So, what's the difference between a narrowboat and a barge? "Does it really matter?" you might wonder, but there are crucial distinctions that, if made incorrectly, will not only anger narrowboat owners and canal buffs, but might also have serious ramifications for the scope, validity, and availability of your insurance protection.
It's generally best (and safest) to start with the narrowboat: narrowboats have a beam (width) of between 6 feet 10 inches and 7 feet and are built expressly for canal sailing (thus their narrowness). The maximum length is 72 feet, which is determined by the size of the locks in the UK canal system. Many locks in the north of England, however, can only handle ships up to 60 feet in length. In today's world, a narrowboat also has an engine, allowing it to travel under its own power. Steel is used in modern construction; historically, hulls were made of wood, glass fiber, wrought iron, and Ferro-cement.
Narrowboat insurance is available from a variety of specialized marine and boat insurance providers. Insurance policies can be obtained directly from an insurer or through a marine and boat insurance broker. The main distinction between the two alternatives is that an insurer will only sell its own policies, whilst a broker should advise a client on the best option available to match their needs. In the event that a claim is made on the policy, a broker should be able to offer assistance and guidance.
Narrowboat insurance premiums might differ dramatically from one supplier to the next. Narrowboats have a significant favor among some insurers, while they have strong hate among others. Hull, Machinery, and Third Party Liability coverage is provided, as well as a Third Party Liability-only basis. A "Builders Risk" option can be available if a person is building or fitting out his or her own vessel. Premiums will differ significantly depending on the narrowboat's intended use: insurers' appetites may alter depending on whether the boat is utilized for permanent cruising, permanent live-aboard, or commercial use as a hotel, floating restaurant, or charter.
So, now that we've looked at what a narrowboat is, let's look at barges. Anything broader than a narrowboat's 7 foot on the British canal system is referred to as a barge. However, there are some recreational ships that are a few inches broader than a narrowboat's maximum 7-foot beam and are sometimes referred to as "Widebeams." Additionally, there are vessels on the system (especially vintage and restored craft) that look to be narrowboats but must be towed or remain stationary since they lack an engine. Such vessels are referred to as "barges" or "dumb barges."
Canal barges are typically used to transport merchandise and can be up to 70 feet long. Their beam, unlike narrowboats, is at least 14 feet 6 inches. Due to the width of the locks, which can only accommodate narrowboats, such vessels will not be seen on canals such as the Birmingham Canal Navigation, but they will be seen on the wider waterways in the north of England, such as the Thames and Medway, often having undergone extensive conversion to luxury houseboats that are either permanently moored or cruising.
On British waterways, Dutch barges, which also fall under the "Widebeam" category, are widespread. The first Dutch barges were made of wood and propelled by sail. Modern ships are made of steel and propelled by diesel engines. Throughout the canals system, you'll witness beautiful examples of Dutch barges as well as new, British-built "Dutch-style" barges. They'll almost certainly be permanent moorings.
Although narrowboats, canal barges, Dutch barges, and other wide beams are frequently utilized as permanent houses, it is not always fair to call them "Houseboats." While the name "houseboat" connotes a boat that is utilized as a home, it is more correct to refer to a permanently moored "dumb barge." These vessels will be of varying quality, ranging from sumptuous to simple. On the Thames, you can witness houseboats of many kinds, from converted Thames Lighters and Humber Barges to luxury new-builds and more basic, low-cost versions.
The market's interest in these larger vessels is not as strong as it is for narrowboats. Some leisure boat insurers refuse to cover vessels valued at more than £250,000. Others are willing to accept the higher values associated with luxury new-builds but are wary of insuring houseboats that are unable to move on their own. Others are still unable to provide coverage for commercially utilized boats. It might also be difficult to find coverage for older vessels without an out-of-water survey report that is complete and satisfactory.
All of this means that insurance for these types of boats isn't as widely available as it is for narrowboats. A specialist broker with access to numerous insurers would be a smart place to start when it comes to finding the correct coverage for these specific vessel types.