Shakespeare

Shakespeare is a 69’6” traditional stern narrowboat built in 1990 by Les Allen and fitted out by Water Travel Ltd. She had a full back to metal repaint in April 2021, and was blacked again in March 2024.

The open well deck is bigger than most at 5’3” with two fixed benches (portside storage and starboard side diesel tank), and the galvanised steel 900L water tank is housed below.

Steps lead down, through glazed forward doors, into the 14’1” saloon. The quality of the ash tongue and groove and oak panelled hull sides becomes instantly apparent. Here there is a sofa (room for a sofa bed if required), Morso Squirrel diesel stove, Cello 12v smart TV, and a range of cupboards for storage. 

Two stools sit at a breakfast bar before heading into the 8’9” galley. Under laminate worktops sit a range of cupboards, a stainless steel sink, Thetford Caprice MKIII 4 burner gas hob, oven & grill, and a 12v Fridgemaster fridge with icebox.

The 5’11” off corridor bathroom follows, with a shower over bath, ceramic wash basin over a cupboard, and a Thetford cassette loo.

Next is the 11’11” bedroom, with a fixed 6’3” x 4’0” double berth (storage under), a large double wardrobe, and side hatches either side with steps and roof access, which bring in additional light and fresh air.

The 5’10” engine room follows with a Russell Newbery DM2 engine taking pride of place. This was serviced last in January 2026.

Keeping with tradition, the aft boatmans cabin features lovely roses and castles in near pristine condition, a fold down cross bed double, a fold down table, Epping solid fuel stove, fixed bench with storage, and more cupboards.

A step leads out onto the trad stern deck, with a couple of taff seats for perching whilst cruising.

She is centrally heated by a Webasto diesel fired system connected to 3 radiators and a towel rail. Hot water is provided via the engine, Webasto or immersion heater.

12v power is supplied by 4x 100ah domestics, with a separate starter, topped up by 3x 395w solar with a Victron MPPT solar charge controller. 240v power is supplied by a Durite 1500w inverter, or landline hookup. A Sterling battery charger and galvanic isolator are also installed.

Lighting on board is LED throughout.

She comes with all the relevant navigation equipment to just turn the key and go!