New & Used Boat Co Reviews 68

TrustScore 4.5 out of 5

4.6

While we don't verify specific claims because reviewers' opinions are their own, we may label reviews as "Verified" when we can confirm a business interaction took place. Read more

To protect platform integrity, every review on our platform—verified or not—is screened by our 24/7 automated software. This technology is designed to identify and remove content that breaches our guidelines, including reviews that are not based on a genuine experience. We recognise we may not catch everything, and you can flag anything you think we may have missed. Read more

See what reviewers are saying

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Having decided to sell the boat, I called Ian, who came out and gave me a valuation. I dropped the boat off with them at Mercia Marina and they arranged all necessary cleaning. We received an accepta... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

We can state that New and Used Boats were quite simply excellent! Super support from beginning to end of a complex transaction that resulted in our ownership of our fab Narrowboat! Special mention... See more

Company replied

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

After 9 years of sailing our narrowboat and being based at Mercia Marina New and Used were our first choice when it came to the hard decision to sell. They were efficient and professional, although a... See more

Company replied

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

I purchased a used Narrowboat from the Mercia Marina office in April 2019. The company has a decent website, that's how I found the boat. Their staff are friendly and helpful both on the phone and in... See more

Company details

  1. Shipbuilder

Written by the company

We've been part of the boating community for over 20 years and offer the biggest range, the widest choice of new and used canal boats in the UK. Our team are true boating enthusiasts whose aim is to make buying or selling a new or used boat an enjoyable experience, whether you're a first timer or an experienced hand.


Contact info

4.6

Excellent

TrustScore 4.5 out of 5

68 reviews

5-star
4-star
3-star
2-star
1-star

How this company uses Trustpilot

See how their reviews and ratings are sourced, scored, and moderated.

Companies on Trustpilot aren't allowed to offer incentives or pay to hide reviews. Reviews are the opinions of individual users and not of Trustpilot. Read more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

A Good Experience

Having decided to sell the boat, I called Ian, who came out and gave me a valuation. I dropped the boat off with them at Mercia Marina and they arranged all necessary cleaning. We received an acceptable offer on the first day it was on sale. Following the trial and survey, they arranged a few minor repairs, for which I paid a reasonable amount, and completed the sale.
Very happy with what was a very efficient and painless process. Mercia is an excellent location for boat sales and they really know the business.

16 April 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great Team

This is our second time engaging with the New & Used team, our first boat purchase was a NB and we have recently sold our Widebeam with New & Used. Ian and the team at Mercia are an absolute pleasure to work with, nothing is a problem for them, Glyn looked after our sale and did a great job of keeping the process moving. Ian, thank you, you and the team at Mercia are a great bunch of folk. Darren & Wendy Evans

2 February 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Think very hard when choosing a Broker to handle you second largest life puchase

Twelve years ago we started looking for our first Narrowboat, soon realising that it is a world full of “characters” and as we continued our search we were struck by the lack of provenance that prevails when undertaking the second largest purchase in our lives. However a visit to New and Used at Mercia Marina dispelled those misgivings as we were shown around their Brokerage stock, including one that looked just right, however we dithered and as life would have it, another lucky boater beat us to it! Anyway we did find our perfect boat, but an anxious wait occurred as the huge amount of money we paid to that Brokerage, incidentally no longer with us, took far too long to reach the owner.
Five years ago we decided to upgrade and contacted New and Used, low and behold they had just taken on our “perfect” boat, moored at Dunchurch Marina, Ian agreed to meet us later that afternoon and the deal was done, what greatly impressed and reassured us was the professional and detailed process they undertake to protect both parties.
Last month, with a heavy heart, we decided that we were “hanging up our Windlesses” and without hesitation contacted Ian at New and Used, within a week Riverside was on the market and the following day sold! Yesterday, four weeks later, the deal was completed.
Of note several of the New and Used staff were those that we dealt with all those years ago and nobody in the Narrowboat world knows more than Ian!

15 October 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Made selling our arrow boat so easy

Made selling our narrow boat an extremely smooth and easy experience. So glad we chose them to sell our much loved boat. The boat was advertised, sold and money in our bank account within one week. The staff are professional and courteous.

14 October 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Top job!Spoke to Ian Parrot after we took the…

Spoke to Ian Parrot after we took the hard decision to sell our Narrowboat after 6 years of happy cruising!
He was very professional, and welcomed us into Mercia Marina after cruising there to sell boat.
He and his friendly team had the boat sold and money in our account within 4 days!
Fantastic,need I say more!!

5 July 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Sale of Narrowboat

At a very difficult time personally New and Used at Mercia Marina made the process of selling my late parents narrow boat less stressful. They were very helpful and kept me informed at all times, with good guidance and advice. A big thankyou to all concerned.

1 June 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Just bought a boat through New & Used…

Just bought a boat through New & Used and very pleased indeed with the first class service we received from Ian Parrott and his team. First up - their boat selection. Having looked at countless websites New & Used definitely have the best selection by far. Their locations are also first rate - both in terms of accessibility (very centrally placed in the country and on the canal network, excellent parking when you get there &c) but also set up and staffing. I made various arrangements to view boats at short notice, asked to view extra boats when I got there, arrived late, arrived early etc etc and all absolutely fine, with no problems at all and the staff were all very friendly. Staff communication was good, calls and emails were responded to promptly, the information provided about the boats was clear, accurate and comprehensive.

When it came to making an offer, putting down a deposit, getting a contract, getting the boat out of the water and surveyed &c, the arrangements again were slick, professional and well organised. Post survey we had a slight price negotiation and again New & Used were top drawer. They made it clear that a silly low-ball offer was not going to be countenanced and wouldn't get me anywhere. But they also recognised where there were issues that did justify some negotiation. They were also very reassuring about returning the deposit if necessary - it is held in a separate client account. I'm pleased to say though that that wasn't necessary, a sale was quickly agreed and then proceeded. The handover was also well organised and the seller was very generous with his time in talking us over the boat.

In short, I would highly recommend New & Used. If we ever sell our boat I will go back to them. If we ever buy another one (!) I will use them. If anyone asks me for a recommendation I will recommend them.

9 May 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Disappointing Experience at Burton Location - Miscommunication and Unwelcoming Service

I recently visited the Burton location with the intention of casually walking along the quay to observe the boats on offer. We weren’t looking to board any vessels or view any boats in detail—just to get a sense of what was available. However, we were surprised when a staff member informed us that we couldn’t view any boats without a reservation. This was unexpected since we were only walking through the area.

Additionally, the attitude and tone of the staff member didn’t match the "friendly and approachable" service promised on the website. Instead, we felt dismissed and unwelcome, which is disappointing for a business that seems to pride itself on customer service. This experience likely cost them a potential sale.

If exclusive viewings are preferred, perhaps keeping the gate leading to the boats locked could help prevent confusion for casual visitors. That way, expectations are clearer upfront.

2 March 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Just brilliant!

We would like to say how amazing the guys at this business are. Darren, Glyn, Ian and Mike could not do enough to help us and in a relaxed manner. Their experience they shared with us and a willingness to be of help was refreshing. We rang on many occasions and it was no trouble for them. They were also very sociable, professional and just great people. They all have experience of living on board so this was a help to us newbies! We Hope to have a long association with Darren and crew as we will be living on Mercia Marina close to them.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
A great team!

20 February 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

A positive experience as a purchaser.

From first contact to completion a professional and positive experience as a purchaser of a used Narrowboat.

The survey identified a couple of items that required addressing and as brokers, the communication with the vendor was always there and practical solutions for both parties were put in place.

Resulting in a positive experience.

21 January 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Absolutely wonderful ...

I went yesterday having been advised that the gentleman I spoke to on the telephone didn't think I was suitable due to my age and disabilities. However I chose to go and had a fantastic and unbelievably honest about view about buying a second hand boat. I have taken the time to read all 4* and below reviews and several 5*, don't people understand that it is polite to ask the company responsible time to response before writing a negative review? I am 200% delighted with the honesty, couteous, helpful, polite, etc. information it was given as well as the time spent with me viewing the boat and answering many questions afterwards. Absolutely wonderful, I only wish other company where as good and poilte as you.

30 January 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Wise, friendly & proactive team

We had a great experience buying and selling two boats simultaneously with New & Used -- both boats being thoroughly under the 'used' category as historic barges. The weather and market were unpredictable but New & Used supported us with advice and reassurance the whole time, and overall it was a surprisingly smooth and quick transaction. Would recommend the team to handle any weird and wonderful requests!

28 December 2023
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

New boat new life great experience

Buying a boat is no small decision to make . Especially when it is to become your home . Glyn and the rest of the team at new & used boat co must have seen and heard it all. I started my search for my new home months before I found the right one for me . Numerous visits to them . Could I look at this boat, that boat . The first one again . Always obliged. Full of facts , information on each boat. Their knowledge of the boating life is vast . It was a considerable help on my final choice . Could not recommend more . I bought my home on the water February 2024 and still loving every minute. I still go see the guys from time to time . Just to say hi or ask advice. A great experience with new & used . Highly recommend

2 February 2024
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Simply the best

This is our second boat purchase and the whole experience is a delight. Great team always helpful pre and post sales....when we called with what must seem dull questions they were only too happy to help, thoroughly recommend and can speak from experience of using a bad broker. They are the best we have ever used, hopefully this will be a last boat purchase!!!

21 September 2024
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great company and helpful team

The team at New & Used were very helpful and made the buying process hassle-free. I dealt mainly with Glyn who took the time to show me exactly how everything worked on the boat and gave me lots of useful tips for living onboard. His communication throughout the process was great and really put my mind at ease.

I would definitely recommend this company to anyone looking to buy a boat.

Thank you😀

19 August 2024
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great experience with New and Used Boat…

Great experience with New and Used Boat Co. They sold my late father’s boat and even took the boat from where it was moored, to their marina ready for sale. They made a stressful process stress free and kept me updated and informed at all stages of the sale. I would definitely recommend buying or selling your boat with them. Very friendly and trustworthy. Thank you😀

30 July 2024
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I have sold two and purchased one…

I have sold two and purchased one narrow boat at new and used boat Co. I can most definitely recommend you ask them to sell your boat , they are very professional in their marketing, viewing arrangements and follow up services during the sales process. Ian Parrott,branch manager at Mercia marina ,has a very accommodating staff team who do their very best to ensure a pain free transaction on your behalf.As a customer purchasing your dream boat all the above are provided in just the same way. Although they are very professional you are made very welcome and relaxed in what is probably the most daunting process other than buying a house.

6 November 2024
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Highly recommend New and Used Boat Company

I purchased a Shearwater through New and Used Boat Company in December 2023. The boat was built by Collingwood Boat Builders in Liverpool.

I saw the boat through the whole build process which was a very special experience.

New and Used Boat Company were fantastic, providing regular updates throughout the build and nothing was top much trouble.

Over the last year New and Used Boat Company have been on hand to answer any questions I've had and they are always happy to help.

I highly recommend you contact New and Used Boat Company if you are interested in buying a boat.

6 November 2024
Unprompted review

The Trustpilot Experience

Anyone can write a Trustpilot review. People who write reviews have ownership to edit or delete them at any time, and they’ll be displayed as long as an account is active.

Companies can ask for reviews via automatic invitations. Labeled Verified, they’re about genuine experiences.

Learn more about other kinds of reviews.

We use dedicated people and clever technology to safeguard our platform. Find out how we combat fake reviews.

Learn about Trustpilot’s review process.

Here are 8 tips for writing great reviews.

Verification can help ensure real people are writing the reviews you read on Trustpilot.

Offering incentives for reviews or asking for them selectively can bias the TrustScore, which goes against our guidelines.

Take a closer look