A narrowboat refit needs materials that no car will carry. The Bridgewater Canal runs through Lymm, Grappenhall and Stockton Heath, and there are marinas within half an hour in most directions. Autumn is when many owners haul out and start work. Arranging van hire in Warrington is the easy part. The real challenge starts at the marina car park.
The Gap Between Car Park and Boat
A van gets you to the car park and no further. From there, every sheet, length of timber and tin of paint travels by barrow or by hand. Then it goes through a hatch narrower than any house door. So, the key question is how many barrow trips your load becomes.
Cut Materials to Size First
Full sheets of ply rarely fit down a hatch. Therefore, cut them at the merchant or at home before you set off. In addition, cut panels lie flat in a shorter van. Remember that a boat is never square, so allow for the curve of the cabin side.
Choosing a Van for a Narrowboat Refit
Marina tracks are often rough and narrow, and car parks suit cars. So, a short wheelbase medium roof van is the sensible default. Where you carry long timber, a long wheelbase high roof van takes it flat. However, check first that there is room to turn.
Stoves, Batteries and Heavy Items
Stoves are dense, and leisure batteries must stay upright. Plan these as their own trip, and use a sack barrow with pneumatic tyres. Also, protect battery terminals so nothing metal can fall across them. The official GOV.UK load securing guidance explains how to strap loads safely.
Keeping Materials Dry
Timber and insulation are ruined by a soaking. An enclosed van keeps them dry on the road. Once at the boat, get them inside rather than under a tarp on the roof. Likewise, do not leave paints in a cold van overnight.
Cushions and Soft Fittings
Boat cushions are bulky, light and easily marked. So, they need a clean load area with no timber dust. Our advice on moving an upholstery or sewing workshop covers handling foam and covers.
Booking Around Yard Hours
We open Monday to Saturday from 8am to 4pm. For a refit spread over weekends, one longer hire beats repeated day bookings. Owners near Lymm van hire and Irlam van hire areas are a short run away. For a narrowboat refit van, call 01925 396 222. Alternatively, use the contact us page.
