Scruffy Fox

Scruffy Fox is a shared narrowboat that is managed jointly by its owners. We are a friendly, flexible bunch that look after the boat well. We communicate via WhatsApp and have an in person AGM in November. Over the years the boat has travelled across most of the canal system. Each autumn a different part of the network is chosen by the shareholders at the AGM to travel the following year. The boat has had different winter bases. During the cruising season handovers take place wherever the boat happens to be on the canal within the agreed cruising area.

Shareholders are guaranteed three weeks each year, one each in early, mid and late season between March and October, with access to out of season weeks by agreement at no extra cost. In the autumn members are asked to submit a selection of dates for the following year. Requests are usually successful.

The annual fee, currently £750, covers boat insurance, CRT licence, winter mooring, servicing the engine, and LPG gas. It also contributes towards less frequent expenses like painting the boat, blacking the hull, and safety certification. Shareholders pay for the diesel used during their weeks onboard.

The engine was last replaced in 2020 with a new Beta Marine 38 and PRM 150 gearbox; it is regularly serviced. An Eberspacher diesel fired central heating boiler is installed in the engine space to heat the boat. The lounge can also be heated by a Morsø Squirrel diesel fired stove. All soft furnishings have been recently renewed and pillows and duvets are provided. All lighting is LED and there are dedicated USB charging points throughout.