Welcome to Steev's Canal Pages


Click here for Crochet Lace

Click here for Crochet Lace

 

Some 10 or more years ago I started this site with the aim of providing commercially unbiased (I am of course biased - just not commercially) information for people who were thinking of hiring a narrowboat. Then as life changed I ended up living on one, so since 2004 I've kept an ongoing tale of how, when and what has happened to us - I believe it is called a 'blog' these days.

So let me start at the beginning - It is a 'NARROWBOAT' - NOT a 'BARGE', 'LONGBOAT' or any other kind of boat. I know a bit about NARROWBOATS and canals, less about rivers, even less about BARGES, bog all about LONGBOATS and if it is possible, even less than that about any other kind of boat. I am not in any way claiming superiority and accept easily that each and every thing that floats has some kind of purpose and place. I just know nowt about it so I'm going to say nowt about it.

 

A NARROWBOAT. Designed to fit into 'narrow' locks -7ft wide and carry loads of up to 20 tons at the earth shattering speed of 4mph. Now mainly used as holiday accommodation.

 

A BARGE. Designed to work on rivers, wide canals (anything with locks over 7ft wide) or European waterways where commercial carrying is still thriving and everything is bigger.

 

A LONGBOAT. Designed to allow Vikings tribes to travel to foreign shores on 'sightseeing' trips. Similar trips are now undertaken by people on cross channel ferries who buy duty free.

 

So, confusion and doubt removed then - it's a NARROWBOAT, not a sodding BARGE or a LONGBOAT.

The site is now split fairly evenly into the information section and the 'Blog' section, with of course the customary 'links' page that seems to spend more time out of date than in. The choice is yours then :-

       
  If you want to know about going liveaboard The adventures thus far
  If you want to know about hiring a boat What to look for, what to avoid
  If you want to know about locks, tunnels etc. How to, How not to
  If you want to visit other canal sites A few of the better ones
  If you want to e-mail me Questions & comments appreciated

Last update 30th December 2007

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