February 2017 - For immediate release
‘DAD’S BOATS’ TAKE TO THE DUTCH CANALS
Kom en zie onze handgemaakte boten op de HISWA!
UK designed and made Pedal Boats for two, perfect for Holland’s inland
waterways, will be on view at the 2017 Amsterdam Boat Show.
A UK Pedal Boat maker is set to exhibit their uniquely designed boats for the first time at the Amsterdam Boat
Show in March.
David Williams (Dad) build his first Pedal Boat in the 1950s. Norfolk based Dad’s Boats is a family run business
manufacturing and selling their latest unique design which allows two people to face each other and pedal
forwards in comfort. The sophisticated gearbox makes it efficient, easy to use and environmentally friendly so
you can just sit back, sip a drink, chat and take some gentle exercise while enjoying the water.
David’s first Pedal Boat was a single seater and was designed as a way of following his remote controlled yacht
while keeping his hands free for the controls. The drive mechanism was an old hand drill! ‘The Sieve’, as it was
affectionately called, was moth balled in the garden not long after when National Service got in the way. By the
time David got back two years later ‘The Sieve’ had deteriorated so much all he could do was cut it up for
firewood.
So, the next generation of Pedal Boat started to form in his mind - this time a more sociable two-seater. This
boat accompanied David on his honeymoon around the Norfolk Broads in the 1960s and has also been pedaled
around the Isle of Wight (don’t try this at home). Designed also with the Scottish Lochs, Windermere and The
Thames in mind, The Pedal Boat would also be perfect for the Dutch Canals – just a wonderful way to enjoy the
water hands free.
Since 2012 Dad’s Boats has been developing and testing a commercial model based on David’s original
(pictured). This is The Pedal Boat!
Dad’s Boats will be exhibiting a production model of The Pedal Boat at the Show as well as their hand crafted
ornamental wooden propellers.
David William’s son-in-law, Stephen Pitkethly of Dad’s Boats says, “The
Netherlands seems like the perfect place to take The Pedal Boat. Amsterdam is the No 1 cycling city in the
world and apparently ‘canal biking’ on old fashioned ‘pedalos’ along the canals is one of the city’s top
attractions. We think our efficient, streamlined design should get the Dutch talking ……”
For more information visit the Dad’s Boats stand at 05.K11A or their website www.dadsboats.com
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Dad’s Boats, Hall Common Farm, Staithe Road, Ludham, Norfolk, NR29 5NS
Email [email protected] Website www.dadsboats.com
For more information call 07768 940399. For PR call Sara Green at Sara Green PR on 07768 981764
Images available of The Pedal Boat and wooden propellers
David Williams is available for comment.