50ft Narrowboat Unique / unusual design

[David Mack]

I don't know that its such an unusual design, but is a 185hp turbo diesel engine really necessary?

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/172082016543

 

[dave moore]

In a word....vile! At least to my eyes.

 

Dave

[Sabcat]

In a word....vile! At least to my eyes.

 

Dave

 

I dunno, it's got a certain quirkiness.....no you're right. It's horrendous.

[Nightwatch]

Don't like it!

[Sabcat]

Do any of the more technically minded types want to give us an idea what it's going to be like with a 185hp engine? Is it powerful enough for a 50ft boat?

[BD3Bill]

Click on the linky for the whole Marmite experience...

[Southern Star]

I would have said a Ford Sabre engine would be unsuited to slow running, they're more a full throttle sea-going engine.

[BD3Bill]

Do any of the more technically minded types want to give us an idea what it's going to be like with a 185hp engine? Is it powerful enough for a 50ft boat?

I should think it will go up the Rhine against the tide if it has a decent prop ! The lorry exhaust is priceless.

[RLWP]

Do any of the more technically minded types want to give us an idea what it's going to be like with a 185hp engine? Is it powerful enough for a 50ft boat?

 

I have done a brief google - can't find any data

 

Richard

[magictime]

I kinda like it, although that probably has less to do with the aesthetics of this particular boat than it does with my general appreciation of the colour brought to the canals by having a range of weird and wonderful boats around. Let's face it, no leisure boat with living space instead of a cargo hold is a 'proper,' traditional narrowboat at the end of the day, and IMHO it's no bad thing that there are boaters and builders out there looking for something a little different from the basic patterns established in the past few decades.

[ChimneyChain]

Looks a bit like Jim McDonald's boat Elizabeth.

 

Darren

[W+T]

I like different :) I cold fettle it to a better colour to my taste though.

 

I once looked at a NB with a V12 Jag engine fitted, dont think it lasted long though.

 

Yes it looks better than the usual sewer tube.

[patty-ann]

Has certain charm..I quite like it

[churchward]

I don't hate it but it would not be my dream boat. Although I have often thought a more dutch style NB would make a good live aboard boat but I would want it to be longer and have a bit more style to it.

Do any of the more technically minded types want to give us an idea what it's going to be like with a 185hp engine? Is it powerful enough for a 50ft boat?

just about 140 BHP too much (or more)

Edited February 3, 2016 by churchward

[OldGoat]

Didn't look too 'bad' on the headline picture, then ,then, then -

looking inside - umm - quite a boxy feeling ?

 

However, anyone who puts a Sabre in a NB must be strange and that to my mind casts doubts on the rest of the boat.

Sabres are turbo charged aren't they - so another potential problem??

[cereal tiller]

I would have said a Ford Sabre engine would be unsuited to slow running, they're more a full throttle sea-going engine.

Precisely, Turbo Diesels of that type run best at ,at least 60% load,run for light load for long periods makes them rather smoky.

 

CT

[the barnacle]

i think if it were a different colour scheme and less cluttered along its side it would be well smart, - i like it.

 

15mm base 10 mm sides - bet it hasnt much balast.

Edited February 3, 2016 by the barnacle

[Sabcat]

just about 140 BHP too much (or more)

When my boat was 50ft it had a Lister ST2 in it, 18hp and that was plenty.

 

I do wonder what it would be like steering a boat the same size with more than 10 times that power.

[RLWP]

When my boat was 50ft it had a Lister ST2 in it, 18hp and that was plenty.

 

I do wonder what it would be like steering a boat the same size with more than 10 times that power.

 

Noisy

 

Richard

[pete harrison]

but is a 185hp turbo diesel engine really necessary?

I am not really in a position to comment as I know little about modern boats, but people say similar things about my car - 5.5 litre V8 and two turbo's = 557hp

[zenataomm]

The advert says he'll post to USA, I'd have thought it could get there under its own power.

[Sabcat]

 

Noisy

 

Richard

 

Same as the ST then

[peterboat]

i like it or should i say it makes me smile. the other thing is it would really give some gin palaces a surprise on the trent a narrowboat on the plane

[BD3Bill]

i like it or should i say it makes me smile. the other thing is it would really give some gin palaces a surprise on the trent a narrowboat on the plane

 

With Bows shaped like it has very little chance of getting on the plane IMHO.

Looks like a BW work boat !

Edited February 3, 2016 by BD3Bill

[Bee]

Hmm, its different innit. Actually I quite like parts of it, the fore end has a bit of Humber keel about it, the top would look better being uncluttered, the wheelhouse is alright. Picture it with a bit of sheer instead of the bleak straightness of the thing and it could look pretty good, Bit of 'Ferrous' in there as well as a bit of 'Elizabeth' Good Effort but doesn't quite succeed.