Fox Boats

With over twenty-five years of boat building experience we have achieved a traditional style boat layout tastefully painted on the outside and an interior with all the comforts of home in mind. The boat is carpeted in the saloon and cabin, and an easy to clean floor in the galley and bathroom. Fitted throughout in mahogany or American Oak with cupboards, wardrobes, drawers and shelves you will not find a space left unutilised.

Down both sides of the boat all the windows have openings allowing for plenty of fresh air and sunlight. At night, simply draw the curtains for privacy. The lounge/dining area has a stereo radio cassette, colour TV (at no extra cost), a fold out table with comfortable furnishings all around. With all the modern kitchen facilities equipping the galley, you will find a full size cooker, fridge with small freezer compartment, sink unit, plenty of work tops and storage cupboards.

On arrival there will be a welcome pack of tea, coffee, milk, sugar and biscuits, various maps, pamphlets and a comprehensive manual offering helpful advice along the way. All our boats have gas fired central heating for perfect comfort throughout the seasons.

Most boats have one cabin with a fixed double berth and seating which converts into single or double berths. Duvets, pillows, covers and sheets are provided for all the beds and towels for overseas customers are provided at no extra charge. The bathroom has a full size wash basin, flushing toilet and a shower compartment with constant hot water.

All our boats are licenced and fees have been paid to GOBA to enable you to use their moorings both night and day. The package is complete there is even no extra charge for fuel.

OUR BOATS

• Fox Terrier, sleeps 2 - 4
• Fox Hunter, sleeps 2 - 4
• Arctic Fox, sleeps 4 - 6
• Swift Fox, sleeps 4 - 6
• Flying Fox, sleeps 5 - 7
• Fenland Fox. sleeps 6 - 8

PLACES TO GO

ELY - A historic city

The city's crowning glory is the cathedral whose famous lantern tower can be seen for miles around. Well known for its antique centres, ancient narrow streets, timbered houses and medieval gateways. The attractive waterfront is a focal point for walkers, cyclists and boating. Ely Cathedral seen from miles around on a clear day and by night with its floodlit Octagon. The cathedral is also renowned for its other 14th century addition, the Lady Chapel with its delicate carved stonework. The main development of the city originates from the late 11th century when construction of the cathedral commenced. Ely was the stronghold of Hereward the Wake, who used the largest island site in the fens to stage the final Anglo Saxon resistance to the Norman invasion. Three miles north of Ely, Chettisham Meadows boasts a 40-acre site of historic meadows with one field managed as a nature reserve. For both the keen seasoned angler and novice alike, the tradition of taking fish from the waters of the Fens lives on.

Excellent fishery dominated by roach and bream, the best catches have tended to be around Ely and Free fishing is permitted on the Ely Ouse River in the town centre. Ideal for either a peaceful walk along the river banks stretching over 5 miles or alternatively walking up hill into the city of Ely itself. If you simply want to just step of your boat, there are a couple of choices right on the main water front. From a public house with visiting walkers, cyclists, boaters and locals to a restaurant in a convert brewery which was given to the city and has now been restored. Antiques, antiques and more antiques, with the largest collection in East Anglia found on the waterside front. Stocking up for provisions is less than half a mile away and proves to be a regular shopping point for holidaymakers

CAMBRIDGE - City of Colleges

The home of students, bikes and colleges. Cambridge is renowned worldwide as a beautiful university city with superb examples of architecture. You may by now really have got the bug for boating and wish to go Punting for an hour or so and take a trip along the Backs. Punts are available for hire along the riverside and quayside. The University of Cambridge, with its magnificent College Buildings, some dating back to the 13th Century, is a fascinating place to explore and will provide endless enjoyment for your visit. Walkers will often find their paths will take them alongside the banks of the rivers.

A 17-mile walk for the enthusiast between Cambridge and Ely along the River Cam takes you through the history of the Fens. Unwind on a break in Cambridgeshire's cycling haven. The countryside around Cambridge has a particular charm, with picturesque villages with ancient churches and busy market towns. Endless craft workshops, antique centres, jewellers, art galleries and of course the complete choice of just about every national shop in the UK. Making your shopping days in Cambridge a most memorable experience

As well as Ely and Cambridge, our routes also cover St Ives, Huntingdon, Peterborough, Oundle and Northampton.

MARINA FACILITIES

Our modern marina is situated in the heart of the Middle Level Navigation and is owned and run by ourselves. We offer a personal and friendly service to both new and experienced boaters.

Boatbuilding

Our family firm was formed in 1952 by Charlie Fox who had served his boatbuilding apprenticeship in Ely with the firm of Appleyard and Lincoln. In those days the firm built clinker fishing boats and sailing dinghies, some of which are still in use today. We then went on to build cruisers in wood, GRP and steel.

In 1973 we built our first narrowboat at that time they were an unknown quantity on the Fenland Navigation's where we operate. Four years later we became hire-fleet operators with at that time 4 boats.

By the earlier 80's we had outgrown our premises in West End and were in need of a much larger site. In November 1981 having selected a site on the outskirts of town we moved into our current purpose built marina, which had a capacity for 50 moorings.

During the 1980's as well as building the narrowboats we built 3 steel ocean going yachts and a pair of wide beamed hotel boats.

At the end of the 80's again the premises became too small and in 1991 an extension to the marina was completed and we currently have moorings for 175 craft.

During the 1990's we have continued to build boats and our commissions have included a purpose built vessel designed for wheel chair use for the St John-Ambulance and a second boat for Bernard Henderson during his term of office as BW Chairman.

Our team of boatbuilders are all experienced and between them boast being a Ford factory trained technician, Newage PRM gearbox technicians and are all Corgi Registered Gas Installers.

All craft built will comply with the Recreational Craft Directive and the Boat Safety Scheme.

Moorings

We have moorings for 250 boats on a daily or a long-term basis and can accommodate boats up to 70ft. Our secure flood proof lagoon provides excellent moorings, some with 240v electrical hook-up and several water tap supplies. On site we also have a call box, toilets, showers, chemical toilet disposal, pump out and a laundry. Vehicle access to the moorings is through security barriers for the use of berth holders only. There is also a visitor's car park. We stock Calor Gas, Diesel and Oil. At the office we sell maps and guides and also have a mail service.

Repairs and Servicing

We are able to offer full workshop facilities including general maintenance, repairs and even hull extensions should you desire. We also offer a complete paint service in our undercover dock. All our engineers are experienced on most types of boats and offer engine, electrical and Calor Gas servicing to B.S.S specifications.

Slipway Facilities

Our slipway can accommodate up to a 70ft boat together with hoist and cradle facilities. We can also provide a blacking and high power wash cleaning service to the hull of your boat.

Slipway Charges
Up to 29' £90
30' - 39' £100
40' - 49' £110
Over 50' £130

Price includes:- Two days on slipway. (Additional days are charged at £22.50 per day.) Parking in yard and chocking up- £35

Lift onto or off a Lorry
Up to 29' £175
30' - 39' £180
40' - 49' £190
Over 50' £200

prices include V.A.T. @ 17.5%

We offer:

• Canal boat holidays
• Boat hire
• Cycle hire
• Moorings

Services for you

• Toilets
• Showers
• Laundry
• Water points
• Electric charging point

Services for your boat

• Boat service & repairs
• Bottled gas
• Pump out
• Slipway