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Monday 9am - 5pm Tuesday 9am - 5pm Wednesday 9am - 5pm Thursday 9am - 5pm Friday 9am - 5pm

Ovation Boats

Name: Ovation Boats
Address: Ovation Boat Services Ltd, Ratcliffe on Soar, NG110EB, GB
Telephone: +447963974793
Price range: $$

Builder of quality, fully fitted Narrow Boats and Wide Beams
Marine Boat Surveyor for all variety of boat surveys Chris can be contacted on 07963 974793.

Located on the river Soar in Leicestershire, Chris Williams trained as a professional small craft surveyor, boat safety examiner and Gas Safe registered marine gas engineer before establishing Ovation Boat Services Ltd in 2005. Boat surveying was introduced to the business in 2012 and became independent of the maintenance and installation side of the business in 2016 under the name Ovation Boat Su

rveys. Holding a Small Craft Surveying diploma from the International Institute of Marine Surveying, Chris offers a comprehensive package of boat surveys plus Boat Safety Scheme examinations for all types of vessels including commercial and residential. Marine surveying and Boat Safety Scheme examinations are undertaken at many locations over the wider Midlands. Having lived and worked in the marine environment for many years, Chris’ accumulated knowledge and expertise ensures a professional and friendly service. Feel free to contact Chris for free, independent advice and to discuss your requirements.

02/09/2026

Ovation Boats 🤝 Waterways Chaplaincy

We’re delighted to announce our new partnership with The Waterways Chaplaincy, a nonprofit organisation doing amazing work supporting people across our inland waterways.

Life on the waterways is about so much more than boats — it’s about people and community. The Waterways Chaplaincy provides a constant, trusted presence, offering support with everything from mental and physical health and financial hardship, to boat licensing, mooring issues and personal relationships and the bigger questions of life itself.

As part of our partnership, Ovation Boats will be making a monthly contribution to the charity, helping them continue their valuable work supporting waterways communities.

We’re proud to play a small part in supporting a charity that makes such a positive difference to life on the water. 💙

30/08/2026

The end of an era. ❤️

This week we said goodbye to the Ovation van after 10 years of loyal service. It’s been a familiar sight over the years and has certainly earned its retirement!

It feels particularly poignant saying goodbye as the original signwriting was done by the late Jon Leason, who is sadly missed.

A little piece of Ovation history heading off into the sunset. 🚐💙

27/08/2026

Looking forward to another exciting Southampton Boat Show! 🚤

Once again, we’re proud to be supporting Discover Britain’s Inland Waterways at Stand L66.

If you’re considering commissioning an inland boat build, come along and have a chat with us. It’s a fantastic show, a great opportunity to explore what’s out there and chat through your ideas.

We’ll be there both weekends — 19–20 & 26–27 September.

We’d love to see you there! ⚓️

25/08/2026

🛠️ It’s all in the detail…

A little look at the bedroom porthole surround taking shape on Aurora.

Floating homes need to be practical, but that doesn’t mean compromising on style. We think the smallest details can make the biggest difference, and this bespoke porthole surround is a perfect example.

Our experienced cabinet maker, Mike, has been busy crafting this beautiful feature with the precision and attention to detail you’d expect to find throughout an Ovation boat.

From the curves to the finishing touches, it’s the craftsmanship behind the scenes that makes a bespoke boat feel truly special. ❤️

Aurora is coming together beautifully!

23/08/2026

The signwriting on each boat is personal. It can tell a story, capture a memory or carry a meaning that is incredibly powerful. 💙

This is one of those times.

Russell's signwriting is now finished, and Claire at Norton Signs has done an amazing job of bringing the owners’ ideas, thoughts and vision to life.

A truly personal finishing touch to a special boat. ✨

19/08/2026

🚿 Aurora’s shower room is taking shape! 😍

We’re loving the bolder colour choices coming together, with the statement tiles and cabinetry really bringing this space to life.

And just wait until you see the sink… 👀✨

Another little glimpse of the bespoke details going into Aurora. We can’t wait to show you the finished room!

16/08/2026

This week, Steve and Karl from Titan Boat Canopies called into the Ovation workshop to measure up Russell for her new pram cover, while also catching up with the owners of Aurora to discuss their options.

Karl used a Leica measuring pen, which communicates directly with a Leica tablet, allowing every measurement to be captured with incredible accuracy for a precise, perfect fit.

Once the measurements were complete, Karl also took photos and a video of Russell, giving the design team back at Titan everything they need to bring the cover design together.

We really enjoy partnering with the team at Titan Boat Canopies. Their attention to detail, expertise and commitment to getting everything just right makes them a pleasure to work with. 👌

11/08/2026

The bedroom on Aurora is coming along nicely, built by our cabinet maker Mike, who has many years of experience in the trade.

We’re really looking forward to seeing it finished — it’s going to look stunning! We think this bedroom is going to be a dream to wake up in! 😴😉

The curved piece in the photo is a semi-circular arch which will sit above the portholes. It’s currently under construction, with plenty more to come before we see the finished result.

09/08/2026

It's all under control... 👀 Nothing to see here. Carry on. 😂

05/08/2026

This week we had the pleasure of welcoming Claire from Norton Signs back into the workshop to hand-signwrite Russell. 🎨

Watching Claire work is nothing short of mesmerising. Her steady hand, incredible attention to detail and years of experience transform a boat into something truly unique. It's a craft that's becoming more rare, and we're always amazed by the skill involved.

A huge thank you, Claire, for another beautiful piece of work. We absolutely love it, and we're sure Russell's owner will too. 👏

Address

Ovation Boat Services Ltd
Ratcliffe On Soar
NG110EB

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm

Telephone

+447963974793

Website

http://www.ovationboats.co.uk/

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