A canal boat, otherwise known as a narrowboat, is a long and narrow boat that is designed to fit in narrow canals.
Here are some price examples for popular canal boats
After reading this, you will know exactly what to expect when looking at prices for canal boats.
Table of Contents
5 Common Types of Canal Boats:
To qualify, a narrowboat must be under 7 ft. wide. The maximum length of a canal boat is around 72 ft. long. Any boat that is wider or longer will not fit in the canals.
Modern canal boats are often used for holidays, weekend breaks, tours, or even as permanent or part-time residences.
There are a couple of different types of narrowboats. When you are looking for narrowboats, it is important that you know what type you are looking for.
Most distinctions between the types are based on the type of stern that the boat has.
Modern canal boats have the following types:
1) Traditional Stern:
A traditional stern canal boat has a small open deck behind the rear doors. This small deck is often used to get on and off the boat.
You can also steer from this small deck, but it is not advised. This boat is steered using a tiller. You can even get a tiller extension that will allow you to steer while mostly inside.
On traditional boats, the bow deck makes up the main outside area because the stern is not large enough for anyone other than the steerer.
2) Cruiser Stern:
This canal boat offers a larger rear deck and the stern differs greatly from the traditional stern. With a cruiser stern, the hatch and rear doors are further forward which creates a larger open space in the back.
These sterns also offer railings around the back and sides of this area. This area can be used as a recreational outdoor area.
With this type of boat, the person in charge of steering could get cold because they do not have a place indoors to steer from.
It offers more space for the living area because the engine is usually located under the deck instead of in the body of the boat.
3) Semi-Traditional Stern:
The semi-traditional stern is a compromise between the traditional and cruiser stern. This type of stern allows for more socializing than the traditional stern but allows more protection from the weather than the cruiser stern.
Like the cruiser stern, the engine is located under the deck and is separated from the cabin.
4) Butty Stern:
A butty boat is a boat with no power that has a larger rudder and a wooden tiller. These boats are not as common and many of them have been converted into powerboats.
5) Centre Cockpit:
A very small amount of steel narrowboats have gotten rid of steering in the rear and have moved the cockpit to the central cockpit.
Average Prices on 5 New Canal Boats:
If you are looking for a new canal boat, you will have many options to choose from.
Some options include:
1. Delamere Model: 57 ft. Semi-Traditional Stern Narrowboat
This boat is a brand new model from the Northwich Boat Company. This boat is a luxurious liveaboard narrowboat with a selection of optional extras.
This boat is 57 ft. long and 6 ft. 10 in. wide.
This boat comes with:
- Bedroom:
The bedroom comes with doors that open out onto the front deck. It also includes a double bed with storage underneath and other storage options. - Bathroom:
The bathroom has a laminate shower with a granite look. It also offers a vanity unit with porcelain sink, chrome taps, and a cupboard. There is also a toilet and full height storage shelves. - Saloon and dinette:
The saloon features a tv cabinet, cupboards, glass doors, and display shelves. It also comes with an oak table that is able to be stored away. The dinette can be converted to a bed also. - Galley:
The galley has custom built cabinets and drawers and features a four-burner gas stove, gas oven, and grill. There is also a fridge and icebox. The kitchen also has a sink and drainer with chrome taps.
This boat costs 99,995 pounds.
2. Kingfisher: 57 ft. Cruiser Stern Narrowboat
The Kingfisher is a brand new finished canal boat. This boat is perfect for a family of two to live on full-time or a family holiday boat.
This boat is also 57 ft. long and 6 ft. 10 in. wide.
This boat has very similar features to the previous option. It comes with:
- Bedroom:
The bedroom comes with doors that open out onto the front deck. It also includes a double bed with storage underneath and other storage options. - Bathroom:
The bathroom has a fully tiled quadrant shower with chrome thermostatic shower. There is also a vanity unit with a countertop, porcelain sink, and chrome taps with cabinets underneath. This bathroom also includes a toilet. - Saloon and dinette:
The saloon features a fold-out table, two dining chairs, two armchairs, and a side table. There is also a wall-mounted flat-screen with a built-in DVD player. - Galley:
The galley has custom built cabinets and drawers and features a four-burner gas stove, gas oven, and grill. There is also a fridge and icebox. The kitchen also has a sink and drainer with chrome taps.
The price for this boat is 84,995 pounds.
Prices on Used Canal Boats:
If you are more budget-conscious, you might want to look at used canal boats.
Some options include:
3. Eagle: 70 ft. Traditional Stern Narrowboat
This boat was built in 2009 and has only had 1 previous owner. This boat is 70 ft. long and 6 ft. 10 in. wide.
The options included on this boat include:
- Bedroom:
This boat comes with a 2 berth accommodation that can easily be increased to 6 if you add a sofa bed in the saloon and adding beds in the rear cabin. - Bathroom:
The bathroom has a fully tiled quadrant thermostatic shower. There is also a vanity unit with a countertop, porcelain sink, with cabinets underneath. There is also a toilet. - Saloon and dinette:
The saloon comes with a sofa and an oak dining table with bench seating for 4 people. - Galley:
The galley has custom built cabinets and drawers and features a gas oven and grill. There is also a microwave. The kitchen also has a sink and drainer with chrome taps.
This boat is 59,995 pounds.
4. Emma Louise: 60 ft. Traditional Stern Narrowboat
This boat is a well equipped two-person liveaboard narrowboat. This boat was completed in 2013 and comes with information on her complete history.
This boat is 60 ft. long and 6 ft. 10 in. wide.
This vessel comes with front and rear covers for the decks.
The other features are:
- Bedroom:
This boat comes with a fixed double bed that includes storage. The bedroom also comes with a wall-mounted flat screen tv. - Bathroom:
The bathroom has a fully tiled quadrant thermostatic shower. There is also a vanity unit with a countertop, porcelain sink, with cabinets underneath and a wall-mounted mirror above. There is also a toilet and full height storage cupboards. - Saloon and dinette:
There are fixed cupboards on either side of the front door. There is also a raised dinette with bench style seats with storage. - Galley:
The galley has custom built cabinets and drawers and features a gas oven and grill. There is also a microwave. The kitchen also has a sink and drainer with chrome taps.
This boat is 59,995 pounds.
5. Winton’s Folly: 58 ft. Semi-Traditional Stern Narrowboat
Winton’s Folly is a well cared for boat that was completed in 2007 and has had two previous owners.
This boat comes with 1 bedroom and can offer 6 berth accommodation.
This boat is 58 ft. long and 6 ft. 10 in. wide.
The options on this vessel include:
- Bedroom:
The bedroom comes with doors that open out onto the front deck. It also includes a double bed with storage underneath and other storage options that include a full height double wardrobe. There is also a full-length mirror. - Bathroom:
The bathroom has a fully tiled quadrant thermostatic shower. There is also a vanity unit with a countertop, porcelain sink, with cabinets underneath. There is also a toilet and other storage cupboards. - Saloon and dinette:
There is a large sofa bed that can convert into a double bed. There is also a wall-mounted tv with built-in DVD player. The dinette offers bench seating and can convert into a double bed. - Galley:
The galley has custom built cabinets and drawers and features a gas oven and grill. There is also a space for cooking. The kitchen also has a sink and a built-in wine rack.
This boat is 69,995 pounds.
In Conclusion:
There are many different types of new or used canal boats that you can purchase. If you know where to look you can get a good deal on a canal boat that fits all your needs.
You can use canal boats recreationally or as liveaboard vessels. Keep in mind that they are long and can be difficult to maneuver.
You do not want a canal boat any longer or wider than the options listed. A boat of that’s any bigger will not be able to fit down the canals that these boats are made for.
Make sure that you get any used boat inspected. An inspector will be able to find issues that you cannot see. They will help you make sure your investment will last.

