Historic Narrowboat, 1898 Bantock Butty, 72’ Liveaboard

It’s time for me to move to land- unfortunately. For the last few years Renown has provided me with a wonderful home and countless adventures cruising the rivers and canals of England. From summer evenings spent diving off her and swimming in the upper reaches of the Thames, to frosty winter mornings cruising slowly down the Grand Union Canal, her historic lines turn heads everywhere. In the summer you can fling open the hatches and let the fresh air in, and in the winter sit next to the wood burner and sip mulled wine. With no council tax or electricity bills, boating is a wonderful way to live.
Renown is looking for a new owner who is free-spirited, not afraid of some DIY Maintanance but who would also take pride in skippering a historic boat (which with a 50% license discount is worth it!). At 72 feet, she’s spacious and moves swiftly through the water, guided by her huge Butty rudder. She was converted to a full houseboat around 50 years ago, which was also when the Lister Diesel was fitted. The traditional rear boatman’s cabin remains. While I have lived happily in her as she is, her new owner may want to update her somewhat and there are a couple of areas where she could be improved (front deck, electricity supply, hatches and paintwork).
With this in mind, I’ve priced her in line with a project boat although she is fully operational with a spectacular iron hull. She has just come out of the drydock and has been freshly blacked, so is good for the next few years! Whether you are looking for a historic boat to turn into your ideal houseboat, a new lifestyle or a bargain on a classic 72 footer, she is worth consideration.