‘Making Waves’ on the waterways of Oxford

Jon Ody is a freelance engineer working on narrowboats on the Oxford Canal and River Thames in Oxford. Apprenticed by the Royal Navy as a marine engineer specialising in nuclear submarine electrical systems, he has since gained an engineering honours degree in Robotics and Automated Systems, and is a qualified 17th Edition electrical installer and British Marine Electrical Technician.

Under the name Ody Automation he runs a floating workshop, ‘Permanent Revolution’, and with this facility he is able to attend any breakdown or scheduled job at any customer’s boat on any waterway within the city, no matter how inaccessible they might otherwise be.

Supported by Adverc Battery Management specialising in electrical installations, battery management and engine electronics, Jon also offers diesel engine service and repair, and arranges steelwork and woodwork. He also attends breakdowns on behalf of River Canal Rescue and can regularly be seen patrolling the river on busy weekends.Jon says: “Oxford has a growing population of residential boaters which is a great way to live in a beautiful city, and also more and more cruisers are travelling to Oxford to enjoy the wonderful waterways here. There was no site available to establish a workshop so I went for the best solution I could, and that was my own ‘floating boatyard’.  It’s a great way to work and very rewarding, the nomadic self-sufficient lifestyle of residential narrowboaters often means that by solving even simple problems, you can have a positive impact on people’s lives.“

This month sees Jon celebrating his 30th birthday. “Youth is an advantage, although I do not consider myself particularly young. I have seen the energy of retirees twice my age working on their boats, and I hope I still have the same enthusiasm when I get to that stage!”

For more information call Jon on 07766546645 or email website@odyautomation.co.uk

Here's what customers have said about Jon Ody:

"Despite him living some way from my boat I commissioned Jon Ody to do a brand new install of my reconditioned engine into the narrowboat I was in the process of buying after a recommendation was made to me about his work by someone else who had used him before. I knew very little about engines or specific way they have to be installed to ensure they met boat safety standards but as well as knowing his way around an engine found Jon to be very knowledgeable about this as well as many other aspects of boat systems which was happy to talk to me about. Based on my experience I would defiantly recommend Jon to anyone needing work done on their engine or engine bay, If your choosing a boat engineer I would always go for someone who clearly has a love of engines and what he does and Jon worked in close consultation with me every step of the way. As Jon knows the purchase of the boat ended up being a bit turbulent and I was very grateful for all the above and beyond general help and advice he was able and more than happy to give but undoubtedly the thing I am most grateful for was the way that despite having a busy schedule, he went to great efforts to be available on the days I needed him and meet my erratic timescales, I still owe you a beer for pulling that last minute all weekender Jon, thank you and sorry I made you miss the Football!!"
Chris - NB Bowbrook - Summer 2010

"We got the boat back to its mooring last night, without any reversing. We were relieved to berth her safely, and are most grateful for your skill and thoroughness... Again many many thanks, and we hope to meet again one day, but not as a result of accident or emergency!"
Jeremy and Helen - NB One Moore- Spring 2010

""Ran boat for an hour last night and again this morning - engine sounds as good as it's ever done! Will be taking her out for a short cruise this eve... Thanks again for all your help!"
Andrew - NB Ninotchka - Spring 2010

"Jon installed a battery management system, a new 12v fuse box (to replace the 30yr old vintage one!!), connected my 240 sockets to my inverter, as well as solving my long time and irritating oil leak! (at last) as well as giving my lister SR2 a full service/bleed etc,... He was always happy to explain what he was doing and why, making helpful suggestions for improvements along the way, without making me feel pressured to accept them. He worked several long days, turned up on time, was as unobtrusive as possible, and gratefully drunk my tea. Highly recommended as a person to trust and help you find the best possible, and economical solution to your problems."
Andy - NB Cleeve Castle - Autumn 2009

"Jon has fulfilled a number of agreed jobs for us this summer and we have given him the task of resurrecting our engine after a few years of ongoing problems - a job we wouldn't have given to just anyone. What impressed me about Jon from the start was his keenness, his communication skills and his honesty when a job was out of his range. Since July 2009 he has completely rewired our boat, fixed various plumbing and minor practical headaches and been on hand for technical support at times when I have met my own limitations. He is also reasonably priced and clear in his diagnosis of jobs needing doing."
Josh - NB Osun - Autumn 2009

“Jon responded very quickly to our call for help with the electrics on my Lister HA2 when we were on holiday on our narrow boat. He undertook some thorough diagnostics to avoid jumping to any obvious conclusions – and then made sure that not only did he fix the problem promptly to get us back cruising, but completed a final system check to ensure that no other issues were likely to cause us problems. We were grateful for the explanations of the installation, and very impressed by his determination in difficult conditions (it was a British summer after all), his good humour and competitive prices. I would recommend him to anyone”
Alan - NB Dart - Summer 2009

"Jon is a skilled and professional engineer. He planned his visit, kept in touch and asked questions in advance. He brought all the tools, spare parts and knowledge needed to arrive well prepared. Jon worked efficiently on the day; servicing, fuel bleeding and starting our Lister SR2 for the first time in many months. We will definitely be using Jon's skills again and have high praise for his friendly and professional attitude."
Ed - NB Redwing- Spring 2009.