Open Boat, Narrow Focus: Understanding The Design

A narrow open boat, or narrowboat, is a type of canal boat built to fit the narrow locks of the United Kingdom. Narrowboats are typically about 6 to 7 feet wide and can be up to 70 feet long, with a flat bottom that is ideal for navigating the narrow, shallow canals of Britain. While many boats are designed for open waters, narrowboats are specifically designed for canals and are often used for leisure and as permanent or holiday homes.

History and design

Narrowboats are a type of canal boat built to fit the narrow locks of the United Kingdom. They were originally designed during the Industrial Revolution in Britain, when they played a key role in transporting goods on the country's canal system. The canals were narrow in some places, with a maximum width of about seven feet, so the boats had to be narrow enough to fit through.

The first narrow boats were wooden and were drawn by horses walking on the canal towpath, led by a crew member. Over time, horses were replaced by steam and then diesel engines. While they were first used for cargo, some narrow boats also carried passengers, luggage, mail, and parcels.

The design of narrowboats has evolved over time. Modern narrowboats are typically made with steel hulls and superstructures, although some may use glass-reinforced plastic or timber above the gunwale. They are usually powered by diesel engines, although some newer models may use electricity and a motor. The maximum length of a narrowboat is generally 72 feet, as anything longer will be unable to navigate much of the British canal network.

Narrowboats are known for their unique shape, with a slim, elongated form that sets them apart from most other boats. Their flat bottoms are well-suited for narrow, shallow canals. The interior layout is linear, with a living area, kitchen, bedrooms, and a bathroom arranged in a line due to the boat's narrow shape.

In terms of steering, most narrowboats are steered by a tiller at the rear, a traditional method that differs from modern boats, which typically use a wheel. However, some modern narrowboats have adopted steering wheel systems, particularly those propelled by electricity.

Size and shape

The size and shape of narrowboats is what makes them unique and distinct from other boats.

Narrowboats are typically between 6 and 7 feet wide. Their maximum width is 7 feet (2.13 metres) to allow them to navigate the narrow canals and locks of the United Kingdom. Most modern narrowboats are slightly narrower at 6 feet 10 inches (2.08 metres) to ensure easy passage through the canal system. In comparison, barges are definable by their greater width, usually more than 7 feet (2.13 metres).

In terms of length, narrowboats can be up to 70 to 72 feet long. The maximum length is generally 72 feet (21.95 metres) as anything longer will be unable to navigate much of the British canal network due to the length of the locks. However, some locks are shorter than 72 feet, so to access the entire canal network, the maximum length is 57 feet (17.37 metres). The minimum length for hire boats on British canals is 30 feet (9.14 metres).

The slim, elongated shape of narrowboats is quite different from most other boats, which are often wider and not as long proportionally. This unique shape has an impact on the layout of the living space inside. Narrowboats often have a living area, kitchen, bedrooms, and a bathroom, all arranged in a linear layout to maximise space.

The hull of a narrowboat is typically made of steel and is flat-bottomed, which is ideal for navigating the narrow, shallow canals. The thickness of the hull base is usually 10 mm, with the hull sides measuring 6 mm or 8 mm, the cabin sides 6 mm, and the roof 4 mm or 6 mm.

Narrowboats come in various styles, including working, tug, cruiser, narrow-beam Dutch barge, 'replica' butty, modern 'trad', 'replica' traditional (trad), and semi-trad. Each style has unique features, such as the location of the engine and the design of the stern and cabin.

Steering and movement

Narrowboats are typically steered using a tiller at the rear, which is a long handle used to control the direction. This is quite traditional and differs from many modern boats, which use a wheel for steering. The tiller is usually located at the stern of the boat, with the steerer standing aft of the hatchway and/or rear doors, at the top of the steps leading down from the cabin. This steering method is common on most narrowboats, although a small number of steel narrowboats have wheel steering from a central cockpit.

The steering area comes in three basic types: traditional, cruiser, and semi-traditional. The traditional style has a small open counter or deck behind the rear doors, from which the crew can step onto land. While steering is possible from the counter, it is not very safe due to the proximity of the propeller. The tiller extension allows the steerer to stand in a safer position on the top step, and they can even close the rear doors for added protection from the elements. The traditional style usually includes a boatman's cabin, with the engine located in its own cabin forward of the living space.

The cruiser style has a large open deck between the counter and rear doors, protected by a taffrail (railing). The large deck provides a social space for dining or gathering, especially during good weather. The engine is located under the deck, outside the living space, which can provide more room inside the cabin. However, this leaves the steerer exposed to the weather and reduces the engine heat contribution to the boat's warmth. A "pram cover," a cloth cover on a folding metal frame, can be added to the cruiser stern for more comfortable operation during cold or inclement weather.

The semi-traditional style combines the traditional and cruiser styles, extending the deck back from the hatch and rear doors while providing partial protection at the sides. This style offers a sheltered area for the steerer and companions, with lockers to sit on. The engine is located under the deck, similar to the cruiser style, providing a separation between the cabin and the engine bay. The semi-traditional style can also be fitted with a pram cover for additional protection.

In terms of movement, narrowboats are known for their slow and steady pace, making them ideal for leisurely travel through canals. Modern narrowboats are typically powered by diesel engines, although some are propelled by electricity and a motor. The engine size and power in narrowboats are generally smaller due to their dimensions and intended use in narrow, shallow canals.

Usage

Narrowboats were originally designed during the Industrial Revolution in Britain to transport goods on the country's narrow canals. They were also used for passenger travel, with some packet boats carrying passengers, luggage, mail and parcels.

Today, narrowboats are mostly used for recreation and as permanent or holiday homes. They are a popular way to travel through the British countryside, navigating the historic canal network. They are also used for fishing, racing, or offshore cruising.

Narrowboats are also used as platforms to provide services to leisure boats, such as engine maintenance and boat surveys. Some are used as fuel tenders, providing diesel, solid fuel, and gas.

The unique shape and characteristics of narrowboats set them apart from other boats. They are much narrower and longer, with a flat bottom that is ideal for narrow, shallow canals. Their steering and movement also differ, as they are typically steered by a tiller at the rear, rather than a wheel.

The cultural significance of narrowboats is another important aspect of their usage. They are a significant part of British heritage, often painted with bright colours and traditional patterns. This cultural identity distinguishes them from many other types of boats.

Cultural significance

Narrowboats are a significant part of British heritage. They played a key role in the economic changes of the British Industrial Revolution, transporting goods on the UK's canal system. The UK's canal network provided a nationwide transport system during the Industrial Revolution, but with the advent of railways, commercial canal traffic gradually declined. However, narrowboats continued to be used for cargo transportation well into the 20th century.

Narrowboats have a distinctive style and are often painted with bright colours and traditional patterns, such as roses and castles. This cultural aspect sets them apart from other types of boats, which may not have such a distinct regional and historical identity. The tradition of painting roses and castles on narrowboats dates back to the 19th century, and while it continued into the 21st century, not all narrowboats feature such decorations.

Today, narrowboats are mostly used for recreation and as permanent or holiday homes. They offer a unique way to travel through the British countryside and explore the historic canal network. This is in contrast to other boats, which are often used for activities like fishing, racing, or offshore cruising.

Narrowboats have a unique design, with a slim, elongated shape that makes them different from most other boats. Their narrow width, typically 6 to 7 feet, allows them to navigate the narrow canals of Britain. This design feature gives them their name and is a key distinguishing factor.

The use of narrowboats as residences is also notable, with about 8,580 narrowboats registered as permanent homes on Britain's waterway system. This represents a growing alternative community, with people choosing to live on semi-permanent moorings or continuously cruising. The living space on a narrowboat is arranged in a linear layout due to its narrow shape, typically including a living area, kitchen, bedrooms, and a bathroom.

Frequently asked questions