What Is the Difference Between a Barge and a Narrowboat?

So, what is the difference between a barge and a narrowboat? "Does it really matter?" you might be asking yourself but there are important distinctions that, will not only irritate narrowboat owners and canal buffs if you get it wrong, but, from an insurance point of view could have serious implications as to the scope, validity and availability of your protection.

It's probably sensible (and safer) to start with the narrowboat: built specifically with canal navigation in mind (hence they are narrow) a narrowboat has a beam (width) of between 6 feet 10 inches to 7 feet. Maximum length is 72 feet which is based on the UK canal system's lock size. However, many locks in the north of England can only accommodate craft with a maximum length of 60 feet. From a modern perspective a narrowboat also has an engine, which means it can move under its own power. Modern construction is steel; previously hulls have been constructed from wood, glass-fibre, wrought iron and ferro-cement.

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Insurance for narrowboats can be obtained from number of specialist marine and boat insurance providers. Policies can be sourced direct from an insurer or from a specialist marine and boat insurance broker. The essential difference between the 2 options is that an insurer will only offer their own products whereas a broker should provide advice as to the best option available to meet a policyholder's requirements. A broker should also be able to provide advice and support in the event of a claim being made on the policy.

Narrowboat insurance premiums may vary widely from provider to provider. Some insurers have a particular appetite for narrowboats and others a distinct aversion. It is possible to source cover for Hull, Machinery and Third Party Liabilities as well as a Third Party Liability only basis. A "Builders Risk" option can also be sourced if an individual is building or fitting out his/her own vessel. Premiums will range considerably depending on the use of the narrowboat: insurers' appetites may differ if the boat is used for permanent cruising, permanent live-aboard or commercial use such as hotel-boat, floating restaurant or charter.

So, having looked at what a narrowboat is, let's turn our attention to barges. On the British canal system anything wider than a narrowboat's 7 foot can be referred to as a barge. However, there are some craft which are used for leisure that are a few inches wider than the maximum 7 feet beam of a narrowboat and are generally referred to as "Widebeams".