Celtic Maid – Our Narrowboat

Built in 2011 by Tysol Ltd, Celtic Maid is a 57 foot long (17.4 metres approx) semi-traditional style narrowboat. At only 6 foot 10 inches wide (just under 2.1 meters), she has been fitted out by the previous owner to achieve maximum efficient use of space whilst maintaining an open feel in the interior. Using a reversed layout, Celtic Maid is divided into 3 interior sections – a sleeping cabin at the bow, walk through bathroom, and large saloon/galley at the stern. We favored this configuration as it gave us better access to the stern whilst cruising which also has a larger area than the bow for outside relaxing.

The interior has lots of clever storage built into available spaces which is essential where space is at a premium. We have continued to modify the storage as we experience living aboard.

The engine is a 35 hp Isuzu giving enough grunt to get us through the canals and all but the most challenging rivers! The steel hull is in great condition and we arranged to have an epoxy coat applied before we commenced cruising thereby avoiding the need to do this after the first year.

The outside is painted in Oxford Blue with tasteful and stylish sign-writing applied by the previous owner.

The addition of a cratch (bow deck) cover and pram cover to the stern has given us additional storage space, protection from the elements and a wet room to assist in the interior cleanliness of the boat.

A Webasto diesel heating system has been fitted so that we are snug and cosy all year round, opting for a very large radiator unit between to saloon and galley, with a smaller one in the cabin and heated towel rails in the bathroom. We won’t be fitting a solid fuel stove as we have managed well with the diesel heating.

The addition of a fourth leisure battery and two 100 watt solar panels have greatly improved our power supply.

We have continued to modify our functional requirements and creature comforts as we experience living aboard. However, Celtic Maid has more than lived up to her early promise of being a brilliant liveaboard.