The Sign of Four

The Sign of Four is a charming 26’6” cruiser stern narrowboat built in 1998 by Piper and fitted out by Midway Boats. You can turn her anywhere, and although compact, she really fits in all the essentials!

She is fitted out in oak faced ply with solid wood trim, and carpet throughout, and was last blacked in August 2024 with 4 new anodes fitted at the same time, and had a survey in 2020 too!

The cruiser stern deck is 4’8”, with a taff rail for perching on whilst cruising. The Beta 13.5hp engine is housed below, last serviced in Summer 2023 and cruised very little since.

Steps lead down into the first of two saloons. This aft cabin is 6’2” with a dinette (plus demountable table) which converts to a linear double berth. There is also a Carabo solid fuel stove, and some shelves for storage. The placement of the midship solid fuel stove means heat can radiate out to both ends of the living space.

The 6’2” galley runs along the port side, with laminate worktops, 2 ring Parker gas burner with a combined oven & grill, 12v mini fridge, stainless steel sink, and a range of cupboards and a drawer for storage.

Along the starboard side sits the 3’4” wet room style bathroom. Here is a Thetford Porta Potti toilet, with a wall mounted plastic sink and an extendable basin tap which can be used as the shower. A single full height wardrobe also sits along this side of the boat.

Next is the forward cabin, with fixed bench seats either side. Theres plenty of storage under, and as these benches extend under the well deck, they can be used as 2 single berths or a cross bed double.

A step leads out, through glazed stable doors, onto the 2’11” well deck, with seats either side, and access to the gas locker in the bow.

She is 12v only, running 1x 115ah domestic and 1x 110ah starter, powering the on board electrics including 12v cigarette plugs in the aft cabin.

Lighting on board is LED throughout.

Hot water is provided by the engine only.

She is ideal for weekends away, and with a few upgrades she could even make a compact live aboard.