Hi everyone, I’ve owned my narrowboat for 5 years now and am trying to track down its history, specifically the original shell builder and model/fitter for new insurance. Unfortunately, the CRT/British Waterways records have the builder listed as "Unknown". The engine has been replaced over the years, and I don't have any older paper BSS certificates to look back on. Here are the official specs and everything I know so far: CRT Index Number: 500442 Registered Name: Unicorn Build Year: 1995 (Log indicates it was officially indexed in the late 90s/early 00s) Length: 60ft (18.29m) Width: 7ft (2.13m) Stern Style: Traditional Visual & Physical Clues: It features an elegant, long underwater swim and a traditional stern deck configuration. The bow profile has a classic, slightly upright but elongated stem post curve meeting a flat bottom. There are no obvious stamped yard numbers on the vertical walls or rims inside the forward gas locker or on the weed hatch rim itself. Inside the engine room, there is a distinct, small, welded "V" mark directly on the bulkhead behind the centre line of the weed hatch clamping bar—though this looks like it might just be a factory alignment guide or worker's tally mark rather than a specific builder signature. I've attached photos showing the side profile, the bow/cabin lines, the traditional stern layout, the hull shape while lifted on a trailer, and a close-up of the weed hatch assembly. Given the 1995 build date and the 60ft traditional layout, does anyone recognise the steelwork lines or know of any yards (like Colecraft, Liverpool Boats, or others from that era) that regularly used this specific weed hatch clamp design or hull profile? Any leads on the original fit-out history for 'Unicorn' would be massively appreciated! Thanks in advance for any help!
