ABNB Boat Brokerage is an independent, family-run brokerage specialising in quality narrowboats across the UK inland waterways. Based at North Kilworth Marina, we combine decades of experience with honest advice and a personal approach, supporting both first-time buyers and seasoned boaters.
About ABNB Boat Brokerage
Specialising in quality Inland Waterways vessels across the UK
Meet The Team
Meet The People Behind Our Brokerage
Behind every sale is a team that understands boats, the waterways, and the people who use them. From your first enquiry through to completion, you will be supported by experienced, approachable professionals who take pride in offering clear advice and a genuinely personal service.
Emma Green is the Managing Director of ABNB and works primarily from home, where she provides strategic direction, ensures operational efficiency, manages finances, and leads the team toward achieving company objectives. Her passion for boating began in childhood, spending time with her parents on the Norfolk Broads. Years later, she enjoyed a memorable boating holiday with her own children, cruising from Napton to Fenny Stratford, and has also cruised the River Nene with friends. Emma and her husband, Justin, have completed the conversion of their 1930s small Woolwich boat, and, when time allows, she enjoys the peace and serenity of cruising the Inland Waterways. In January 2019, Emma earned her RYA Inland Waterways Helmsman's Qualification. She was elected as an Accredited Member of the Association of Brokers and Yacht Agents (ABYA) in 2021 and progressed to Full Membership in 2023. To achieve this recognition, her reputation, professional expertise, and sales documentation were rigorously assesed by the association's committee. In April 2024, she became a qualified Mental Health First Aider. In November 2025, Emma was awarded a Fellowship of ABYA in recognition of her contribution to the marine industry, and her ongoing commitment to raising standards and championing professionalism within the Inland Waterways sector. Emma serves on the ABYA committee and council, and also the British Marine Inland committee.
Justin Green is Technical Director of ABNB and undertakes brokerage inspections and valuations for ABNB. In his early working life his father worked on canal boats and seeing the old pictures sparked an interest from a young age. Having refitted his first boat to live on he progressed through a number of boats before moving ashore. He has finally finished fitting out a converted 1930s small Woolwich with his wife Emma, although of course, there are always more jobs onboard to do. For over 30 years he has been active as a marine engineer, surveyor, BSS Examiner, as well as providing a marine consultancy service. He is also Gas Safe registered and sits on various committees in a technical capacity, including the Boat Safety Scheme, Yacht Designers and Surveyors Association (YDSA) and British Standards Institute. Justin also holds an RYA Inland Waterways Helmsman's Qualification. Justin is a Full Member of YDSA and an Accredited Member of the Association of Brokers and Yacht Agents (ABYA).
Daniel is Marketing Director and works in the office, full time for ABNB. His passion for boating began in childhood during a hire boat holiday from Napton to Fenny Stratford. A keen photographer, Daniel enjoys walking along the canals, which deepened his interest in the inland waterways — so much so that he now lives aboard his own narrowboat. Committed to expanding his knowledge, Daniel gained his RYA Inland Waterways Helmsman’s Qualification in September 2022. He further developed his expertise by completing the ABYA Essential Elements for the New Yacht Broker course in August 2023, followed by the ABYA & British Marine Practical Yacht Brokerage course in March 2024. He is now in the process of applying for ABYA membership. In April 2024, Daniel also qualified as a Mental Health First Aider, demonstrating his commitment to supporting both customers and colleagues.
David Hull undertakes brokerage inspections for ABNB. He started messing about with boats in the early eighties starting with a wooden cruiser and worked his way forward refitting an ex hire boat, and completing a full fit out of a brand new narrowboat shell. In 1996 he qualified as a Boat Safety Scheme examiner and in 1999 became a full time marine engineer. He has had his own boatyard and been involved with all aspects of commercial and private boat maintenance. He began Surveying Narrowboats several years ago. He is a member of The Boat Safety Scheme, The British Marine Federation, and the Gas Safe register.
Tim works part-time in the office. He has a keen interest in narrow boating having spent many holidays on hire boats, so much so, that he has recently moved aboard his own narrowboat, and hopes to continually cruise around the system. Tim spent his early working years in the engineering industry and is currently fitting bespoke wardrobes alongside general property maintenance. An avid sports fan, he has studied the martial art of Tae Kwon Do for over 25 years.
Andy Tarry works part-time in the office. After spending many enjoyable trips with his family on hire boats he decided to buy his own boat in 2016 to live aboard. He spent the next few months renovating the boat and exploring the surrounding waterways. Andy continues to increase his knowledge of everything boat related and enjoys helping all ABNB customers with friendly helpful service. In January 2019 Andy gained his RYA Inland Waterways Helmsman's Qualification.
Our History
Since 1995, ABNB has been built on experience, trust, and a genuine understanding of the waterways.
From its early beginnings through to today, the business has evolved alongside the waterways industry while staying true to the values it was built on. What started as a different approach to selling boats has grown into a trusted, independent brokerage known for doing things properly.
Where It Started
1995-2001
ABNB began in the early 1990s as the brainchild of Andy Burnett, then Technical Editor of Waterways World. At the time, most brokers required boats to be moved to a central sales base, something many owners were reluctant to do.
Andy introduced a different approach. By selling boats directly from their home moorings, vendors could remain involved in the process, making viewings more personal and practical. It was a simple idea, but one that quickly set ABNB apart.
Building a Reputation
2001-2003
As demand grew, Andy stepped away from publishing to focus on the brokerage full time. ABNB established its base at Crick Wharf, building a strong reputation for professionalism, integrity, and quality listings.
With a dedicated team in place and growing demand, the business became one of the most respected narrowboat brokerages in the UK.
A New Chapter
2004-2008
Following Andy and Christine Burnett’s retirement in 2004, the business was taken on by Paul and Lesley Mudie, who continued to run ABNB in the same trusted manner. Over the following years, the company evolved while staying true to its original values.
ABNB Ownership Changes
2009-2021
In 2009, Paul and Sheila Smith were appointed as directors, bringing proven boating experience that strengthened the company. Paul Mudie retired in 2013 to pursue ventures in Scotland. Justin Green joined in 2016 bringing a wealth of knowledge in the inland marine field to the team, with his wife Emma joining in 2018. In 2021, the company moved to North Kilworth Marina and was sold to Emma and Justin Green.
As It Is Today
2022-
Today, ABNB remains proudly independent and family-run.
With Emma’s son, Daniel Markham, joining the business in 2022 and later being appointed to the Board, the company continues to evolve whilst ensuring continuity, long-term vision, and the preservation of ABNB’s independent, family-run ethos for the next generation. In an increasingly corporate marketplace, ABNB continues to prioritise relationships, expertise, and doing things properly.
Assurances
Professional Standards & Accreditation
For added reassurance, we are proud members of leading industry bodies, ensuring every sale is handled with professionalism, transparency, and care.
ABYA Professional Yacht Brokers
As full members of Association of Brokers and Yacht Agents, we follow a strict code of practice and recognised industry standards. This ensures every transaction is handled professionally, transparently, and with expert guidance.
British Marine
We are also members of British Marine, an organisation that promotes high standards across the marine industry and provides additional reassurance for both buyers and sellers.
Why Buy or Sell with ABNB?
Choosing the right broker is just as important as choosing the right boat.
Choosing the right brokerage matters. Whether you are buying or selling, the process should feel clear, supported, and secure.
At ABNB, we focus on:
- Honest, straightforward advice
- Accurate and experience-led valuations
- High-quality listings and presentation
- A knowledgeable, hands-on team
- A smooth, well-managed sales process
We don’t just list boats. We take the time to understand them, present them properly, and connect them with the right buyers.
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Guides, Insights & News
Everything you need to know about life afloat, all in one place.
From buying your first boat to understanding the canal network, explore practical advice, industry insights, and stories from life afloat, alongside the latest from ABNB — all designed to help you navigate every step of your journey with confidence.
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Crick Boat Show 2026 Roundup
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Complete Guide to Narrowboat Styles
The RCD & RCR explained: A guide for Inland Waterways boat buyers
The RCD & RCR explained: A guide for Inland Waterways boat buyers
