Name Elk

ELK was built by Harwood, Northwich for Fellows Morton & Clayton and fitted out at FMC in Birmingham.  She operated mainly in the northwest handled by single handed boatmen, often as their first craft.  Rebottomed in 1936. Eventually sold to Anderton boats. Used as a maintenance boat by BWB on the River Weaver. Bought by Manchester YMCA in 1962 and then by current owner in 1981. Used to allow youth groups access to the canals, with a major trip taken in 1971, the 125th anniversary of the Manchester branch, in which she travelled to London and back in four weeks. Elm bottom replaced in the 1990's. Elm bottom replaced with steel in 2023.

The original Bollinder engine was moved into the back cabin area by the YMCA to keep the youth groups safe. This was replaced with a BMC corridor engine in 1976, then with a Petter PD2 in 1981, at which point it was returned to the engine room. Replica back cabin completed in 1990. Repaired in 2022 and steel over cabin added. Ten foot extension added in 2023.