| Traditional
narrowboats versus Cruiser type narrowboats – which is best
for narrowboat holidays? It all depends on
your priorities. Canal narrowboats come in two distinct styles –
"traditional" and "cruiser" , and most hire companies offering
narrowboat holidays operate the latter. However, half our fleet
comprises traditional narrowboats of great character although we
do also have four cruiser style narrowboats and three
"semi-traditional" narrowboats for those who prefer them. See
below and click on links above for more details. |
| The
Traditional narrowboat Style (or "trad" for short) is where the
cabin design follows that of the old commercial canal
boats and refers usually to the size of the rear deck (or
"counter") which is short in length, the
steerer standing between the rear doors. In our case
however we go much further than that and copy as much of
the historic detail as possible, including in some cases
making replicas of the famous "boatman’s back
cabins" – see below for further details. Some
are also built with the traditional materials, steel
hulls carrying oak framed wooden cabins, and some have
steel cabins, but all contain refinements the old boatman
would never have dreamed of. The advantage of a trad
style narrowboat is that the steerer has a protected position
against wet or cold weather and the additional advantage
of the heat from the engine or the boatman’s cabin
stove around their legs. There is also a very real
feeling of closeness to the canal traditions. Friends can
stand on the gunwales or sit on the roof. The main
seating area is in the bow. The
Cruiser Style narrowboat has a
large flat rear deck which gives no
protection, but is large enough for several people to sit
together at the rear – a useful feature for young
families and older folk.
The
Semi-traditional narrowboat has a large cruiser style
stern deck enclosed by
cabin sides and doors (but no roof), combining some of
the advantages of both styles, and is becoming
increasingly popular. You have the choice of all three! |
 |
BOATMAN’S
BACK CABINS
– fitted to Maple, Willow and Holly.These are authentic replicas
of the living accommodation of the old
working craft and we were the first
company to incorporate them into modern
hire narrowboats. Stepping down from the steerer’s "counter" onto
the coal box, you enter a snug, private
world finished in the correct wood
graining with gaily hand decorated panels
featuring the traditional roses and
castles, and crocheted lace hangings.
There is a small solid fuel stove on your
left for heating cooking, then the
decorated drop down table cupboard with
crumb drawer below and on the right the
sidebed or settee. Ahead is the double
"cross" bed which folds out
across the narrowboat with decorated flap, the
door leading to the rest of the narrowboat. On
Willow and Maple there are also
traditional engine controls –
separate gear change rod and throttle speedwheel - to complete the picture. A
fascinating experience of a way of life
which has now largely disappeared. |
 |
All
Narrowboats Have the Following Features Except Where Noted
- Flushing toilets
– which are emptied by us on your return
- Showers or shower bath
- Washbasins, drawers
and wardrobes – in or adjacent to all
bedrooms (except boatman’s cabins)
- Fully equipped
galleys – with sink unit, fridge, cooker and plenty of storage and working areas.
- Private bedrooms
– as shown in the boat plans.
- Single lever controls
– with combined throttle and gear functions
for simplicity of operation (except Maple and
Willow ).
- Central heating. Boatman’s cabins
have solid fuel stoves – fuel is provided.
- Hot and cold water
to all basins.
- Electric lighting and
power – for 12 volt accessories including
TV. Also a 240 volt shaver only socket, and
reading lamps at most berths.
- A full inventory - of cutlery,
crockery, cooking, cleaning navigation and safety equipment. TVs
fitted as standard.
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12 Berth
Boats We operate
three of these (Elm, Poplar, Ash), specially
designed to enable 12 people to live comfortably together
– for instance, they have single eating areas and
large saloons as we realise the importance of
"socialising". Large groups can hire more than
one narrowboat, including smaller ones if necessary, to achieve
the required capacity. |
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