Simon Wain is widely known for building replicas as well as the complete restoration and ‘conversion’ of original working narrowboat hulls. With over 30 years experience in boat building, his hull shapes and cabins are among the most prized and admired, displaying an accuracy and quality of craftsmanship second to none. Some examples seen regularly at rallies and festivals are Shorelark, Starling, Mecca and Sara 5.

In common with all other staff at Stretton, he has a long history of working boat ownership and has collected an extensive record of accurate measurements; an invaluable resource for the production of elegant boats. He is a leader in the steel replication of wooden paneling, decking, cants and cabin planking, the manufacture of replica rivets, the forming of complex double curved Josher fore-ends and hand made accessories.

Steve Priest also has over 3 decades of experience in the restoration and repair of working boats to the most exacting, historically accurate standards. He builds modern working tugs and replica narrowboats, but his well known specialty for the last 15 years is traditional hot riveting of hulls and cabins for museums and private owners. The resulting work is distinguishable from the original only by its newness.

Examples include Scorpio (for British Waterways), Antlia, Sextans and his own motorboat Aquila. Having owned many former Grand Union Canal Carrying Co. boats he has become an expert in the history and construction of these craft, giving his work an unmatched authority. In addition he has been responsible for restoration of other types, most notably the rebuilding of the Fellows, Morton and Clayton motorboat, Dragon.

Work in the yard includes lengthening, re-footing and re-bottoming, all hull repairs, stainless steel water tanks, installation of boatman’s ranges and fabrication of stovepipes, re-cabining, all stern shaft work and modern and historic engine installation.

Dave Ross is fairly new to the boating world, yet he has taken to boatbuilding "like a duck to water", he has been working for Brinklow Boat Services for the past four years and is continuing the high standards set by Steve and Simon.

Dave is currently building his fifth new build, Stella, with input from both Steve and Simon. Photos of which can be found in the new build portfolio.