Behind the Build

Useful answers before you commission.

Ideas, decisions and craftsmanship from inside the Oakums workshop, with practical guidance about the choices that shape a successful new narrowboat.

Oakums journal

The thinking behind a better boat.

Practical guidance for anyone planning a narrowboat, alongside honest glimpses into the decisions that shape each Oakums build. Every article is written to help you move from research towards a clearer brief.

Buyer guide

Narrowboat Interior Design Ideas That Live Well

Narrowboat interior design ideas for creating a calm, practical and beautifully personal home for cruising, weekends and life afloat in every season.

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Buyer guide

40ft Narrowboat Layout Ideas That Feel Spacious

40ft narrowboat layout ideas for owners who want a compact, design-led home afloat, with practical ways to shape space, storage and everyday comfort afloat.

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Buyer guide

Closed Bow Narrowboat Benefits for All Seasons

Closed bow narrowboat benefits include a sheltered foredeck, calmer winter cruising and more usable living space for life aboard throughout the year too.

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Buyer guide

Open Bow Narrowboat Design for Better Living

Open bow narrowboat design creates a sociable forward terrace without compromising the comfort, storage and engineering needed for life afloat year-round.

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Buyer guide

Off Grid Narrowboat Systems for Life Aboard

Off grid narrowboat systems need to suit how you cruise, cook and live. Plan solar, batteries, charging and water storage for confident time aboard well.

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Buyer guide

Solar Power for Narrowboats That Works Year-Round

Solar power for narrowboats: plan a quieter, more independent life afloat with the right panels, batteries and expectations for Britain’s canals year-round

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Buyer guide

Is Electric Propulsion for Narrowboats Right?

Considering electric propulsion for narrowboats? Understand battery capacity, charging, solar support, cruising patterns and the specification for life afloat.

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Buyer guide

Narrowboat Technology Trends Worth Planning For

Narrowboat Technology Trends are reshaping life afloat, from electric propulsion and solar power to quieter, better-planned onboard systems for UK owners.

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Buyer guide

How Much Does a Luxury Narrowboat Cost in 2026?

How much does a luxury narrowboat cost? Understand new-build prices, propulsion, interiors and the choices that shape a boat built for Britain today.

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Buyer guide

Luxury Narrowboat Builders UK for Life Afloat

Choosing luxury narrowboat builders UK buyers can trust means balancing design, propulsion, space and a clear route from consultation to handover properly.

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Latest from Oakums

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See everyday progress from the Oakums workshop, recent handovers and new work taking shape.

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Start with useful evidence

Then make the conversation yours.

Bring the articles, photographs and design ideas that matter to you. Oakums can connect them to a suitable range, current price and realistic specification.

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Let’s talk about your life on the water.

Tell us how you want to use your boat. Oakums will help you compare the ranges, propulsion choices, budget and route to ownership.

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