Name Effingham

Built for work in the north west, EFFINGHAM was one of the first boats to be built to 6ft 10" beam, which allowed it to pass through bulging locks which were awaiting rebuilding. The boat class was the last to be built along traditional lines having evolved from "county" class boats which were never built. Use of modern fittings contributed to the welfare of the boat family, together with a hold design which could be accesed or covered in shorter tome than traditional former craft design. Curiously, she is believed to be the last 'family cabin' traditional motors built, despite British Waterways intending to do away with the family boat system. EFFINGHAM was considered to be modern, compared with other craft, having opening deadlights, toilet and electric lighting throughout. The hold was covered in cloths laid over hoops and secure with chocks. The hull design is a hydroconic curved bluff bow, created at the Docks and Inland Waterways research station at Bulls Bridge Southall. This unique design allowed the vessel to carry a maximum load on a badly maintained canal, the idea to create a bow wave which forced water past the craft so lifting the boat and assisting the prop throughput. British Waterways operated the boats until leasing them to the Anderton Canal Carrying Co. A major restoration process was completed by  P. J. Barber Boatbuilder Ltd in 2016, including the installation of a new bottom and substantive new footings to the side plates. A new owner in 2016 carried out further restoration works, including the installation of a replica working boat cabin with Epping stove, new stern fenders and repalcement of the prop shaft, 2017 saw the top end of the engine being rebuilt, 2018 at dry docking minor steel works were undertaken prior to being blacked in 2 pack epoxy. EFFINGHAM was bought by new owners in December 2019. She is considered in good condition for her age.