Historically, the reality of life for a working narrowboat family carrying cargo on the English canals was a perpetual struggle of hard work and making ends meet. It was also a hazardous occupation with many fatalities on the job, and most boaters were unable to swim. However these days traditionally styled narrowboats have a nostalgic vintage charm and are popular with those who have a keen interest in canal heritage. If you’re one of those people you’ll love these three boats we have for sale at the moment.

1936 70ft Butty With Mooring £24,950 (pictured)

Here is a piece of history which has been lovingly restored and well maintained: A spacious and comfortable home with a lovely warm feeling and generous headroom, there is room to expand by completing the aft cabin.

The residential mooring is available by agreement with marina management and is within an easy 10 minute drive to mainline stations of Hemel Hempstead and Berkhamsted.

Please note that this boat is unpowered, with no engine.

Narrowboat 57ft Trad Stern Hudson Shell with London Residential Mooring £108,000

If you like the traditional vibe but with all modern comforts you’ll love this narrowboat, built in 2011 but with a very traditional character.

The unmistakable lines and quality of the Hudson shell, fitted out by Malcolm Edgell, make this a boat to be seen in. Clever design throughout make it feel much bigger than 57 feet and she has an air of luxury whilst maintaining her vintage feel.

Added to that she has a prime residential mooring in East London in the heart of the capital, making her an ideal base for work or leisure. The mooring is transferable by agreement with Marina management and is subject to a mooring transfer fee.

1928 Luxemotor Dutch Barge £119,950

Grab this opportunity to purchase a Dutch barge with a fantastic private canal side mooring in Central London, close to all the local amenities.

Inside is homely with a light and airy feel. The open plan galley/saloon provide ample living space and free standing furniture means that one or even two sofabeds could provide extra accommodation for guests.

Well fitted out with quality items, there is a solid feel to this barge, whilst accommodating every modern need such as a dishwasher and laundry facilities. Ready to move into, this could become a comfortable home from the second a new owner steps aboard.

Much work has been completed outside the vessel, having just been newly blacked. A little extra TLC could make her your own.

The mooring is fully residential and transferable by agreement with Canal and River Trust. It costs in the region of £7k per annum and is totally secure, behind locked gates. Local parking permits can be obtained for residents.

Join the Club

If you’re into historic narrowboats you may also like The Historic Narrow Boat Club: Formed in 1966 it is dedicated to preserving the working heritage of UK canals, from the UKs waterways to the boats themselves. They are passionate about working boats, traditional skills, the built heritage, and the practices and courtesies of the working boat people. They welcome anyone with an interest, whether you’re a boat owner or not.

If you want to restore a historic vessel you could contact Bates Boatyard at Bulbourne in Hertfordshire. Jem Bates specialises in historic wooden narrowboat restoration and a number of projects are usually run side by side.

However, if you’re not looking for a narrowboat project or a historic narrowboat for sale we have all sorts of canal boats, narrow boats and barges for sale in Hertfordshire and London on the Grand Union Canal. We also cover the River Lea.

Do you have a much-loved boat for sale that someone out there may like to restore? Contact us now for some friendly advice or download our free ebook How to Sell a Boat: The Ultimate Guide

Peggy Melmoth
www.narrowboatwife.com

You may also like:
Living on a Boat: The Boatshed Guide / Roving Traders and the CRT Council / Canal Festivals 2014: The Ultimate Guide / A slideshow of the 57ft trad narrowboat.

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