Terrace
A proper outdoor room
Shape the forward deck around quiet mornings, entertaining and a closer connection with the water.
The Oakums collection
60ft Open Bow Narrowboat
Light-filled canal living with a private forward deck and an interior shaped around the way you want to use the boat.
Diesel from £145,000Electric from £175,000
The Open Bow explained
What is an Open Bow narrowboat?
An Open Bow includes a private forward deck, creating a closer connection between the bedroom and the waterside. Inside, the design brings together generous glazing, skylights and clear sightlines.
The standard 60ft layout offers the best value because its design 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: The open bow becomes a genuine extension of the saloon, giving you somewhere private to sit, entertain and watch the water.
Designed for real life
Who is this range for?
Owners who value sociable outdoor space, natural light and a flexible interior for cruising or living aboard.
- Private forward deck
- Large skylights and considered natural light
- Custom storage and joinery
- Diesel or electric propulsion
Light through the boat
How does the Open Bow feel inside?
Large windows and skylights draw daylight through the saloon and dining space. Pale surfaces lift the light, while natural oak frames the ceiling, windows and fitted furniture so the scheme still feels warm and grounded. Long views through the cabin make the interior feel composed rather than narrow.
Made for everyday life
Living, dining and storage.
The layout brings cooking, dining and relaxing into one sociable sequence without allowing any one area to dominate. Fitted seating creates a proper place to gather, cabinetry follows the architecture of the boat, and storage is absorbed into the design so the room can stay calm in everyday use.
Materials with purpose
Warm oak, soft colour and confident contrast.
Oak gives the interior continuity from room to room, balanced by soft painted cabinetry, tactile upholstery and restrained darker accents. The result feels contemporary without becoming stark. Your palette can be taken in a quieter, bolder or more traditional direction while Oakums keeps the overall composition coherent.
Indicative arrangement
Open Bow floor plan.
The indicative 60ft arrangement brings together a mudroom entrance, galley, dining area, saloon, bathroom, private bedroom and forward terrace. It is a starting point, not a restriction. Oakums develops the final layout around the way you intend to use the boat.
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.
Interior
Keep the inside generous
Plan sightlines, circulation, furniture and storage so the terrace does not come at the cost of everyday comfort.
Specification
Make it unmistakably yours
Choose the propulsion, materials, lighting, equipment and details with Oakums as one coordinated design.
Useful answers
Open Bow questions.
Clear answers about the standard layout, propulsion and the choices that make the boat yours.
Can the length be changed?
Yes, although we recommend the standard 60ft layout for the best value. Different lengths and layout changes carry additional bespoke costs.
Is diesel or electric available?
Yes. Open Bow prices start from £145,000 for diesel and £175,000 for electric propulsion.
Can the interior be customised?
Yes. Layout, storage, materials and finishing details are developed with each owner.
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
Shape an Open Bow around you.
Request the current Open Bow brochure and prices, or arrange a private consultation with Oakums to discuss your layout, propulsion and priorities.