Bob Humphreys (the ‘B’ in B and C) started building boats in the early 1970s, and has exhibited at several boat shows. Most of the work undertaken recently has been involved with the restoration of craft used on the Thames, and several barges having been built since 1998.

B and C Boats and Robertsons joined forces in 2003. The boatyard is in Woodbridge on the west bank of the river Deben in Suffolk, and was founded over 100 years ago. It has been associated with barge building, yacht building and repair since this time.

The skills of both companies being brought together has resulted in the production of high quality individually styled steel Dutch Barges. We have facilities to build and launch barges up to 28m long.

The barges that we build today are of the Luxemotor type. Based on the ‘Steilsteven’, which had a vertical stem and rounded counter, this type had a more luxurious interior, a saloon, galley and cabin and also an enclosed wheelhouse. These were some of the first barges designed exclusively for motoring. No sails or lee-boards were fitted to these vessels once reliable engines became available. Later, much larger coastal and sea-going versions of the luxemotor were produced, many trading in the Baltic. These were very elegant vessels with the same beautiful sheer and stern that we copy today.

We are always pleased to show visitors around. To arrange a visit ring the yard on (44) 01394 382305, and ask for Mike Illingworth, or contact Bob on his mobile 07880 745185
To receive more information send an E-mail to: BandCboats@ic24.net

If you would like to look at the boatyard web-site, you will find it at:
www.robertsons-boatyard.co.uk