Waterways World · December 2021
“Crick Show-stopper”
A New Boat Review of Larkrise explored the 60ft narrowboat and the choices behind Oakums' first Crick winner.
Award-winning narrowboat builders UK
New narrowboats recognised at Crick Boat Show.
Three consecutive years of recognition for Oakums narrowboats: Larkrise won at the August 2021 show, Evenstar won in 2022, and Morning Star achieved second place in 2023. Each bespoke commission brings contemporary British design, skilled craftsmanship and modern onboard technology together.
Three consecutive years
Award-winning British narrowboats.
From luxury liveaboard interiors to carefully integrated diesel and electric propulsion, every Oakums narrowboat is individually developed around its owner and the life they want on the water.
2021Larkrise — winner
2022Evenstar — winner
2023Morning Star — second place
Crick Boat Show · August 2021
Larkrise — Favourite Boat in Show.
Larkrise was voted Favourite Boat in Show by visitors to the in-person August 2021 Crick Boat Show. It was Oakums' first appearance at the event.
Waterways World followed the result with a December 2021 New Boat Review headed “Crick Show-stopper”, examining the 60ft boat, its contemporary interior and the owners' commissioning choices.
Crick Boat Show · 2022
Evenstar — Favourite Narrowboat in Show.
Evenstar made it two consecutive visitor-voted successes for Oakums when it was named Favourite Narrowboat in Show at Crick Boat Show 2022.
Waterways World featured Evenstar as its “Favourite Narrowboat in Show” boat review. Canal Boat also put the semi-cruiser through a detailed August 2022 boat test under the headline “Two in a Row”.
Crick Boat Show · 2023
Morning Star.
Morning Star achieved second place at Crick Boat Show in 2023. Oakums' contemporary record supports the placing; Crick's published archive names that year's winner but does not list runners-up.
Award moments
Three years at Crick.
The awards marked three memorable appearances for Oakums and the owners whose individual boats shaped each result.
In the boating press
Boat reviews with detail and depth.
Waterways World and Canal Boat explored the design, interiors and individual specifications behind the award-winning boats.
Waterways World · August 2022
“Favourite Narrowboat in Show”
Waterways World reviewed Evenstar after it collected the Favourite Narrowboat award at Crick Boat Show 2022.
Canal Boat · August 2022
“Two in a Row”
Canal Boat published a detailed boat test of Evenstar, covering its exterior, luxury interior, specification and owners' experience.
Choosing a new narrowboat builder
Contemporary design. Individual commissions.
Oakums creates bespoke new narrowboats for cruising, extended stays and luxury liveaboard life, with more than 50 boats forming an evolving portfolio of British craftsmanship.
Three new narrowboat ranges
Choose a compact Bowless, a sociable Open Bow or a protected Closed Bow, then develop the layout and specification around your life.
Compare the ranges →Diesel or electric narrowboats
Oakums offers diesel and electric propulsion, with charging, lithium battery storage, solar generation and onboard demand considered together.
Explore electric narrowboats →More than 50 individual builds
Explore contemporary layouts, marine-grade materials, tailored interiors and distinctive finishes across the Oakums archive.
Explore Previous Builds →Designed around the owner
Luxury narrowboats made personal.
Every Oakums commission begins with how the boat will be used. Layout, natural light, storage, materials, propulsion and energy systems are developed together to create a coherent home on the water.
Explore the Previous Builds archive, compare the current new narrowboat collection, or view the Crick Boat Show winners archive.
Questions buyers ask
Oakums awards and new narrowboats.
Clear answers about the results and what Oakums builds today.
Has Oakums won Favourite Boat in Show?
Yes. Larkrise won Favourite Boat in Show at the August 2021 Crick Boat Show, and Evenstar won Favourite Narrowboat in Show in 2022.
Which Oakums boats have been recognised at Crick?
Larkrise won in August 2021, Evenstar won in 2022, and Morning Star achieved second place in 2023.
Does Oakums build diesel and electric narrowboats?
Yes. Bowless, Open Bow and Closed Bow are available with diesel and electric propulsion options at their current published starting prices.
Start your Oakums
Create the next recognised Oakums.
Use these completed boats for inspiration, then talk to Oakums about the layout, finish and propulsion that would make your commission individual.