Unconverted 1936 Middle Northwich Butty For Sale

Built by Yarwoods of Northwich in 1936 for the GUCCCo, extensively restored by Brinklow Boats in 1990 with a full traditional back cabin by Simon and Rex Wain still in excellent condition. Out of the eight built by Yarwoods, it’s one of only three still unconverted and the only one in private hands. It still has all running gear, top planks, mast, chains, and upstands. It was built as Triagulum but never had a hard life, acquired by Willow Wren and run together with Mallard in the 1960s.

There’s an undercloth conversion that, frankly, needs replacing or rebuilding. Inside it’s a beautiful and very spacious boat, the extra height and width giving a considerably more airy feel than a modern narrowboat. It would be feasible to rebuild the cabin top as is with a minimum of fuss and money. Otherwise, it would be very easy (one day and a sledgehammer 😉 to turn it back into an authentic butty from the era of Willow Wren or have a steel top built in the yard at Bradford-on-Avon with spray foam ready for a new fit-out.

For sale for as-is, unconverted, or with a full-length steel cabin, fully spray foamed. Other options are available. It was inspected, repainted, and some over plating done at Underfall Yard in Bristol in 2017. As its sale is being handled by Bradford Wharf, the opportunity is there for two back blacking and any alternations required.

A beautiful, eye-catching boat and a rare opportunity to own a much-admired piece of history. And the CRT license is only 45% of the full price making it a very cost-effective addition to a narrow boat for a growing family or workshop.

Bradford on Avon, England
Location is approximate