The coal boat Aquilon, run by Spencer and Victoria Collins of The Boatyard, Hilperton, is for sale as a going concern after eight years of trading. The boatyard and chandlery will continue trading as normal.
Spencer and Victoria invite prospective buyers to contact them on 07790 017418 and say:
“The past six months have been a very rough time for both of us personally, and we both now feel the aches and pains of our ages. Manually loading and delivering over 25 tons of coal, logs, gas and chandlery weekly during the winter months is definitely better suited to younger hands (arms, legs and backs).
After eight years, and very careful consideration, we have both made the very difficult decision that now is the time to pass Coalboat Aquilon on. This is an ideal opportunity for a new or younger pair of hands who would benefit from a sound business opportunity.
We are only advertising this locally until September with the view that the new owner, or owners, will wish to continue to operate here on the western end of the Kennet and Avon canal.
We have thought long and hard about how we could best pass on the tiller of Aquilon and have decided therefore in selling Aquilon as a going concern. We are not looking for someone to lease or operate on our behalf, or purchase in instalments. We feel that a new owner would commit fully to continuing a viable and realistic business and work hard to make it successful for them and put their own mark on the K&A with Aquilon.
We really appreciate the eight years of support from our coalboat customers, and thank every one of you. We feel sure that you will understand how difficult this is for us, but why we think this is the right time to offer this opportunity.
We also want to make clear that The Boatyard will continue as normal, we will still be here for all your chandlery, paint, spares and other services, both at the wharf and online. We can deliver almost anywhere via courier, and hope the new owners of Aquilon would offer a ‘Deliver by Boat’ service too! We look forward to continuing to serve all of our Boatyard wharf customers, old and new.
Therefore we are looking for serious offers in excess of £65,000 including VAT (you would be able to reclaim the VAT part of the sale should you register for VAT) for a newly refurbished Aquilon.
Please message, or call 07790 017418 to arrange an appointment to view, and discuss figures and a beneficial operating and loading package at our wharf.”
Tags: coal and diesel boats, liveaboards, The Boatyard Hilperton, trading boats