River Boating Forum

When i first started researching boats narrowboats came up more than river boats. What is the diffrences between a 40foot narrowboat and a 40ft river boat?

A narrowboat will be narrower, Hence the name. A cruiser will go faster and handle better at higher speeds. Depending on the type of use it is designed for it is possible it could have two engines. In this case the engines are more than likely to be petrol. Which at the moment will cost more to run than the conventional diesel narrowboat. You may know that diesel for pleasure craft is now going up to the normal rate you pay to put fuel into your car. It really is personal preferance, have a look round both type of boats and see which you like.

What waterways would you be cruising?

I would be cruising the canals around London and will hopefully do the tidal Thames if i am confident in my boat

We have a 30 ft River/sea boat and we have twin diesel Perkin 4107's in.
It is probably 50/50 diesel to petrol with the larger boats.

Hi Scott, a compromise between a Narrowboat and a river boat would be a narrow beam GRP boat such as an Atlanta 32 or Viking 32, both of which, usually, have an outboard (petrol), would allow you access through 7ft wide locks, and would have reasonable 'sea keeping' abilities on the tidal bits of the Thames.
The mooring fees on a narrowboat could well be more than a GRP boat too.
If it isn't going to be a liveaboard, just a weekend and holiday boat, you could have a lot of money tied up in a narrowboat when it's not being used, if you see what I mean!
I have a widebeam Viking 24 with a 30hp outboard, and the fuel consumption at river/canal speeds is around 1-2 litres an hour, pretty frugal really, although when opened up (pointless as the top speed downstream with a 30hp is about 9mph!) the consumption rises proportionally.
It's all about what YOU want, and what you'd be happy in.

Sorry Scott, My mistake with the engine type on river cruisers. I was stating more from what i saw when i was looking around for my boat. As Hypnorm mentioned in the introductions area, hire both types of boats and see which suits you best.