Nicol’s Yacht is the shipyard of the Riverly network
Nicol’s Yacht: 40 years of a saga written along the waterways
Although the name Nicols is now synonymous with river cruise boats throughout Europe, few people know the company’s origins. In 1986, Jean Ollivier — a plumber from Cholet, renowned for inventing the first PVC connector, and head of a highly successful guttering company — acquired the Plaisir France shipyard. He renamed it Nicol’s Yacht.
The first Nicols riverboat was quickly produced, with highly innovative lines compared to the standards of the time. Believing the market for boat buyers to be too limited, he launched a boat rental business three years later, quickly joining the ranks of the industry’s leading players.
Meanwhile, the Puy-Saint-Bonnet shipyard (near Cholet) regularly released new ranges of boats to suit all boaters’ needs: from romantic getaways for two to trips for groups of up to 12 people — everything was possible in complete comfort.
Today, the former plumber’s river saga continues with an annual production average of 15 boats.
Riverly and Nicol’s Yacht: a natural partnership
Riverly was born from the union of two major players in river navigation: Locaboat Plaisance and Nicols. Together, they have become Europe’s second-largest provider of licence-free houseboat rentals, with over 700 boats available from 39 bases in seven countries: France, Germany, the Netherlands, Hungary, Ireland, Portugal and Italy.
But the adventure doesn’t end there. With Nicol’s Yacht, we continue to offer our expertise as boat builders to those who wish to become owners.
At Nicol’s Yacht, you will find a wide selection of new riverboats designed in our French shipyard in Maine-et-Loire, as well as a selection of carefully maintained used boats. Whether you are buying your first boat or looking to restore an iconic model, we will support you every step of the way.Sailing with Riverly is a unique experience.
Becoming a Nicol’s Yacht owner means enjoying this freedom all year round.
Two iconic silhouettes: cruisers and houseboats
Our shipyard offers two iconic models, which are available to purchase as new or used boats, or as part of our management programme:
- Les Pénichettes are true icons of river tourism, combining authenticity and timeless charm. With their traditional small barge appearance, they offer a different way to travel, at the tranquil pace of canals and rivers.
- Our Cruisers are designed for comfort and manoeuvrability, with a silhouette inspired by sea yachts. Ideal for families or groups of friends, they feature bright interiors and a contemporary style.
These are two different ways to experience boating, but both offer the same pleasure of sailing in the comfort of your own home.
A shipyard dedicated to its customers
Even today, Nicol’s Yacht remains attentive to its customers’ wishes in order to develop its fleet. Thanks to the unique location of its boat manufacturing site next to the rental centre in Cholet, Maine-et-Loire, France, all customer information, comments and suggestions are passed on to the design office, enabling constant improvement of the boat models. This constant adaptation to the market is undoubtedly the strength of Nicols’ manufacturing process.
In summary, Nicol’s Yacht is:
- A French boat builder and rental company with 40 years of experience
- A varied range tailored to customer expectations
- New models and constant innovation
- Different engine options: combustion, electric, hybrid and hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO)
- Boats with iconic styles, such as cruisers and Pénichettes
- Bright, spacious and airy motorboats
- Boats suitable for families with the utmost safety
- We have a presence in the most beautiful regions of France and Europe.
