Speedwell | National Historic Ships

Registration number 3701

Status Registered

paula.palmer

Previous names

1971 - 1971 Speedwell

Details

Function Leisure Craft

Subfunction Narrow Boat

Location Harefield

Vessel type Canal Boat

Current use Private use

Available to hire No

Available for excursions No

Construction

Builder Braunston Boats Ltd

Built in 1971

Hull material Steel

Rig None

Propulsion Motor

Number of engines 1

Primary engine type Inboard

Boilermaker None

Dimensions

Depth

2.30 feet (0.70m)

Length: Overall

35.00 feet (10.67m)

History

SPEEDWELL was originally built at Braunston for Union Canal Carriers as a hire boat by Braunston Boats Ltd. She was advertised as a Special Single Class Narrowboat/Tug. She went into private ownership in the eighties where she was moored at Reliance Wharf, Kingsland Basin. During the 2000s she was moored at Pryford Marina on the River Wey.

In 2014 SPEEDWELL'S cabin was re-skinned by Simon Wain at Brinklow Boats, and in 2019 she was overplated by MD Farrington from Braunston.

By 2021 SPEEDWELL had changed ownership and was moored at Scrubbs Lane, London. Under subsequent ownership she was moored at Hillingdon Narrowboats Association at Harefield on the Southern Grand Union. The front cabin that originally housed an elsan with a sink and water was sympathetically restored to a simple kitchen unit and small shower. She still has the original engine installed and has been extremely well maintained. The original wooden gunwhales are still in place. There is little difference to the outside appearance, except that she has been repainted grey and it is believed she was originally green and red.

Update, August 2024: Vessel under new ownership.