About The Club....

Originally known as the David Piper Owners’ Club, was set up by a group of owners in 1982.  The purpose of this informal club is to provide social events, cruises, exchange of practical information and contact between owners of Piper boats throughout the UK.  

When news of David’s pending retirement loomed in 1999, it was decided to change the name of the club to include boats built by his son, Simon Piper, who had been building boats at Red Bull to his father’s designs for several years, prior to setting up his own business in Biddulph.  The Piper Owners’ Club is open to anyone who owns a Piper boat. Associate members are those who owned a Piper boat, but who have now retired from boating. The club is run by an informal committee and offers:  

• A colour magazine, Pipeline, produced quarterly for the members.  

• A members’ Christmas lunch and a Spring Dinner are held each year.  

• Many members offer logistical support in the event of distress, or extended trips

• An on-line Message board / Club forum enabling Piper Boat owners past and potential owners to post and read messages & questions (open to non members). Click here to review / post messages

• The club holds records of most boats built by David between 1980 and 2000 and many earlier boats

• Value enhancement by maintaining the boat’s pedigree.  

• Advice, support and exchange of experiences.  

• The cost of membership is currently £15 per year

  Email Contact; Dot Piper 

WHAT IS MEANT BY A PIPER-BUILT BOAT?

David Piper began his career in 1965, fitting out new boats and maintaining a hire fleet at Norbury Junction.  He fitted wooden tops on to steel boats.  In 1968, David and his wife, Dorothy, set up on their own, building steel boats at Norbury village, launching them at Gnosall.  In 1972, they moved to Red Bull Basin as they had outgrown the Norbury site.  In the late 70s, they decided to concentrate on building quality boats for private purchase. The boats developed a distinctive style which is recognised all over the canal system. 

In 2001 David and Dorothy retired from boatbuilding, and Red Bull Yard was sold to British Waterways.  However, the Piper boatbuilding tradition continues as their son, Simon builds quality boats at Biddulph.  

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