40 Foot Canal Boat / Narrowboat / Day Boat / Party Boat

Hi, Having been let down by our original buyer last month, our wonderful narrowboat “Rosie Boatshed” is once again available for sale. Very unusual and much admired - if you love being on the river or canal with LOTS of your family and friends, this is the boat for you! She’s a fantastic day boat, with a large sheltered seating area in the bow that comfortably take 8+, and also a large standing area over the engine, (for the men! 😀). We have also spent some nights away on her, with boards across between the pews to make a double bed base, but she’s mostly been enjoyed on regular trips with big groups of fun people, a barbecue stop and many cold drinks… She was originally a holiday boat with sleeping accommodation, but was adapted into a 1/2 day self-drive hire boat by her boatyard owners many years ago. For the last 2 years she has been on the Avon in Worcestershire with us.
Rosie certainly doesn’t have the typical “Roses & Castles” paint decoration of your typical narrowboat, but we love the unusual rustic style, character and capacity she has. The steel hull was bitumen painted above the waterline last year, and the wooden structure above has a watertight felt roof. New feather board treated cladding. We do not know the age of the hull, but believe it is 1970s. I’m not aware of a recent survey or thickness measurements.
The engine has a plate that confirms it is a 1975 Lister ST2 air cooled diesel engine. 19.5hp at 2,500 RPM apparently. Nominal exhaust smoke and seems to use very little fuel - we just use a small jerrycan. Recent change of the correct oil. The battery beside the engine starts her first time every time and also powers the rainwater bilge pump.
There is no other electric or gas onboard. She’s not a fast boat, but that is not the point with Rosie. (The previous owner did fit what he called a “sports exhaust”, which means the end of the exhaust pipe is below the water line at the stern of the boat. It made a slightly a louder, chuggier, splashier noise that he thought made the hirers think they were going faster than they were..!) Since having her, she has had- new double layer marine ply floor and click vinyl plank flooring,- new toilet room constructed and lined with shower board,- new 18mm phenolic plywood engine cover (installed today, instead of the rotting scaffolding planks on the photos)- artificial “grass” mats for front and rear “gardens”,- reclad internally where necessary.- repainted above the waterline. Also included would be a Porta-potti 365 flushable toilet, 2 vintage church pews, 3 long waterproof cushions, rope fenders, mooring fenders, 2 life rings and an outdoor drinks table.
A new Boat Safety Certificate is going on this week, as the work that was necessary was completed at the weekend - new fuel filter, fuel lines, signs and extinguishers. Currently moored at Strensham, Worcestershire. I live nearby, so viewings welcome any time. EB.