Mercia | National Historic Ships

Registration number 2380

Status Registered

adminnhs

Previous names

1980 - 2011 Ohm

Details

Function Cargo Vessel

Subfunction Narrow Boat

Location Crick

Vessel type Narrowboat - Horse Drawn

Current use Ongoing conservation

Available to hire No

Available for excursions No

Construction

Built in 1860

Rig None

Number of decks 1

Propulsion Towed

Primary engine type None

Boiler type None

Boilermaker None

Dimensions

Breadth: Beam

7.00 feet (2.14m)

Depth

4.00 feet (1.22m)

Length: Overall

47.00 feet (14.34m)

History

Built circa 1860, records show narrowboat OHM to have been a dredging craft for the Birmingham Canal Navigation Company in 1885. OHM remained in this ownership until 1948 (nationalisation of the canals) when her owner was listed as Docks and Inland Waterways Executive, South West Division. Prior to this, the dredging equipment onboard was removed, and circa 1950, OHM was shortened to 47ft, assumably to make her more suited to being towed by a motor boat or tug.

OHM remained in British Waterways' ownership as a maintenance boat/hopper until she was not required for service anymore. Her condition deteriorated so much that the decision was taken to crane her out of the water and put her on hard standing. Here she remained until 2010, when she was sold into private ownership via auction.

Grants

September 2011
A Sustainability Grant of £1000 towards the cost of remedial work was made from the Strategic Development Fund of National Historic Ships