BEST OF THE TESTS

With the canals locked down along with the rest of the country since the last week of March, it’s been impossible to do more boat tests. So we’re taking a look back at some of the boats we’ve seen over the years, and are focusing on the wide variety of exterior shapes.

- ADAM PORTER

If you thought all narrowboats looked the same and all wide beams just looked like fat narrowboats, then prepare to be surprised.

SPICA

Shell by Roger Farrington

February 2016

This is one of the best-looking boats we’ve ever seen. The owners, Alistair and Georgina Hodgson, wanted a boat based on the shape of a working boat with a vintage engine. For that to work, you need someone who really knows what they’re doing. They commissioned Roger Farrington and his son Michael of Ivybridge Marine at the bottom lock in Braunston who used the original plans of a small Northwich Star Class to make sure the shape and measurements were all just right – just shorter, at 57ft long. (A small Northwich was the slightly shallower version of the boats built by Yarwoods). And he’s undoubtedly succeeded, with a recognizably small Northwich bow, a subtle lift to the cabin at the stern, and three tunnel bands. There’s plenty of nice detailing too, such as the slight protrusion at the top of the back cabin, which also has a flat handrail. And the T-stud at the bow is probably one of the biggest you’ll ever see.

In fact, the whole boat is exceptionally solidly built, using thicker steel than is normal these days. The baseplate is 12mm rather than 10, the hull sides are 8mm instead of 6, and the cabin sides and roof are both 5mm. And the quality of the workmanship is excellent, with smooth cabin sides and crisp edges. It really is a very well built boat.