were unsure and managed to make the new areas (which was almost the middle 1/3rd of the boat) blend in well with the existing lay-out.
We had our boat built by Garry of X R&D in 2001 and then it went across the way to be fitted out by Andrew Hooke. We’ve been delighted all these years with Andrew’s craftsmanship but our circumstances changed and we decided on a re-furb. We took our time between us discussing the new lay-out but there was no discussion necessary as to where we would go to have a good job done. Nancy is still home to us and Andrew once again helped in areas where we were unsure and managed to make the new areas (which was almost the middle 1/3rd of the boat) blend in well with the existing lay-out.
I hope you don’t mind our amateur attempt at poetry Andrew, the sentiment is a very sincere one.
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When travel’s done, we’re all moored up
A quiet spot to stay. My settee – such a welcome sight From locking all the day. And David’s in reclining chair Feet up in restful pose. Well, Skippers need time off you see From steerin’t boat tha’ knows. Photographs of family Are on the wall again. And things are in there rightful place The boat’s a home again. |
Now winter’s here, we’re ready
Logs chopped and by the hearth. Squirrel, warms us from without Hot toddies from within. You canna tell the difference now Twixt old boat and the new. So once again, Thanks Andrew, Not forgetting Ryan too. David and Sharon Asher, snuggly aboard ‘Nancy’. |
