Living
More room inside
Use the enclosed forward area for a larger saloon, additional storage or another part of your agreed layout.
The Oakums collection
60ft Closed Bow Narrowboat
A calm, protected interior designed around privacy, useful storage and comfortable time aboard.
Diesel from £160,000Electric from £185,000
The Closed Bow explained
What is a Closed Bow narrowboat?
A Closed Bow carries the enclosed cabin farther forward, creating a more private and protected interior. It is particularly suited to owners who value storage, separation between spaces and comfortable use throughout the seasons.
The standard 60ft layout offers the best value because its design, storage and use of space are already carefully resolved. Other lengths and layout changes are available, but bespoke alterations involve additional design and build costs.
In short: Closing the bow brings the forward area into the main accommodation, creating room for a larger saloon, additional storage or a more flexible layout.
Designed for real life
Who is this range for?
Owners planning longer stays, year round cruising or full time life aboard who want more usable space inside.
- Maximum protected living space
- Flexible saloon and storage planning
- Warm, quiet interior design
- Diesel or electric propulsion
Protected, never enclosed
How does the Closed Bow feel inside?
The sheltered layout feels settled and residential, while generous windows, a broad rooflight and carefully placed lighting prevent the interior from feeling enclosed. The long, uninterrupted sightline gives the saloon breathing room and makes the additional protected floor area feel genuinely useful.
Made for everyday life
Storage without visual clutter.
Fitted cabinetry makes use of the available space, with storage incorporated around the galley and living areas to keep everyday items close at hand. Soft green painted doors, warm oak beams and pale stone-effect surfaces create depth without visual noise, while integrated appliances preserve the clean architectural rhythm.
A private retreat
Comfort carried through every room.
The material story continues into the bathroom, where natural oak, pale vertical detailing and softly veined surfaces feel calm and substantial. An illuminated recess and generous mirror add light exactly where it is useful. It is a practical room treated with the same care as the principal living space.
Indicative arrangement
Closed Bow floor plan.
The indicative 60ft arrangement uses the protected bow for more accommodation, with a mudroom, saloon, dinette, galley, pantry, bathroom and private bedroom. Oakums adapts the final plan around your storage, furniture and life 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.
Seasons
Comfort beyond summer
Plan heating, insulation, lighting and ventilation around longer stays and all season use.
Specification
Built around your priorities
Develop propulsion, furniture, finishes and onboard systems with Oakums as one complete commission.
Useful answers
Closed Bow questions.
Clear answers about the standard layout, propulsion and the choices that make the boat yours.
Who is the Closed Bow suited to?
It suits owners who prioritise a protected interior, privacy and practical storage for longer periods aboard.
Is diesel or electric available?
Yes. Closed Bow prices start from £160,000 for diesel and £185,000 for electric propulsion.
Can the length or layout change?
Yes, although we recommend the standard 60ft layout for the best value. Different lengths and layout changes carry additional bespoke costs.
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
Plan a Closed Bow for every season.
Request the current Closed Bow brochure and prices, or arrange a private consultation with Oakums to discuss your layout, propulsion and priorities.