World’s FIRST Plastic Narrowboat | The Boatbuilders

I was lucky enough to visit Renatus, the world’s first HDPE narrowboat created by Adrift Boats and Formation Plastics.

[Cemarhour]

Finally, someone thinking about maintenance during the build process.

[johnallen]

Plastic boats have been about a long time I was a pilot boat coxswain this proves how strong they are going along side a moving ship in bad weather just shows how strong plastic boats are, I wish this company the best of luck think you have a winner here, the pilot boat was built in 1979 and still going strong after many new engines

[BoatTime]

This is so interesting! Very cool to see someone trying something new. look forward to seeing more about it 😊

[craftywoodworker]

Love this concept. Think I’m going to need a bigger build plate on my 3d printer 😂😎👍🍻

[markabbot-cole]

Love the concept good luck for future success, keep us posted

[ronaldcumpsty]

A very interesting video and amazing boat. So good to hear a scouser doing the tour something I miss here in Canada. Good luck with the company. I hope to see the coverage from the Albert Dock.

[hallowther]

It is nice to see some of the fit out of this boat. I have been following Formation Plastics since the video of the first boat’s base being wielded.
Thanks. All the best Hal

[ezilyen]

Finally! Brilliant idea. I couldn't wait to see it on the water!

[peterdale]

What an excellent concept. I own and operate two all electric passenger boats. One is 15 years old the other 10, years old. They have required little maintenence and are reliable and quiet with plenty of running time, more than we need each day. Electric power is perfect for our canal system.

[chox]

I saw this boat under construction, I worked for another plastics company K2 in Leeds frequently visiting Formation plastics in Bradford as it was under construction.
It’s great to see the idea close to completion.
Great work especially the guys at Formation plastics 👏🤞👍🙏

[philelliott]

I like it. People who doubt the strength of HDPE should note thousands of fiberglass cruisers and narrowboats still exist on the canals without problem, many of them are forty years old plus. Perhaps the builder should do a demonstration with a sledge hammer and a pick on a section of fiberglass cruiser hull versus a section of HDPE. I think this would dispell a number of myths.😊

[raison]

Being ex Royal Navy this plastic is definitely not weak it can take a real beating

[leona_devon]

really love this idea, bringing something new to the table, pushing the boundaries, be good to see how durable it is, especially over time.

[MrCampbell]

Great video, great boat, looking forward to the Crick unveiling.

[chriscox]

Love to see how the weed hatch works with that motor and side water inlets

[FriendlyFecker]

Absolutely fascinating boat. Would definitely want rubbing strips down the side as locks are gonna kill them smooth sides. I presume the boat is going to be a lot lighter than a steel boat and with a 900 litre water tank I would be a bit worried about the draft difference between full and empty. Would definitely make boat life easier with less maintenance. Loving it!

[johnmayo]

Thank you for sharing the new boat and us ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ John May from USA 🇺🇸 🎉

[Rockape]

I love this boat. Would love to see it finished

[garycottam]

Lovely boat . Rubbing strakes are a must .👍

[umik]

Need to learn how to use a camera. 😊 But love the idea so many positives