Description

This is a unique bespoke oak narrow boat with a large enclosed stern (safe for children and dogs) with a hood (when moored) and a stern galley, which won an award in a club event. This includes a 600mm gas 4 hob cooker with oven and grill. Also a special gas Waeco Coolmatic fridge (with small freezer compartment). There is also plenty of storage space. The Isuzu IM4LE48 marine diesel engine (53 bhp @3000 r/min) was brand new and is ideal for all canals and rivers. Because it is hydraulically operated, it is in a well sound insulated compartment mid vessel, which makes for quiet enjoyment of steerer and passengers. Hydraulic bow-thruster. There are two flushing cassette toilets and a small bath with overhead shower. The bedroom is in the bow above a 200 gallon stainless steel water tank. The dinette (which converts to an extra bed) is high to give a clear view out of the large 12mm thick glass/polycarbonate/glass windows (by Channelglaze). Beneath the seats are two calorifiers supplying hot water. There is also space for a small settee (converting to another bed and thus giving 6 berths) or chairs. A diesel stove heats the saloon and has a back boiler for the radiators. There are many safety features. This is a genuine and reluctant sale by the husband and wife owners, who both have health problems.

Specifications

Engine(s)

Isuzu IM4LE48 marine diesel engine was bought brand new (note: many new boats are fitted with reconditioned old commercial engines) and marinised to order with a good raw water cooling system. It produces 53 bhp at 3000 rpm.
It is operated hydraulically, which is why the engine is in an enclosed compartment in the middle of the boat, where one can get at it easily and being very well sound insulated does not intrude on conversation or listening to the birds as one travels.
The bow thruster is hydraulically operated which makes lengthy reverses very much easier!
There are opening side doors to the machine room for additional ventilation and access. The set up won 'Best internal engine fit-out' in a club competition.
There are 5 batteries; 4 "house" and 1 starter. All batteries are Hoppeck 12v 95Ah 850A.
There is a 1800w Xantrex sinewave inverter for the 230v power points.
There are 2 alternators: 1x80 amp and 1x70 amp.

Engine

Construction

The hull up to the gunwales is all made of English oak with historic wrought iron knees (adjusted by a skilled blacksmith) from the Ricky butty Retreat (modern metal does not flex). The oak trunks were specially selected at Luton Hoo House.
The gunwales are a very hard wearing tropical timber and the 16 cabin frames are built of ash (the traditional timber of choice).
The wooden cabin has an outer coating of powder-coated aluminium (which avoids frequent expensive repainting).
The side hatches (doors) are of oak and glazed like the large galley and saloon windows with 12mm thick glass/polycarbonate/glass, which is warmer than double glazing and unbreakable.

Side view

Roof

Accommodation

There is a large double cabin (bedroom) in the bow with a large bed and a triangular double glazed window in the false cratch.
The cabin has 2 opening glazed side doors.
The tables in the dinette convert to a small double bed and there is space for either two chairs or a converting settee for extra family visitors: so a potential of 6 people sleeping.
There are two cassette electrically flushing Thetford toilets with one in the bathroom and the other near the stern.
The whole boat is beautifully fitted out in good quality oak by a highly skilled craftsman.
All the many cupboards were built in place (with no wasted space behind them) to the owners' requirements

Bedroom

Bath (part!)

Galley

Dinette

Saloon

Equipment

Mooring pins, armco chains, windlasses, mallet
Two-way lighting throughout the boat.
One key fits external locks on stern and both side doors to the saloon (this allows for curved canal or river banks and therefore the safe entry and exit of all), with adjacent light switches.
Special pullout cupboard with racks for jars and bottles to avoid accidents should the boat rock.
Special stern fender to protect the rudder and stern of the boat.
Full set of fenders and ropes for bow, middle and stern.
Boat hook, pole, landing plank and ladder.
There is a very comprehensive owners manual giving details of everything.
There is also a comprehensive collection of various manufacturers booklets.

Sails & Spars

N/A

Navigation Equipment

N/A

Safety Equipment

In addition to the required fire extinguishers and fire blanket the boat has:
Alarm for the engine over heating;
U-shaped life-ring (much easier to use); 2 Children's life jackets;
Safety features:
Enclosed stern for safety of steerer, crew and dogs.
The bow is also enclosed thus preventing water flooding into the boat at locks.
Strong thick hand rail. Wider and well sanded gunwale.
Opening port and starboard side doors to the salon/dinette with steps.
Opening port and starboard doors to the cabin (bedroom) for emergency exit.
Easy steps to stern with hand holds.
More tumblehome to increase safety on the gunwales.
Electric wiring in place for VHF radio communications (never actually bought the radio!).
Chubb bolts on the inner doors to the machine room to stop children being at risk.