Narrowboats were an integral means of transportation during the British Industrial Revolution. As the name suggests, these boats were narrow in order to navigate through the canals and locks in order to move cargo and people. As time and technology advanced, more efficient means of transportation developed and the narrowboats became homes for many people in the United Kingdom and Europe. This vessel was built to pay homage to the boats of the early days of the Industrial Revolution, and Samuel Slater in particular. Slater is credited with bringing British manufacturing knowledge to the United Sates and spearheading the American Industrial Revolution in Rhode Island. This boat was manufactured in the United Kingdom in 1999 and imported to the United States by a non-profit organization with the mission of raising awareness of the impact of the Industrial Revolution and one of its key players as well as bringing attention to the state of the local waterways and environment.

The bow of the boat offers seating for six to eight adults. Entering the cabin through the forward bulkhead doors brings one into the galley/main salon area. The galley offers a stove top and oven, refrigerator, sink and ample space for storage and meal preparation. The salon area provides comfortable a comfortable sitting area that converts to sleeping accommodations for two. Moving aft down a long hallway to port one finds a head to starboard with a toilet, basin and shower. Continuing aft brings one to a private stateroom with sleeping accommodations for two and additional storage area. Continuing aft and up a couple of stairs brings one to the cockpit where the tiller and throttle are located as well as the outlet for shore power. The helm area also offers bench seating on each side.

Heating and air conditioning is provided to maintain comfort down below. The vessel is equipped with both hot and cold running water.

This steel hull vessel is 40 feet long, 9.8 feet wide and draws 2 feet. For transportation purposes, the boat measures just under 8 feet in height from the cabin top to the bottom of the vessel.  A binder of information from the manufacturer, including schematics, information about the engine and gearbox, propane systems and electrical systems will be provided with the boat.

Like all narrowboats, the Samuel Slater was designed for slow movement through narrow, protected waterways. She makes about 3 knots underway. Wherever she goes, she is an attention grabber!

The Samuel Slater’s purpose over the past two and a half decades has been to pay homage to an early American Industrialist as well as to shine a light on history and the environment. She certainly could continue in that role with new owners. She would also make an ideal live-aboard, especially given the costs of renting or owning a land-based home. This is a very unique opportunity!