Footprint
A manageable 40ft boat
Gain a more compact boat without accepting a poorly planned or stripped back interior.
The Oakums collection
40ft Bowless Narrowboat
A compact narrowboat that uses intelligent planning to create a remarkably capable interior.
Diesel from £125,000Electric from £145,000
The Bowless explained
What is a Bowless narrowboat?
Developed with SYNEWAVE, the 40ft Bowless, available with diesel or electric propulsion, brings the Oakums approach to a highly manageable footprint. By reducing space normally lost at the bow, it devotes more of its length to the accommodation you use every day.
Large windows, integrated storage and a fully equipped kitchen help the interior feel open and practical. Warm materials and clean architectural lines create a contemporary atmosphere designed around comfort, efficient use and modern life on the water.
In short: By reducing space that is normally lost at the bow, Bowless devotes more of its length to the rooms and storage you use every day.
Designed for real life
Who is this range for?
Owners who want a more manageable length, lower starting price and carefully planned space for holidays or extended cruising.
- Compact 40ft length
- Space led interior planning
- Distinctive exterior character
- Diesel or electric propulsion
Every metre has a purpose
Compact without feeling compromised.
The first impression is light and length. A generous rooflight draws the eye upward, while the open view from the living area towards the bedroom makes the cabin feel connected. Furniture and storage sit within the architecture, leaving the main circulation route clear and the interior easy to live in.
Made for everyday life
A small galley with a grown-up specification.
Soft green cabinetry, warm oak slats and pale marble-effect worktops give the galley a confident residential character. The induction hob, sink and preparation space are arranged compactly, while pendant lighting and the roof glazing turn a working kitchen into part of the visual centre of the boat.
A room to withdraw to
Quiet colour and considered detail.
The bedroom uses a slatted oak headboard, soft grey-green textiles and patterned upholstery to create warmth without heaviness. Pale wall detailing and neatly integrated blinds keep the room bright. It shows how a compact plan can still provide a distinct, restful place at the end of the day.
Indicative arrangement
Bowless floor plan.
The indicative 40ft arrangement includes a saloon, galley, breakfast bar, bathroom and bedroom while protecting usable storage and clear circulation. Oakums develops the final plan around the people, equipment and time you expect to have aboard.
The drawing is indicative. Dimensions, furniture, services and final layout are confirmed as part of your individual Oakums specification.
Oakums design and completed work
See the range in detail.
Completed boats and detailed Oakums design renders show how proportion, materials, storage and light are brought together. Your boat can take a different direction while retaining the thinking behind the range.
Designed with you
A range, not a fixed package.
Start with the qualities that make this range distinctive, then make considered choices around your own life on the water.
Space
Make every metre work
Use integrated storage, clear sightlines and fitted furniture to create an interior that feels calm and capable.
Specification
Choose diesel or electric
Select the propulsion and onboard systems that fit your cruising pattern, mooring access and budget.
Useful answers
Bowless questions.
Clear answers about the standard layout, propulsion and the choices that make the boat yours.
Who is Bowless for?
Bowless suits owners who want a highly manageable 40ft boat without reducing the interior to a basic holiday specification.
Is diesel or electric available?
Yes. Bowless prices start from £125,000 for diesel and £145,000 for electric propulsion.
Can the interior be personalised?
Yes. Materials, colours, equipment and detailed storage are developed around the agreed brief and budget.
From range to commission
A clear starting point, made personal.
The range establishes the overall idea. Your individual boat is then developed through practical conversations about how you want to live.
Layout
Use every metre well
Plan circulation, furniture, storage and privacy together.
Materials
Choose for life aboard
Balance oak, painted finishes, worktops and upholstery around the atmosphere you want.
Systems
Specify as one boat
Match power, heating, water and propulsion to genuine daily use.
Start your Oakums
Make more of 40ft with Bowless.
Request the current Bowless brochure and prices, or arrange a private consultation with Oakums to discuss your layout, propulsion and priorities.