Dharl Posted May 11, 2016 Report Share Posted May 11, 2016 Was looking for some pictures of a trad stern boat with an extra wide hatch when stumbled on an advert for the BoA based 'The Coalboat' is up for sale. As only launched in in 2012 built for a specific business I was wondering if there wasn't enough business to operate on the western K&A or if another boat was taking over the business? http://bristol.boatshed.com/narrowboat_70ft-boat-213341.html I am not on the K&A myself but have always liked the look of that boat......(don't tell SWMBO!!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmr Posted May 11, 2016 Report Share Posted May 11, 2016 Spencer and Victoria have two coal boats and also own the canalside "boatyard" at Hilperton. They run a very tight business and appear more interested in providing a good service to boaters than getting rich. FAME free diesel at 55p and coal cheaper than driving to the local coal merchant. No realistic chance of any new business getting a look in. They do the River Avon, Western end and long pound. Another smaller boat does whats left; the Kennet and Eastern end. ..............Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dharl Posted May 11, 2016 Author Report Share Posted May 11, 2016 That might explane it! Currently based up at Eastern end of K&A, planning to move to Western end most like Y Hilperton end of year so will have to check them out! Like to support the fuel boats where I can! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cuthound Posted May 12, 2016 Report Share Posted May 12, 2016 PM me if you still want pictures of a trad stern with a wide hatch, we have one (it is also on longer runners to allow two people to be one ahead of the other). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cuthound Posted May 12, 2016 Report Share Posted May 12, 2016 Was looking for some pictures of a trad stern boat with an extra wide hatchHi Dharl, it seems I cannot add photos to a PM, so please find them attached here. Sorry about the last one, it should be turned through 90° but I don't know how to do it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dharl Posted May 12, 2016 Author Report Share Posted May 12, 2016 HI Cuthound, thank you for the pics of the widehatch, just what I was looking for. Ideal for both Mrs Dharl to be seated in residence as well as our own hound! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cuthound Posted May 12, 2016 Report Share Posted May 12, 2016 HI Cuthound, thank you for the pics of the widehatch, just what I was looking for. Ideal for both Mrs Dharl to be seated in residence as well as our own hound! Due to excitable nature of our current hound, we have to cruise with the back doors closed. He loved the boat from the minute he saw it, as Matty40's (who was repainting my handrails the day we got him) will testify. Whilst much quieter now, he still cannot resist barking at every other dog he sees, whether on the towpath or on a boat. Note the "elderly hound" friendly steps, which was a major consideration for us at the time. Then the damn inconsiderate dog went and dies a year after we got a boat suited to him! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sassan Posted May 18, 2016 Report Share Posted May 18, 2016 The Coal Boat was profitable. It was many people's preference as it did Bath to Devizes and back weekly (Spencer did monthly. I think). The owner sold it to do other things. Spencer has since got a second boat, so his deliveries are now more regular than they were before. Therefore I think starting up a new coal boat business in the area would be difficult. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dharl Posted May 18, 2016 Author Report Share Posted May 18, 2016 The Coal Boat was profitable. It was many people's preference as it did Bath to Devizes and back weekly (Spencer did monthly. I think). The owner sold it to do other things. Spencer has since got a second boat, so his deliveries are now more regular than they were before. Therefore I think starting up a new coal boat business in the area would be difficult. Thanks Sassan for the update. Have admired the Coalboat when I have seen her in the flesh (so to speak) so hope she has a happy new home and continues working where ever she ends up! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Featured Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now