Questions before you commission
Narrowboat FAQs
Detailed, direct answers about prices, layouts, ownership, electric propulsion, solar, materials and commissioning.
Buying a narrowboat
Before you commission a boat.
How much does a new Oakums narrowboat cost?
Current starting prices are £125,000 for a Bowless diesel, £145,000 for an Open Bow diesel and £160,000 for a Closed Bow diesel. Electric versions start from £145,000, £175,000 and £185,000 respectively. The final price depends on the agreed layout, propulsion, systems, materials and customer selected equipment.
How long does it take to build a narrowboat?
A new boat takes several months once the design and specification are agreed. The programme depends on complexity, specialist manufacturing and supplier lead times. Oakums provides the expected sequence and keeps the owner informed as the build develops.
Should I buy new or used?
A used boat can offer quicker availability and a lower purchase price. A new Oakums lets you shape the layout, propulsion, materials and equipment around your intended use, with new build documentation and a complete handover.
What size narrowboat should I buy?
Length should reflect how many people will use the boat, whether you intend to live aboard, the storage you need and the waterways you want to explore. Oakums currently offers the 40ft Bowless and 60ft Open Bow and Closed Bow ranges.
Is a 57ft or 60ft narrowboat better?
Neither length is automatically better. A 57ft boat is often chosen by owners who want access to a particularly broad range of inland waterways, while 60ft creates additional room for storage, circulation or living space. The better choice depends on your cruising plans and how you want to live aboard. Oakums will examine both the route and the interior brief before recommending a length.
Can I change the layout?
Yes. Each commission starts with an Oakums range, then the layout, storage, lighting, materials and technical specification are developed around the owner. Oakums will also explain when a requested change creates a practical compromise.
Can I view or try an Oakums?
Previous Builds provides genuine examples. Private viewing depends on access and owner permission. Synewave also operates an Oakums Bowless holiday boat, allowing prospective owners to experience the design on the water.
How do I start?
Compare the ranges and current prices, then arrange a private consultation. It helps to bring an approximate budget, intended use, preferred propulsion and target timing, but you do not need to understand every technical choice first.
Living aboard and ownership
Life after launch.
Can you live on a narrowboat throughout the year?
Yes. Heating, insulation, glazing, ventilation, electrical capacity, storage and access become especially important for continuous use. Mooring, licensing and local requirements also need separate consideration.
Do I need a permanent mooring?
Not necessarily. The requirement depends on how and where the boat is used and the relevant navigation authority rules. Anyone intending to use a boat as a permanent home should investigate suitable residential moorings and permissions before commissioning.
Do I need a licence and insurance?
A suitable licence is required on licensed waterways, and appropriate insurance is normally essential. Requirements depend on the navigation authority, mooring and intended cruising area.
What does a narrowboat cost to run?
Annual costs can include licensing, mooring, insurance, heating, fuel or electricity, servicing, blacking and routine maintenance. The total varies substantially with the boat, location and frequency of use.
Can an Oakums cruise on rivers?
A narrowboat can use suitable rivers when the boat, propulsion, equipment and crew are appropriate to the waterway and conditions. Intended river use should be discussed during design because it may affect propulsion and safety choices.
What documentation comes with a new boat?
Oakums provides the documentation applicable to the individual design, construction and intended use, together with available manuals and information for the principal installed equipment.
Electric narrowboats
Propulsion, charging and batteries.
How far can an electric narrowboat travel on one charge?
There is no responsible single figure. Distance depends on usable battery capacity, speed, water conditions, boat displacement, domestic demand, solar contribution and charging opportunities. Oakums designs the system around a realistic cruising pattern.
How long does charging take?
Charging time depends on battery capacity, remaining charge, the available supply and limits within the charging system. Shoreline, solar and generator support can be combined where appropriate.
Where can an electric boat be charged?
An electric narrowboat can use a suitable shoreline connection, onboard solar and an integrated generator where specified. The right mix depends on the moorings and waterways you expect to use.
Can solar fully power an electric narrowboat?
Solar can make a substantial contribution, particularly during brighter months, but output changes with season, weather and shading. Propulsion and domestic consumption still need to be assessed honestly, with another charging route available where appropriate.
How much solar can be fitted?
Optional Oakums arrays can provide up to approximately 3.2kW where the boat length, roof profile, skylights, vents and access allow. The correct capacity is the one that works with the complete energy system.
Are rigid or semi flexible panels better?
Both have advantages. Rigid panels can offer airflow beneath the module and strong individual performance. Semi flexible panels can follow the roof profile and may allow more total capacity to fit. Oakums selects against the particular roof and brief.
What happens when there is not enough sunlight?
Solar is one charging source. Shoreline and generator support can replenish the batteries during poor weather, winter or periods of unusually high consumption when included in the agreed specification.
How long do lithium batteries last?
Service life depends on chemistry, temperature, depth of discharge, charging pattern and system management. The equipment warranty and operating guidance for the selected battery system should be reviewed as part of the specification.
Are lithium batteries safe?
A professionally designed installation needs appropriate monitoring, protection, isolation, ventilation and service access. The precise safety measures depend on the selected equipment and system design.
Why offer VETUS E-Line and Torkmar?
VETUS E-Line is the standard Oakums electric platform across appropriate builds. Torkmar can suit owners who need a more individually configured propulsion and energy package. Oakums starts with a proven answer but does not force every brief into one standard system.
Building with Oakums
Design, materials and handover.
What happens during design?
Oakums begins with intended use, layout, propulsion, budget and cruising area. Drawings and digital modelling are used to develop circulation, storage, light, materials and technical systems before construction begins.
Who manufactures Oakums hulls?
Oakums works with British hull builder J. Wilson. The purpose built hull, engineering and interior plan are coordinated as one complete boat.
What materials are used inside?
Oakums uses marine plywood rather than MDF or chipboard, together with solid and high grade oak, painted finishes, worktops, flooring and upholstery selected for the individual commission.
What happens at handover?
Handover includes the completed boat, applicable documentation, available manuals and an introduction to the principal systems. Warranty and aftercare routes are explained at that stage.
How are safety and conformity considered?
The boat is designed and documented against the requirements applicable to its construction and intended use. The precise evidence depends on the individual commission and installed equipment. Oakums also plans access, isolation, protection and owner information into the technical specification rather than treating compliance as a final paperwork exercise.
What if my brief is unusual?
Bring it to Oakums. An established range provides a coherent starting point, but the design is developed around the owner. Oakums will explore nonstandard solutions where they can be engineered, supported and documented responsibly.
Start your Oakums
Still have a question?
Ask Oakums directly. A useful answer is better than forcing your plans into a standard package.