Narrowboats
Narrowboats and Canal Boats for Sale
Browse our full selection of narrowboats for sale and canal boats for sale, including 40ft, 50ft, 55ft, 57ft and 60ft narrowboats, plus widebeam options. Whether you’re buying your first canal boat, upgrading your current vessel or looking for a liveaboard narrowboat, we stock a mix of styles from traditional to cruiser stern and semi-trad designs. Our selection includes new narrowboats, used narrowboats and second-hand canal boats, with listings updated regularly as boats become available.
What are canal boats for sale?
Canal boats for sale are boats designed or adapted for cruising inland waterways such as canals and navigable rivers. They can include narrowboats, widebeams and other canal-going vessels, with new and used options available in different lengths, layouts and specifications. The right boat depends on your intended waterways, accommodation needs and how you plan to use it.
Buy a Canal Boat with Confidence
At Tingdene Marinas & Boat Sales, we list used narrowboats and new narrowboats for sale, alongside canal boats for leisure cruising, extended holidays and liveaboard use. Whether you’re searching for a narrow boat for sale, canal narrowboat for sale or canal boat for living aboard, compare boats by size, layout, condition, specification and location.
Choosing the right narrowboat depends on how you plan to use it. Shorter boats can suit couples, solo cruising and shorter trips, while longer narrowboats can offer more accommodation and storage for extended cruising or living aboard. Consider your intended waterways, cruising routes, locks, moorings and navigation requirements.
40ft Narrowboats – Ideal for solo cruising or couples. 50ft–57ft Narrowboats – A balance of accommodation and manoeuvrability. 60ft & Over – More space for longer stays and accommodation. Widebeam Boats – More interior space, subject to suitable waterways. Cruiser Stern Styles – Open-deck space for sociable cruising. Traditional and Semi-Traditional Sterns – Different combinations of exterior style, deck space and accommodation.Use our filters to sort by length, price, year and location. Listings include specifications, photos and contact details to arrange viewings. When comparing new and used canal boats, consider the layout, hull condition, engine and systems, storage, heating, accommodation, water capacity, build year, hull construction and mooring availability to find a boat suited to your intended use.
Narrowboats for Different Lifestyles
A narrowboat can suit weekend cruising, extended holidays or full-time living, depending on its layout, facilities and intended use. Liveaboard narrowboats may include insulation, heating, fitted kitchens, bathrooms, larger water capacity and additional storage for year-round living.
If you’re buying your first canal boat, consider the length and layout, intended cruising area, residential or leisure mooring, and ongoing costs such as insurance, maintenance, fuel and mooring fees. Also consider the waterways you plan to use, storage and accommodation needs, and whether a narrowboat or widebeam is right for you.When buying a used narrowboat, arrange a viewing and inspect the interior, exterior, engine space and documentation. An independent hull survey can help assess the hull condition before purchase. Check the Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) position, insurance requirements and applicable licence arrangements. The Canal & River Trust requires a valid BSS certificate or exemption before a boat licence can be obtained on its network.Licensing depends on where you use the boat. The Canal & River Trust requires a licence for boats using its canals and rivers, while the Environment Agency is responsible for registration on waterways including the River Thames, River Medway and Anglian waterways. If you plan to cruise across different navigation authorities, check the relevant requirements before buying.
Narrowboats Recently Sold or Under Offer
Our stock of narrowboats and canal boats for sale is updated regularly, and popular boats, particularly in the 45ft-60ft range, sell quickly. Recently sold or under-offer listings can also help buyers understand which types of boats are attracting interest, but an individual boat's condition, specification, location and history should always be considered rather than relying on size or asking price alone.
Selling Your Narrowboat?
If you’re looking to sell your narrowboat, canal boat or barge, Tingdene’s brokerage service makes it straightforward. We list boats across our marina network and bring your listing in front of serious buyers. We accept cruiser stern boats, traditional and semi-trad narrowboats, widebeam barges and Dutch-style narrowboats. Our team handles the process, from valuation to final sale. Whether your boat is moored at one of our wharfs or elsewhere, we can help. Our brokerage service can assist with marketing, photography, enquiries, viewings and negotiations, helping sellers present their boat to buyers looking for narrowboats and canal boats for sale.
Need Mooring or Finance?
We also offer mooring across our marina network and provide berthing quotes on request. Use our boat finance calculator to estimate monthly costs, with finance subject to eligibility and lender approval. Our team can also help buyers understand mooring options and the practicalities of owning a narrowboat or canal boat.
Mooring options include marina and long-term moorings, visitor moorings and, where applicable, continuous cruising. Canal & River Trust requirements apply to boats without a home mooring, while residential moorings require appropriate arrangements for residential use.For details about buying new and used narrowboats for sale, used canal boats or new canal boats, explore our
used boats for sale or
contact us. Whether you’re looking for a traditional narrowboat, cruiser stern, semi-traditional narrowboat or widebeam, our team can help you find a suitable boat and arrange a viewing.