Reed Boats

Introducing Reed Boats, Oak and Ash, two steel boats each 70 ft long by 7 ft wide, the maximum size able to travel most of the network of over 2,000 miles of canals which were built in late 18th and early 19th century Britain. The boats follow tradition in working as a pair, Oak is the 'motor' and Ash is the'butty', designed to be towed and therefore not having an engine. Both boats are gaily painted with traditional roses and castles and adorned with polished brasses and scrubbed white ropes. However inside we do not have the Spartan living styles suffered by the families who crewed the traditional working boats, instead we have wash basins in each cabin, two shower rooms, flush toilets and a fully equipped galley to produce our meals. We also have central heating, as well as a coal stove for chilly evenings, electric light and sprung interior mattresses! The boats newly built over the winter and spring in the canal centre of Braunston, to be ready for their first cruises in July 2004, will mix the best of the colourful old tradition, with our modern expectations of comfortable living.

The boats are owned and crewed by the Reed family. We have been involved with the fascinating world of the UK's Inland Waterways for the last 25 years. Now we have decided to spend the next few years exploring the full extent of this fabulous and relaxing way of life. Instead of just commissioning the one boat for ourselves, we have ordered a pair, so that we can invite you to come along as our guests and experience with us this unique way of life. The most fascinating aspect of this life is that you travel together as a group, each member enjoying themselves in their own way. You will be able to sit back and watch the ever changing scenery pass slowly by, perhaps with a book to read or some music to listen to. You may love to paint or possibly photography is your hobby, the beautiful and intriguing world of the canals will give you plenty of opportunities. Maybe you are more energetic, and would like to help with locks, or try steering a boat or take a chance to walk the towpaths and when the boats slow down at locks to explore the countryside as well. Whatever suits you, and perhaps even a little bit of everything, you get the chance to do it from your moving base. A comfy bed awaits in your individual cabin whenever you want a rest.

Explore our website, it will tell you about our boats in detail, including a scrapbook of their building. We have a Question and Answer section to tell you more about what could be your holiday, including a glimpse of what the food will be like! We also have full details of the 15 weeks we will be cruising for next year with illustrations of many features of the canals and full details of other attractions you may wish to visit near our route. Finally we have details of how to book, including the cost, and discounts available, as well, of course, as a booking form.

All about our boats.

The boats are 70 ft long by 7 ft wide. That might seem big compared to a car when you try to steer them, but when you compare it to a family house and a hotel for six guests then it seems tiny! However they contain...

In Ash the Butty.

Four individual single guest cabins, 6 ft. 3 inches by 4 ft. Each cabin has a wash basin with tiled surround, with hot and cold water, mirror, shaver point etc., and space underneath to store things. There is a full length bed with sprung mattress and drawers under it, a bed side reading light, and a wardrobe with a couple of shelves. There is a window to watch the world go by. This is always on the outside even when we tie the boats alongside each other. If the weather gets chilly you have your own radiator to turn on to keep you warm.

One double/twin cabin, just over 8 ft. by 6 ft. The same as the singles, but there are two beds, which can either be made up as one double, or as twin beds with a narrow walk way in between.

There are 12-volt sockets in all cabins.

Two Showers. Each has a full size shower, a wash basin and a flush toilet with a radiator to warm your towel on chilly mornings. We have not, as in many boats supplied en-suite showers and toilets feeling that our guests would rather have a little bit more space in their cabin, and in the shower room. In any case you are never more that 6-ft from a shower room.

A small lounge at the front with three loose chairs and part of our library of books on the walls. There are front and side windows to let you see out.
There is central heating throughout the boat, from a diesel heater sealed away under the rear deck.

A covered cockpit with canvas sides with windows in them, which can be lowered if the weather breaks. There are padded seats on both sides.

In addition at the rear we have our crew cabin.

Note there is no gas, no fire and no engine aboard this boat reducing to zero any possibility of fumes.

In Oak the Motor.

Another covered cockpit.

The Lounge & Dining Room. This has a coal fire at the front which we will light whenever there is the slightest hint of chill in the air, a small but well stocked honesty bar, a CD player, and a TV & Video. (Remember there is a separate lounge in the butty if you want to get away from all this!) Opposite the fire is a two seater fixed sofa. At the rear end of the lounge is a table with comfy seats for three people on two sides of it. At dinnertime we erect another table filling the front half of the lounge and unfold chairs to fill in the gaps so everyone, guests, crew and family can all eat together.

The galley. This has cooker, fridge, sink, cupboards etc. as you would expect, but all in a tiny space, so organisation is important.

Then a flush toilet to save you having to cross back over to the Butty.

Next come more cabins, the two singles fitted out like those on the butty. The shower has a very short bath under it.

Just before the stern is another crew cabin.

Finally at the rear we have the engine room. The engine is boxed in for safety and to help keep it quiet, however this room is still warm enough, with it's own fan-radiator, to dry any wet clothes you may have.

There is central heating, from a diesel heater in the engine room throughout the boat.

There are a couple of 240-volt sockets in the lounge to allow you to recharge appliances.

We offer:

• Boat hire