The Hoseasons Boats and
Blakes Boating Holidays Database
Blakes Boating Holidays Database
How a cruiser differs from a narrow-boat
Cruisers are generally to be found on any waterways but canals. Cruisers have a wider beam (width) - anything up to around 12 feet wide whereas narrowboats as their name suggests, are always no more than 6ft 10ins across the beam. This is because the canals on which they travel have locks which are 7 feet wide. Accordingly, you will find cruisers being wider of beam and will make the most of the extra width by being more spacious internally. Aft Cockpit Cruiser
Available on the Norfolk Broads, Cambridgeshire Waterways and Caledonian Canal. Usually accommodate between 2, and 4 people. Aft cockpit boats are a good choice for newcomers to boating as they are easier to control being that all of the boat is visible in front of you. They are generally smaller than other type of craft and mooring is easier as access to the shore is direct from the cockpit.
Click on the boat diagram to view an enlarged version.
Available on the Norfolk Broads, Cambridgeshire Waterways and Caledonian Canal. Usually accommodate between 2, and 4 people. Aft cockpit boats are a good choice for newcomers to boating as they are easier to control being that all of the boat is visible in front of you. They are generally smaller than other type of craft and mooring is easier as access to the shore is direct from the cockpit.
Click on the boat diagram to view an enlarged version.
Dual Steering Cruiser
Available on the Norfolk Broads and Caledonian Canal. Generally accommodates between 2 and 8 people. Steer either from a raised position with good all round visibility or from inside should the weather not be so good. This type of boat is very popular and early booking is essential
Click on the boat diagram to view an enlarged version
Available on the Norfolk Broads and Caledonian Canal. Generally accommodates between 2 and 8 people. Steer either from a raised position with good all round visibility or from inside should the weather not be so good. This type of boat is very popular and early booking is essential
Click on the boat diagram to view an enlarged version
Forward Drive Cruiser
Available on the Norfolk Broads and the Thames. Generally accommodate between 2 to 12 people. Another good choice for first time boaters as steering from the front is similar to driving a car. These boats benefit from a single floor level throughout and so are preferred by people who are less mobile
Click on the boat diagram to view an enlarged version
Available on the Norfolk Broads and the Thames. Generally accommodate between 2 to 12 people. Another good choice for first time boaters as steering from the front is similar to driving a car. These boats benefit from a single floor level throughout and so are preferred by people who are less mobile
Click on the boat diagram to view an enlarged version
Centre Cockpit Cruiser
Available on the Norfolk Broads, Thames and Cambridgeshire Waterways. Generally accommodate between 2 and 10 people. A sliding wheelhouse offers open air cruising and in most cases al-fresco dining. As such, these are a popular choice for families.
Click on the boat diagram to view an enlarged version.
Available on the Norfolk Broads, Thames and Cambridgeshire Waterways. Generally accommodate between 2 and 10 people. A sliding wheelhouse offers open air cruising and in most cases al-fresco dining. As such, these are a popular choice for families.
Click on the boat diagram to view an enlarged version.
Narrowboat Types
Available on the River Thames, River Wey and the canals of England and Wales. Don't be fooled by their traditional looks, internally they house all the mod cons you would require for a great holiday afloat. Steering is mostly from the rear which gives good all round vision when negotiating locks and bridges.
Click on the boat diagram to view an enlarged version
Available on the River Thames, River Wey and the canals of England and Wales. Don't be fooled by their traditional looks, internally they house all the mod cons you would require for a great holiday afloat. Steering is mostly from the rear which gives good all round vision when negotiating locks and bridges.
Click on the boat diagram to view an enlarged version
Understanding the differing narrowboat stern types
You will come across the terms traditional, semi traditional and cruiser sterns whilst researching narrowboat types. The images below indicate the steering position and how much room there is to sit or stand with the helmsman.
You will come across the terms traditional, semi traditional and cruiser sterns whilst researching narrowboat types. The images below indicate the steering position and how much room there is to sit or stand with the helmsman.
