The design of our boats has evolved over a period of more than 30 years. In talking with our customers, it has always been apparent that needs vary widely. That which appeals to one person may well deter another.

Narrowboat design is always a compromise between berth, storage space, and living accommodation. We use our experience to design boats that are practical while giving an impression of space and light. All our boats are fitted out with everything you need to live on board.

Click on the boat picture to download a cut-away illustration showing you an example of the spacious interior.

All of our boats come with at least the following features:

• Automatic supply of hot and cold running water
• Full central heating with radiators throughout the boat
• Fully equipped galley with 4 burner gas cooker complete with grill and oven, refrigerator, sink and drainer, work surfaces and storage space
• Bathroom (two on larger boats) with flush toilet, shower, hand basin and 240 volt shaver socket
• Television and radio cassette player or Radio CD (Colour TVs are standard on all our boats, with most even having DVD players).
• Interior sprung mattresses or 5" foam on all fixed double berths
• Easy clean vinyl floor throughout the boat and on many 4-5 Star boats carpeting as well.

ALTERNATIVE STERN TYPES

FOLD DOWN BERTH Some of our boats have an optional high level single berth (at extra charge) referred to as a fold down bunk. These provide an optional berth, or can be folded out of the way if not required. For safety reasons these cannot be operated by a hirer and are locked in either the down (usable) position (if paid for), or folded away (Unusable) position so you need to inform us in advance your required bed configuration.		A folding berth ready to use
A folding berth locked away		In the same cabin the lower berths can either provide two single berths or a double berth. Please note that in the double berth configuration the fold down berth will be above the double. Please remember to tell us your required bed configuration prior to the start of your holiday so we can set the boat up correctly and provide the correct bedding.

TOILETS
All of our boats are fitted with fresh water flush toilets.

Many of our boats are equipped with the very latest designs of electric flush toilets, which are comparable to a domestic toilet in terms of size and appearance, and benefit from a large remote holding tank. 

Toilets tanks are empty at the start of each holiday. If the toilets are used according to the instructions provided the waste tank(s) should be sufficient for a weeks holiday. If usage is higher than average and the tank requires emptying it can be carried out at a number of boat yards for a small charge. 

This symbol in the boat descriptions denotes boats with electric flush toilets.

240 VOLT ELECTRICITY

This symbol indicates that the boat has an inverter which supplies 240v electricity to certain equipment on the boat. This supply is suitable for the electrical equipment supplied on the boat but may damage your own items. If you decide to use any of your own 240v appliances or equipment, you do so at your own risk. 

Boats using  inverters make very heavy demands on their large battery packs, and as a result need to have the engine run for at least five hours each day (preferably whilst cruising) for battery charging purposes. 

240 volt systems are not always suitable for the supply of low currents for long periods as required for the charging of mobile phone or camcorder batteries. For this type of equipment, please bring along a 12 volt charger lead of the type that can be plugged into a car's cigar lighter socket. These sockets are provided on all of our boats.

Boats with a 240 volt electricity supply come with some of the following additional equipment: microwave oven, electric toaster, filter coffee machine, hair dryer, vacuum cleaner & fitted carpets.

ENGINES

All our boats are fitted with economical, quiet, water cooled diesel engines. The power output is more than sufficient for river conditions and so they must be used with discretion on the canals to avoid damaging wash.

THE ECO-HULL

Boats marked with this symbol have been built with the Eco-Hull. This specially developed underwater hull shape has been the result of a number of years research by a Scottish University, financed by British Waterways, and built by Alvechurch.

It offers the following benefits that will appeal to those interested in the protection of the environment:

• 15%-30% less bow wave
• 5%-10% smaller stern wave
• Up to 40% less pressure disturbance on the canal bottom.

This results in less environmental harm to plant, fish and animal life living in canal waters.

Because of the reduced resistance of the hull, a smaller engine can be used giving the bonus of less fuel consumption and reduced exhaust gas emissions.