Navigating the UK Canals: Is a 71ft by 6ft 10in Narrowboat Practical?

When deciding whether to purchase a narrowboat for your canal adventures in the UK, one of the critical factors to consider is the dimensions of your vessel. This raises the question: how practical would a 71-foot long by 6 foot 10-inch wide narrowboat be? This article explores the practicality of such a narrowboat, particularly in relation to various canal networks and lock dimensions.

Maximum Length and Width Restrictions

It is well-established that the maximum width for narrowboats is 6 feet 10 inches to fit through the narrow canals. However, the length restriction for obtaining access to the entire canal system is slightly less than 60 feet. For instance, a 59-foot by 6ft 10-inch boat can easily navigate through the system, with some owners even managing with a 55-foot boat. It's interesting to note that the Leeds and Liverpool canals can accommodate much wider boats, up to 14 feet wide.

Practicality of Locks and Canals

Locks play a crucial role in determining the size of boats that can navigate the canals. For a boat that could be as long as 72 feet, it is advisable to have a maximum length of 70 feet. A 65-foot boat offers a bit of flexibility to maneuver through locks without constantly worrying about hitting the cill. However, it's important to be cautious as the locks can have high cills that can easily flood a narrowboat, especially if you are not in the correct position.

According to some owners who have lived on the canals, a 71-foot narrowboat by 6ft 10 inches would generally fit most southern canals, though there are exceptions in the north, particularly around Yorkshire, where some canals have a shorter maximum length, often around 52 feet. The 7-foot lock, capable of accommodating a 6ft 10-inch boat, is regarded as standard. However, in some cases, locks may bulge inward, preventing even a 6ft 10-inch boat from entering.

Challenges and Considerations

While a 71-foot narrowboat by 6ft 10 inches may fit through most locks, there can be challenges, especially when navigating higher cills. Some lock designers do not consider this dimension as a standard, and it can be risky to be too far back in a lock, as you could hit the cill when going down. It's therefore recommended to stay slightly forward in the lock to avoid this issue.

Moreover, due to the narrowboat design, your boat is made to fit the locks, which means that it's rare to find one that doesn't fit well. However, in some cases, if the boat is a bit tight, it can result in water entering the forward deck. Always check the waterway before purchasing a boat to ensure it can fit in the locks and navigate the canals safely.

Conclusion

For the majority of the UK canals, a 71-foot by 6ft 10-inch narrowboat is indeed very practical. It will fit through most locks and can navigate through the entire canal network. However, in some northern regions and specific areas, it may be more practical to choose a slightly shorter boat, such as 55 feet. So, while a 71-foot narrowboat by 6ft 10 inches is not problematic, it is wise to make informed decisions and check the specific requirements of the canals and locks you plan to navigate.

Keywords: UK Canals, Narrowboat Restrictions, Lock Dimensions