At Classic Narrowboats we build the boat you want.  We take the time to understand your requirements and welcome your involvement in the design process.  We’ll make sure your boat is both personal and unique.  You can choose from three basic stages of completion: sailaway, sailaway lined or fully fitted to your specification, or any stage in between if you want something specific..  All our boats are built in britain, not imported from abroad.

  The Traditional Style narrowboat

  Sometimes called a ‘trad’ for short, the cabin design  of this boat is similar to the old commercial canal boats and refers usually to the size of the rear deck which is short in length with the helmsman standing between the rear doors. The advantage of a ‘trad’ narrowboat is the helmsman has a protected position against wet and cold weather and the heat from the engine or cabin stove around their legs. There is a real feeling of closeness to the canal traditions with this style of boat.

The Cruiser Style Narrowboat

The cruiser is a narrow beam pleasure boat with an aft deck large enough to accommodate several people as opposed to the ‘trad’ which only has room for the helmsman. This design first became popular in the 1960’s and the possibilty of integral seating on the aft deck makes it a more sociable boat and continues to be a very desirable style today. Please note the photo shows a wide beam cruiser style

The Semi-traditional Narrowboat

The ‘semi-trad’ combines the traditional style of the working narrowboat with the rear seating space of a cruiser.  The cabin sides continue through as on the trad boat, but the roof finishes where the cruiser does. This gives a space with sides, but no roof where people can sit on side bench seats.

If you require a josher style bow and / or a tug style front deck we will be happy to help you.

Please view the specifications details for more information. If you have any other questions please get in touch.