Space for real life aboard, designed around the way you will use it
A 60ft narrowboat can provide the space for a generous saloon and galley, a private bedroom, a comfortable bathroom, useful storage and the systems required for extended cruising or living aboard.
That does not mean every 60ft boat should have the same plan. The value of the length comes from deciding what each part of the boat needs to achieve.
Oakums can create a 60ft Open Bow or Closed Bow narrowboat with diesel or electric propulsion. Each commission is developed around its owner's priorities and built in Britain, with the steel hull built by Jonathan Wilson in Sheffield.
Is 60ft the right narrowboat length?
Sixty feet is approximately 18.29 metres. It is a popular length because it can balance substantial accommodation with access to much of the connected inland-waterway network.
However, waterway dimensions vary. A 60ft boat should not be ordered on the assumption that it can travel every desired route without checking. Lock length, width, draught, headroom, water level, gate configuration and the boat's actual dimensions can all matter.
The Canal & River Trust describes its published waterway dimensions as a rough guide. Buyers should check intended routes with the relevant navigation authority before confirming the boat's dimensions.
A 60ft narrowboat may suit you if:
- You want a separate bedroom and generous main living space
- Storage is important for extended use
- You want a substantial galley or home-style appliances
- You need an occasional guest berth or workspace
- You are considering larger battery, inverter or solar systems
- Your intended routes and mooring can accommodate the length
A shorter boat may be better if easy mooring, lower cost, simpler handling or access to particular shorter locks is more important than maximum accommodation.
Three ways to use 60ft
60ft Open Bow
The Open Bow uses part of the overall length for a forward outdoor deck. This creates a sociable place to sit, step aboard and enjoy the water, while the remaining interior can still accommodate a complete living arrangement.
It suits buyers who value outdoor space enough to trade some internal floor area for it.
Range starting prices:
- Diesel from £145,000
- Electric from £175,000
These are Oakums range starting prices, not a fixed quotation for every 60ft specification.
Link: Explore Open Bow
60ft Closed Bow
The Closed Bow brings the forward area inside the accommodation. At 60ft, that additional internal space can support a separate cabin, office, occasional bedroom, storage area or another purpose defined by the owner.
It suits buyers who prioritise internal accommodation and year-round usable space.
Range starting prices:
- Diesel from £160,000
- Electric from £185,000
These are Oakums range starting prices, not a fixed quotation for every 60ft specification.
Link: Explore Closed Bow
Example 60ft layout priorities
A 60ft layout might include:
- Entrance storage for coats, footwear and cruising equipment
- Full galley with planned worktop and appliance space
- Dining arrangement that converts to an occasional berth
- Comfortable saloon with freestanding or built-in seating
- Bathroom with the owner's preferred toilet arrangement
- Permanent bedroom with useful wardrobe and drawer capacity
- Workspace for occasional or regular remote work
- Dedicated technical space for batteries and electrical equipment
- Service access that does not require dismantling the interior
These are possibilities, not a standard Oakums layout. Every choice affects the other spaces. A larger bathroom changes the bedroom or storage allowance. An extensive electrical system requires correctly planned technical space. Outdoor decks reduce interior length.
Reverse or conventional layout?
In a reverse layout, the galley or main living area is generally nearer the stern entrance. This can suit sociable cruising, make refreshments easy to reach from the rear deck and keep the main daytime space close to the helm.
In a conventional arrangement, the bedroom is generally nearer the stern with the saloon towards the bow. Some owners prefer the separation this creates between private and social areas.
Neither arrangement is automatically superior. Consider:
- Which entrance will be used most often
- Where wet coats and footwear will go
- How people move through the boat while cruising
- Privacy for sleeping and working
- Position of solid-fuel or diesel heating where selected
- Plumbing and technical routes
- The relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces
Diesel or electric at 60ft?
Diesel propulsion
Diesel provides a familiar installation, established refuelling routine and lower initial starting price. It can suit owners whose cruising is highly variable, who expect regular winter use or who do not want to plan around charging access.
Engine installation, sound control, ventilation, service access and fuel capacity should all be considered within the layout.
Electric propulsion
Electric propulsion can provide quiet and smooth cruising. A 60ft boat can offer useful space and roof area for the batteries, charging equipment and solar generation that may form part of the system.
The length does not guarantee a particular range or solar yield. The system must be designed around propulsion demand, domestic consumption, cruising conditions, seasonal generation and access to shore power or an alternative charging source.
Some electric boats retain a diesel generator. Buyers should decide whether that compromise suits their intended use.
Link: Diesel vs Electric Narrowboat
Link: Electric Narrowboats
Designing for liveaboard use
A 60ft narrowboat can work well for living aboard, but length alone does not create a successful home.
Important decisions include:
- Year-round heating and ventilation
- Condensation management
- Clothes, food and equipment storage
- Water and waste capacity
- Laundry and drying space
- Cooking appliances and energy use
- Reliable internet and workspace
- Battery storage and charging
- Service access
- Mooring or continuous-cruising arrangements
The design should account for normal daily life, not only how the boat looks when photographed.
Materials and interior construction
Oakums uses marine plywood rather than MDF or chipboard. Solid or high-grade oak can be incorporated where specified.
At 60ft, repeated materials, sightlines and lighting have a strong effect on how long and coherent the interior feels. The design should use the length without turning the boat into a corridor of disconnected rooms.
Storage, services and access should be resolved alongside the visible finish. The most attractive cabinet is of limited value if essential equipment behind it cannot be maintained.
Solar and off-grid capability
A longer roof may create the opportunity for a substantial solar installation, but rooflights, vents, flues, aerials, walking space, shading and safe access all compete for the same area.
Solar capacity should be planned with:
- Real usable roof area
- Panel layout and shading
- Seasonal generation
- Domestic consumption
- Electric propulsion demand where applicable
- Battery capacity
- Charge-controller limits
- Shore-power and generator strategy
Published panel wattage is not a promise of daily yield. Oakums considers the complete generation, storage and consumption balance.
Link: Solar & Off-Grid Cruising
Mooring and handling considerations
Before selecting 60ft, check:
- Permanent or likely mooring length
- Mooring charges and availability
- Turning points on intended routes
- Lock and navigation dimensions
- Stern and bow overhangs
- Single-handed or crewed use
- Access from the chosen stern and bow design
A longer boat may take more planning in busy visitor moorings. Handling confidence usually grows with experience, but the layout should still support safe movement, clear sightlines and convenient access to ropes and controls.
How much does a 60ft narrowboat cost?
There is no single responsible 60ft price without defining the range and specification.
Cost changes with:
- Open Bow or Closed Bow design
- Diesel or electric propulsion
- Battery and solar capacity
- Layout complexity
- Heating and hot water
- Appliances
- Cabinetry, worktops, flooring and upholstery
- Exterior finish
- Optional equipment
Oakums' current range prices provide a starting point, but a 60ft quotation must be based on the proposed boat. Request an itemised price showing inclusions, exclusions and optional changes.
Link: How Much Does a New Narrowboat Cost?
Frequently asked questions
Can a 60ft narrowboat cruise the whole canal network?
Waterway dimensions vary, and published maximum dimensions are guidance rather than a guarantee of passage. A 60ft boat can access much of the network, but buyers should check every priority route with the relevant navigation authority before fixing the design.
Is 60ft suitable for living aboard?
It can provide generous accommodation for one or two people and can support guests, workspace and extensive storage. Suitability depends on the layout, systems, mooring and the owner's expectations.
Can a 60ft narrowboat be electric?
Yes. Oakums can design a 60ft electric narrowboat, but battery capacity, charging, solar and domestic demand must be calculated around real intended use.
How many people can a 60ft narrowboat sleep?
That depends entirely on the layout. Permanent bedrooms, convertible dinettes and occasional berths use space differently. Berth dimensions and privacy should be agreed in the written specification.
Does a 60ft boat cost more to moor?
Many mooring providers price partly by length, but terms and availability vary. Check likely locations before commissioning the boat.
Is 57ft better than 60ft?
Neither length is universally better. Three additional feet can improve a room, storage or technical area, while a shorter boat may simplify particular routes and mooring choices. Decide from the intended use and waterways.
Plan your 60ft Oakums narrowboat
Tell Oakums how you expect to use the boat, which waterways matter, how many people need accommodation and whether you are considering diesel or electric propulsion.
We can then develop a 60ft layout and specification around your actual priorities.