NB Birmingham - Historic working Boat Built in 1936

The Grand Union Canal Carrying Co Ltd ordered from Harland&Wolff Ltd of Woolwich, 24 pairs of the Type F Motor, to be known as a Large Woolwich Town Class. Birmingham was built as one of these craft in 1936, fleet No. 121.

During her Life she has changed hands a number of times and worked for various companies, including: GUCCCo – British Waterways and Union Canal Carriers (who’s livery she is painted in today)

Birmingham has lots of lovely original features and still retains much of her character. The back cabin has been skinned over in steel retaining its original shape and is a good example and easy on the eye. The rear deck and cants have also been replaced in steel. The engine ‘ole is original.

Registered with National Historic Ships

The boat has a current BSC valid until May 2021

There is a hull survey available for reading from March 2014

Birmingham was last out of the water for blacking on our dry dock in 2016

Please remember Birmingham is 82 years old and is not a new boat. If you wish to take on a historic craft then please understand that the maintenance and restoration of such craft is always ongoing. This is however one such craft that has been well cared for and maintained. She is straight and not bent or hogged!

This boat has lots of History and comes well equipped. It is rare when craft as nice as this come to market and this certainly is a regrettable sale by the owner.

If you think you could be the next custodian of such a craft then please call Lawrence at the office on 01827 898585 to discuss further and arrange a viewing.

Back Cabin
Inside the back cabin there is an epping stove in good condition and all the usual cabin fitments that one would expect to find in a back cabin, bed ole – table cupboard – etc and many extra personal touches like brass edged steps and shelves. The cross bed is roomy and comfortable given the high gunwhale level!

What you don’t always find in many working boats today is the fantastic paintwork, graining and cabin decoration in both the back cabin and the engine room that is in great condition for it’s age. This really adds to the charm and character of the boat and on close inspection of the cabin there are some nice touches.

Engine Room
Inside she has her original corner tanks (balanced under floors) with a large fuel capacity. There is a cassette toilet next to the engine and variious cruising apparatus stowed away such as tall pipe, chimneys, ropes, battery charger, shore power connection lead etc.

The engine is an air cooled Lister HB2 with Blackstone gearbox driving a 24 inch blade. The craft handles very well, is quick through the water and certainly doesn’t struggle for power, for those who have never handled a “big boat” or Town Class then don’t be fooled by their size. They are in fact much easier and lighter on the tiller than you might expect.! This one I must say is a pleasure to steer and handle and is a great example of such a craft.

Hold
The boat has a full set of running gear ie: 2 stands, box mast with top mast, removeable cratch, side cloths and strings, top cloths and strings, white decorative ropework to fore end. and a full set of planks.

The fore end cants are still wooden as original, the bottom is steel and has been overplated as per survey findings.

Currently the boat is clothed up and inside the hold there is a camping style arrangement to give additional accomodation space. This includes table chairs and dining space, camping kitchen with stove, fridge and food preperation area. Large lockable storeage chest even a fresh water barrel with pump and facility to have a wash.

It could also be arranged to have additional guests camping under cloths.

Whilst this all makes life easier when boating with a historic craft such as this, nothing is fixed in position and everything could be emptied to return the craft to original carrying condtion.