Some Common Questions about Canals, Narrowboats and Barges

How wide can a canal boat be?

Modern boats are usually produced to a maximum of 6 feet 10 inches (2.08 m) wide to guarantee easy passage throughout the complete system. You can get wide beam boats which are 10ft to 12ft in width. The maximum length is about 72 feet (21.95 m), which matches the length of the longest locks on the system.

Can wide beams go on canals?

Wide beamed boats are generally between 10ft to 12ft in width. Narrowboats are usually 6ft 10" wide. Things to consider with regards to wide beam boats are:

Cruising – Narrow canals are not dredged for passing wide beams so this means you could find yourself running aground on a narrow canal every time an oncoming boat needs to pass you. So you should check out waterways dimensions if you’re unsure. In particular, the more historic canals often have low bridges and shallow channels.
• Mooring – Wide beam boats take up more of the channel when moored up so you need to be careful that you are not obstructing the waterway.
• Location – because of the way canals were built it’s likely that you’ll be confined to roughly the area you buy your boat in (unless you’re prepared to pay to move your boat by road).

How far can you go on a canal boat in a day?

You travel at about 3-4mph. This means that if you cruise for between four hours a day you'll cover about 16 miles or around around 80 to 100 miles in a week.

How deep are canals in UK?

Canals fall into two categories.

• Category A. These are narrow rivers and canals where the depth of water is generally less than 1.5 metres.
• Category B. These are wider rivers and canals where the depth of water is generally 1.5 metres or more. The significant wave height could not be expected to exceed 0.6 metres at any time.

Can narrow boats go on rivers?

Rivers have a flow on them unlike canals and special care needs to be taken if venturing onto tidal sections. If you do this always speak to the lock keeper to find out if you need to be aware of tide times.

Can canal boats go on the sea?

Barges really have been designed for inland use but most inland barges can go to sea if necessary. You can take one across the English Channel or across the Wash.

Can Narrowboats go on the Thames?

Canal Boats travel along the Thames to transfer between waterways, in particularly the Grand Union Canal, The River Lee, and the non tidal Thames to Oxford and beyond. However the Thames is a powerful tidal river so advice should be sought before making a journey.

Can you moor a canal boat anywhere?

Boats are allowed to moor almost anywhere alongside canal towpaths but there are mooring rules. If you are on a long term mooring you're not usually allowed to live on your boat for more than a few days or weeks.

Can you cruise a canal boat at night?

Yes but your boat needs to be equipped with port and starboard lights (red and green) and a white light at front and rear.