Narrowboat Isabella Link Pages

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Fit-Out:-

Interior Specification

Cost

Fit-out your own boat?

Some advice, tips, Q&A etc.

Chelmer Canal Photos / info

Boats on the Canal, Maps / Location, moorings, events, history and future plans

A little about us

	Isabella is moored at Hoe Mill on the Chelmer and Blackwater Canal, the canal was build over 200 year ago by the Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation Company (C&BN), which still own the canal but are currently in administration. Essex Waterways Ltd a whole owned subsidiary of the Inland Waterways Association took over the running of the canal in November 2005. Their web site is www.chelmsfordboats.co.uk. helps publicise what is happening on and around the waterways of Chelmsford. The canal is some 14 miles long, with 13 locks, running from Chelmsford, Essex to the Blackwater Estuary near Maldon. Despite its close proximity to London the canal is surprisingly unspoilt, remote and tranquil, winding through mainly gentle undulating farmland. "Step back in time to another world" . This idyllic ribbon of water, nestling in willow lined valleys brims with peace and tranquillity. A true paradise for anglers, walkers, birdwatchers, small boat enthusiasts, artists and families just out for a leisurely stroll.
	You used to be able to hire a narrow boat on the C&B canal through Blackwater Boats, but now only trip boats. We hired Ruddy Duck in October 1999 and enjoyed it so much that by December 1999 we had bought Isabella!!!!!. 3 or 4 night short breaks started from around £220, a week from around £350. Contact Ron and Judith Abbott for a brochure on 01206 853282, visit their web site, or e-mail them
	Victoria is a purpose built vessel licensed to carry 48 passengers. Ideal for an informal party, club outing, wedding reception or boardroom meeting. She is 58ft long by 12'6" wide. She operates from Paper Mill lock up to 11:00pm, with bar and food on board. Call Chelmer Cruises on 01245 225520 for a brochure, visit their web site, or e-mail them at cruises@cbn.co.uk
	Chelmer Canal Trust, formerly the Friends of the Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation is a voluntary group whose main aims are to preserve the waterway from Chelmsford to the sea and to enhance the quality of its public enjoyment and appreciation. The Trust provides a forum for the assembly and focus of the views of all interested people, and organises special events, lectures, socials, and cruises, as well as publishing a newsletter. To encourage boat users to enjoy the waterway, we organise boat rallies and have special waterway plaques available. Our activities also include organising working parties to improve the riverside, providing information boards at key locations and working to improve water access to sites of interest.

Liverpool Boat Co Ltd. We contacted around 20 narrow boat manufacturers and visited 8. Liverpool Boats impressed us most by far. They had around 8 boats under construction when we visited, they were very helpful, put no sales pressure on us to buy, and we are very, very pleased with her. I would recommend anyone looking to buy a shell or complete boat to put them on their short list.

Tuesday Night Club. In May 2001 Earnest, a 57'-6" narrowboat motored around from the River Thames up the River Blackwater into the Chelmer and Blackwater Canal. The fascinating journey of the 'Tuesday Night Club' is detailed on their web page. Lots of photos taken along the canal.

Narrowboatworld.com A purely non-commercial, completely independent site, letting you know daily, what is happening in the world of narrowboating. The site for readers' letters, gripes and observations……If you have an interest in narrowboats this site is a must to visit. In my opinion the best narrowboat site on the web.

Waterways Directory.com Is the comprehensive directory for all UK Inland Waterways related businesses, clubs, societies and organisations…… If you have an interest in uk waterways, you will find something of interest here. Well worth a look.

Canal boat and Inland Waterways magazine. Britain's biggest Waterways Magazine. A great magazine, waterways news, buy books & videos online plus what's in the current issue etc.

Another great magazine, you may have bought it from your local newsagent. Take a look at it on the web.... what's in the current issue plus special features etc.

George's: Canal Boating in the U.K. and Europe An introduction for those unfamiliar with the pleasures of canal and waterway cruising, as well as a resource for experienced boaters. Since 1995... Still comprehensive. Still non-commercial....Lots of canal and waterways information.

Jim Shead's Waterways information site. This site contains over 23Mb of data, in over 600 pages, relating to canals and navigable rivers in the UK. With details of each individual waterway together with a table of distances for those waterways still in use.

The Narrowboat builders book. Written by Graham Booth. An excellent book, a must for anyone interested in fitting out their own boat, or improving an existing one. Published by Waterways Word. Web site unknown.

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