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Will my boat fit?

Type her measurements once and see every Canal & River Trust waterway she fits, the ones she is too big for, and by how much.

Check her against every waterway

Measurements in metres. Fill in the ones you know; a 58 ft narrowboat (17.68 m by 2.08 m) is filled in to start.

She fits 105 of 115 stretches

Too big for 8. Not sure on 2, because the Trust leaves a figure blank there. A fit here means every measurement you typed is no more than the Trust's published maximum.

On draught, the Trust's own advice is to keep well clear of the maximum: the deepest water is only in the middle of the channel, and silt and low water take some of it away.

Each stretch, one by one (115)
WaterwayTrust maximum (L length, B beam, D draught, H headroom)Your boat
Aire & Calder Navigation: Goole to tail of Leeds Lock
Castleford Lock is limiting due to the curve of the lock chamber. Heck Road Bridge is now lower than Stubbs Bridge (investigations underway), which was previously limiting. A height of 3.6m (11ft 9") at Heck should be seen as maximum at the crown during normal water.
L 61m / 200ft
B 6.1m / 20ft
D 2.5m / 8ft 2"
H 3.81m / 12ft 6"
Fits
Aire & Calder Navigation: Tail of Leeds Lock to Tail of River Lock
Note 1: Pleasure craft dimensions showing small lock being limiting unless by previous arrangement to access full lock. Note 2: Headroom at Crown Point Bridge at summer levels.
L 19.8m / 64ft 11"
B 5.4m / 17ft 8"
D 2.4m / 7ft 6"
H 3.6m / 11ft 9"
Fits
Aire & Calder Navigation: Wakefield Branch
Note 1: Broadreach Lock: Pleasure craft dimensions showing small lock being limiting unless by prior arrangement to access full lock giving an extra 43m. Note 2: Heck Road Bridge: Still limiting due to constraints on other sections leading to the Wakefield Branch. A height of 3.6m at Heck should be seen as maximum at the crown during normal water level.
L 21.4m / 70ft 2"
B 5.4m / 17ft 8"
D 2.3m / 7ft 6"
H 3.66m / 12ft
Fits
Aire & Calder Navigation: River AireL 23.92m / 78ft 6"
B 5.03m / 16ft 6"
D 1.52m / 5ft
H 2.9m / 9ft 6"
Fits
Selby Canal
Note: Burton Hall Bridge is the limiting dimension.
L 23.92m / 78ft 6"
B 5.03m / 16ft 6"
D 1.52m / 5ft
H 2.9m / 9ft 6"
Fits
Selby Canal: From River Ouse into Selby Basin onlyL 23.92m / 78ft 6"
B 5.69m / 18ft. 8"
D Max 2.13m / 7ft depending on tide
H not given
Fits
Ashby Canal (narrow)L 21.95m / 72ft
B 2.13m / 7ft
D 1.07m / 3ft 6"
H 1.98m / 6ft 6"
Fits
Ashton Canal (narrow)L 21.79m / 71ft 5"
B 2.13m / 7ft
D 0.9m / 3ft
H 1.82m / 5ft 11"
Fits
Birmingham Canal Navigations (narrow)
Note: Headroom through Dudley Tunnel is considerably restricted, contact local office for further information.
L 21.79m / 71ft 6"
B 2.13m / 7ft
D 0.94m / 3ft 1"
H 1.98m / 6ft 6"
Fits
Birmingham & Fazeley Canal (narrow)L 21.79m / 71ft 6"
B 2.13m / 7ft
D 0.94m / 3ft 1"
H 1.98m / 6ft 6"
Fits
Bridgwater & Taunton Canal
Note: Locks are 4.42m (14ft 6") wide; beam is restricted by bridges.
L 15.24m / 50ft
B 3.2m / 10ft 6"
D 0.9m / 2ft 11"
H 2.1m / 6ft 10"
Too big: length over by 2.44 m
Calder & Hebble NavigationL 17.53m / 57ft 6"
B 4.32m / 14ft 2"
D 1.07m / 3ft 6"
H 2.97m / 9ft 9"
Too big: length over by 0.15 m
Caldon Canal (narrow): Etruria Junction to Hazlehurst JunctionL 21.95m / 72ft
B 2.13m / 7ft
D 1.2m / 3ft 11"
H 1.78m / 5ft 10"
Fits
Caldon Canal (narrow): Hazlehurst Junction to LeekL 21.95m / 72ft
B 2.13m / 7ft
D 1.2m / 3ft 11"
H 2.05m / 6ft 9"
Fits
Caldon Canal (narrow): Hazlehurst Junction to Froghall Tunnel
Note: Headroom through Froghall Tunnel considerably restricted to 2.03m (6ft 8") beam and 1.52m (5ft) headroom. Pinch point: Less than 2.13m (7ft) at Consal Forge Railway Bridge (landslip). Tunnel: 2.13m (7ft) beam is acceptable, the issue is tumblehome and height.
L 21.95m / 72ft
B 2.13m / 7ft
D 1.2m / 3ft 11"
H 2.05m / 6ft 9"
Fits
Chesterfield Canal: River Trent into West Stockwith Basin only
Note: Whitsunday Pie Lock walls taper towards the lock floor and you need to take this into account when navigating this canal. Measurements within stoppages are being taken this winter to determine the dimensions of known pinch points.
L 21.95m / 72ft
B 5.33m / 17ft 6"
D 2.44m / 8ft
H Unlimited
Fits
Chesterfield Canal: West Stockwith Basin to tail Morse Lock (narrow)
Note: Locks up to Redford are 4.57m (15ft) wide but navigation for broad bean craft is restricted due to the width 2.59m (8ft 6") at Manor Farm Bridge, Walkeringham.
L 21.95m / 72ft
B 2.13m / 7ft
D 0.98m / 3ft 2"
H 2.15m / 7ft 1"
Fits
Chesterfield Canal: Tail of Morse Lock to Shireoaks (narrow)
Note: Some locks are only just 2.13m (7ft) wide and passage for some craft up to 2.13m (7ft) beam may be possible.
L 21.95m / 72ft
B 2.08m / 6ft 10"
D 0.98m / 3ft 2"
H 2.15m / 7ft 1"
Fits
Coventry Canal (narrow)L 21.95m / 72ft
B 2.13m / 7ft
D 1.07m / 3ft 6"
H 2.08m / 6ft 10"
Fits
Droitwich Canal: Hawford Junction to Bridge 15L 18.59m / 61ft
B 4.20m / 13ft 09"
D not given
H not given
Fits
Droitwich Canal: Hawford Junction to Bridge 15 (narrow)L 21.80m / 71ft 6"
B 2.13m / 7ft
D not given
H not given
Fits
Droitwich Canal: Bridge 15 to Barge Lock (narrow)L 21.80m / 71ft 6"
B 2.13m / 7ft
D not given
H not given
Fits
Droitwich Canal: River Salwarpe Barge Lock to Junction Lock 7 (narrow)L 21.80m / 71ft 6"
B 2.13m / 7ft
D not given
H not given
Fits
Droitwich Canal: Droitwich Junction Canal River Salwarpe to Hanbury Junction Lock 7 (narrow)
*Narrow beam boats will fit up to the longer length shown. Pinch points: M5 and the top lock.
L 21.80m / 71ft 6"
B 2.13m / 7ft
D not given
H not given
Fits
Erewash Canal
Note 1: Beam is limited by low arched bridges; wider beam up to about 13ft may be possible depending on the headroom needed. Note 2: Locks are more than 4.27m (14ft) wide and will therefore take two narrowboats.
L 21.95m / 72ft
B 3.2m / 10ft 6"
D 0.91m / 3ft
H 2.03m / 6ft 8"
Fits
Fossdyke NavigationL 21.3m / 70ft
B 4.67m / 15ft 4"
D 1.52m / 4ft 11"
H 3.66m / 12ft
Fits
Gloucester & Sharpness Canal: River Severn into Sharpness Docks onlyL 91.44m / 300ft
B 16.75m / 55ft
D not given
H not given
Fits
Gloucester & Sharpness Canal: Sharpness Docks to Gloucester Docks
Note: Parkend Bridge/Fretherne at 3.5m (11ft 6") draught. The main constraint is the approach to each bridge at a specified depth. Harbour master to advise. Note 2: 64m (201ft) limitation due to bends in canal. See advice from harbour master for longer vessels.
L 64m / 210ft
B 9.6m / 31ft 5"
D 3.5m / 11ft 6"
H 32m / 105ft
Fits
Gloucester & Sharpness Canal: Gloucester Docks to River Severn through Gloucester LockL 41.15m / 135ft
B 6.4m / 21ft
D 1.83m / 6ft
H 7.5m / 24ft 7"
Fits
Grand Union Canal: River Thames into Limehouse Basin onlyL 28m / 91ft 10"
B 7.5m / 24ft 7"
D not given
H not given
Fits
Grand Union Canal: River Thames into Brentford Basin only
Note: Duplicated locks; one lock is larger than the other.
L 22.87m / 75ft
B 5.02m / 16ft 5"
D not given
H not given
Fits
Regents CanalL 21.95m / 72ft
B 4.34m / 14ft 3"
D 1.17m / 3ft 10"
H 2.67m / 8ft 9"
Fits
Paddington Arm (Grand Union Canal): Bulls Bridge to Little Venice (no locks)L not given
B 4.3m / 14ft 1"
D 1.3m / 4ft 3"
H 2.67m / 8ft 9"
Not sure: the Trust gives no length
Grand Union Canal (Main Line): Brentford to Bulls BridgeL 21.95m / 72ft
B 4.27m / 14ft
D 1.3m / 4ft 3"
H 2.67m / 8ft 9"
Fits
Grand Union Canal (Main Line): Bulls Bridge to BerkhamstedL 21.95m / 72ft
B 4.27m / 14ft
D 1.1m / 3ft 7"
H 2.67m / 8ft 9"
Fits
Grand Union Canal (Main Line): Berkhamsted to Long Buckby
Pinch point: 14ft Lock S. Leighton Buzzard.
L 21.95m / 72ft
B 3.81m / 12ft 6"
D 1.17m / 3ft 10"
H 2.67m / 8 ft 9"
Fits
Grand Union Canal (Main Line): Long Buckby to Camp Hill Locks
NOTE: Bridge 24 Warwickshire Fly Boats, Long Itchington, between Bridge 22, Bridleway and Bridge 60, Blue Bridge the maximum beam for navigation is reduced to 12’. Upstream winding hole: Kingswood Junction Downstream winding hole: Napton Junction Further information available on our notices and stoppage page.
L 21.95m / 72ft
B 3.81m / 12ft 6"
D 1.17m / 3ft 10"
H 1.9m / 6ft 3"
Fits
Grand Union Canal (Main Line): Camp Hill Locks to Digbeth and Salford
Pinch point: top of Camp Hill.
L 21.69m / 71ft 2"
B 2.13m / 7ft
D 1.17m / 3ft 10"
H 2.44m / 8ft
Fits
Slough Arm (no locks)
Note: adjoining waterways: max length: 21.95m (72ft), max beam: 4.27m (14ft).
L not given
B 4.92m / 16ft 2"
D 1.1m / 3ft 7"
H 2.33m / 7ft 7"
Not sure: the Trust gives no length
Wendover Arm (narrow)L 21.95m / 72ft
B 2.13m / 7ft
D not given
H not given
Fits
Aylesbury Arm (narrow)L 21.95m / 72ft
B 2.13m / 7ft
D 1.1m / 3ft 7"
H 2.28m / 7ft 6"
Fits
Northampton Arm (narrow)L 21.95m / 72ft
B 2.13m / 7ft
D 1.1m / 3ft 7"
H 2.18m / 7ft 1"
Fits
Leicester Line (Grand Union Canal): Norton Junction to Foxton (narrow)L 21.79m / 71ft 6"
B 2.12m / 6ft 11"
D 1m / 3ft 3"
H 2.28m / 7ft 6"
Fits
Leicester Line (Grand Union Canal): Foxton to Kings LockL 21.95m / 72ft
B 3.05m / 10ft
D 1m . 3ft 3"
H 2.23m / 7ft
Fits
Leicester Line (Grand Union Canal): Kings Lock to LeicesterL 24.1m / 79ft
B 3.05m / 10ft
D 1m / 3ft 3"
H 2.13m / 7ft
Fits
Welford Arm (narrow)L 21.95m / 72ft
B 2.13m / 7ft
D 1m / 3ft 3"
H 2.13m / 7ft
Fits
Market Harborough ArmL 21.79m / 71ft 6"
B 2.9m / 9ft 6"
D 0.84m / 2ft 9"
H 2.06m / 6ft 9"
Fits
Hertford Union CanalL 21.95m / 72ft
B 4.45m / 14 ft 7"
D 1.3m / 4ft 3"
H 2.44m / 8ft
Fits
Huddersfield Broad CanalL 17.52m / 57ft 6"
B 4.32m / 14ft 2"
D 1.3m / 4ft 3"
H 2.97m / 9ft 9"
Too big: length over by 0.16 m
Huddersfield Narrow Canal (narrow): Standedge Tunnel to Portland Basin
Note: 7ft beam up to Lock 21W.
L 21.35m / 70ft
B 2.08m / 6ft 10"
D 1.05m / 3ft 5"
H 1.88m / 6ft 2"
Fits
Huddersfield Narrow Canal (narrow): Aspley Basin to Standedge Tunnel (narrow)
Note: The height restriction tallies with that of Standedge Tunnel, and the restriction applies before HNC at Lock 1.
L 21.95m / 72ft
B 2.08m / 6ft 10"
D 0.75m / 2ft 5"
H 1.88m / 6ft 2"
Fits
Kennet & Avon Canal: Hanham Lock to Bridge 194 (Bath)L 22.55m / 74ft
B 4.88m / 16ft
D 1.3m / 4ft 3"
H 2.67m / 8ft 10"
Fits
Kennet & Avon Canal: Bridge 194 - Blakes Lock (Reading)L 21.95m / 72ft
B 4m / 13ft 1"
D 1.1m /3ft 7"
H 2.4m / 7ft 10"
Fits
Lancaster Canal including Glasson Branch: Main Line
Height at Ashton Basin 2m (6ft 7"). No navigable locks on the Lancaster, just the Ribble Link and Glasson Branch.
L 21.95m / 72ft
B 4.65m / 15ft 3"
D 0.99, / 3ft 3"
H 2.49m / 8ft 2"
Fits
Lee Navigation: Below Old Ford Locks (entering from Limehouse)L 25.91m / 85ft
B 5.79m / 19ft
D 1.76m / 5ft 9"
H 2.13m / 7ft
Fits
Lee Navigation: Below Old Ford Locks (entering from Bow)L 29.8m / 97ft 9"
B 5.88 m / 19ft 3"
D 1.3m / 4ft 2"
H 2.6m / 8ft 6"
Fits
Lee Navigation: Old Ford Locks to Ponders EndL 25.91m / 85ft
B 5.5m / 18ft
D 1.52m / 5ft
H 2.13m / 7ft
Fits
Lee Navigation: Ponders End to HertfordL 22.86m / 75ft
B 4.72m / 15ft 6"
D 1.3m / 4ft 3"
H 2.11m / 6ft 11"
Fits
Leeds & Liverpool Canal
Note: Limiting height in Foulridge Tunnel
L 19.51m / 64ft
B 4.34m / 14ft 3"
D 1.22m / 4ft
H 2.67m / 8ft 9"
Fits
Leigh BranchL 21.95m / 72ft
B 4.34m / 14ft 3"
D 1.2m / 3ft 11"
H 2.3m / 7ft 6"
Fits
Rufford BranchL 18.89m / 62ft
B 4.34m / 14ft 3"
D 1.1m / 3ft 7"
H 2.51m / 8ft 3"
Fits
Llangollen Canal (narrow): Hurleston to Pontcysyllte
Pinch point: Hurleston
L 21.95m / 72ft
B 2.11m / 6ft 11"
D 0.76m / 2ft 6"
H 2.12m / 7ft
Fits
Llangollen Canal (narrow): Pontcysyllte to LlangollenL 21.95m / 72ft
B 2.11m / 6ft 11"
D 0.75m / 2ft 5"
H 2.13m / 7ft
Fits
Macclesfield Canal (narrow)L 21.95m / 72ft
B 2.13m / 7ft
D 1.07m / 3ft 6"
H 2.08m / 6ft 10"
Fits
Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal
Note: Ashford Tunnel limits cabin profile, e.g. 1.7m (5ft 7") height at 2.1m (6ft 10") width. Contact local office for further detail.
L 16.76m / 55ft
B 2.59m / 8ft 5"
D 0.75m / 2ft 6"
H 1.8m / 5ft 9"
Too big: length over by 0.92 m
Montgomery Canal (narrow)L 21.95m / 72ft
B 2.13m / 7ft
D 1.2m / 3ft 11"
H 1.83m / 6ft
Fits
River Ouse (Yorkshire)
Note: Depths are in all cases dependants on river/tidal conditions.
L 17.5m / 57ft 4"
B 4.66m / 15ft 2"
D Tidal
H 5.94m / 19ft 5" Naburn Bridge
Too big: length over by 0.18 m
River Ouse (Yorkshire): Naburn Locks to YorkL 42.62m / 140ft
B 7.31m / 24ft
D not given
H not given
Fits
River Ouse (Yorkshire): York to Swale NABL 18.28m / 59ft 11"
B 4.67m / 15ft 4"
D not given
H not given
Fits
Oxford Canal (narrow): Braunston Junction to Wigrams (Napton Junction) (Narrow)L 21.96m / 72ft
B 2.13m / 7ft
D 1.17m / 3ft 10"
H 2.44m / 8ft
Fits
Oxford Canal (narrow): Wigrams (Napton Junction) to Oxford (narrow)
Pinch point: second lock up.
L 21.96m / 72ft
B 2.13m / 7ft
D 1.23m / 4ft
H 1.98m / 6ft 6"
Fits
Oxford Canal (narrow): Braunston Junction to Hawkesbury Junction (Sutton Stop) (narrow)L 21.96m / 72ft
B 2.13m / 7ft
D 1.1m / 3ft 7"
H 2.07m / 6ft 9"
Fits
Peak Forest Canal (narrow)L 21.96m / 72ft
B 2.13m / 7ft
D 1.07m / 3ft 6"
H 1.83m / 6ft
Fits
Pocklington CanalL 17.37m / 56ft 11"
B 4.3m / 14ft 1"
D 1.22m / 4ft
H 2.34m /7ft 8"
Too big: length over by 0.31 m
Pocklington Canal: Ribble Millenium Link
Note: Boat size is recommended from channel widths rather than lock sizes, confirm with us before passage - Locks 7, 8, and 9 are tidal. The locks on the Ribble Link are for crafts 21.94m (72ft) although the Rufford Branch is 18.9m (62ft).
L 18.8m / 62ft
B 3.2m / 10ft 6"
D 0.7m / 2ft 3"
H 2.43m / 8ft
Fits
Ripon CanalL 17.37m / 56ft 11"
B 4.3m / 14ft 1"
D 1.01m / 3ft 4"
H 2.59m / 8ft 6"
Too big: length over by 0.31 m
Rochdale Canal
Pinch point: Rodwell Tower 4.14m (13ft 6").
L 21.95m / 72ft
B 2.91m / 9ft 5"
D 1.19m / 3ft 9"
H 1.83m / 6ft
Fits
River Severn: Gloucester to WorcesterL 42.67m / 140ft
B 6.65m / 15ft 6"
D 2.51m / 8ft 3"
H 7.47m / 24ft 6"
Fits
River Severn: Worcester to Stourport
Note: Draught and headroom measured at low summer levels.
L 27.43m / 90ft
B 5.79m / 19ft
D 1.83m / 6ft
H 6.1m / 20ft
Fits
Sheffield & South Yorkshire Navigation: Tinsley to RotherhamL 18.75m / 61ft 6"
B 4.65m / 15ft 3"
D 1.37m / 4ft 5"
H 3.05m / 10ft
Fits
Sheffield & South Yorkshire Navigation: Rotherham to Bramwith inc New Junction CanalL 59.44m / 195ft
B 5.36m / 17ft 7"
D 3.05m / 10ft
H 3.3m / 10ft 10"
Fits
Sheffield & Tinsley
Note: The cill and channel depth from Tinsley Bottom Lock to Sheffield Basin has a maximum draught of 1.22m (4ft).
L 18.75m / 61ft 6"
B 4.72m / 15ft 6"
D 2.13m / 7ft
H 2.8m / 9ft 2"
Fits
Stainforth & Keadby Canal
Note: Through passage is limited by Thorne Lock. For the Bramwith to Thorne section, dimensions are as for the main line to Rotherham. Passage from River Trent to Thorne is limited by Keadby Lock 23.67m x 6.86m (77ft 7" x 22ft 6") although longer craft can travel when the tide makes a level. Two narrowboats up to about 18.79m (61ft 8") can pass through Thorne Lock diagonally.
L 18.8m / 61ft 8"
B 5.2m / 17ft 1"
D 2.22m / 7ft 3"
H 3.3m / 10ft 10"
Fits
Shropshire Union Canal: Ellesmere Port to tail of Northgate Locks (Chester)
Pinch point: Motorway bridge 2.95m (9ft 8"); Ellesmere Port and the Railway Bridge below Bunbury at 22.43m (73ft 6").
L 21.95m / 72ft
B 2.95m / 9ft 8"
D 1.1m / 3ft 7"
H 2.44m / 8ft
Fits
Shropshire Union Canal: Tail of Northgate locks to top of Bunbury LocksL 21.95m / 72ft
B 2.95m / 9ft 8"
D 1.1m / 3ft 7"
H 2.44m / 8ft
Fits
Shropshire Union Canal: Bunbury to NantwichL 21.95m / 72ft
B 2.95m / 9ft 8"
D 1.14m / 3ft 9"
H 2.44m / 8ft
Fits
Shropshire Union Canal: Nantwich to Autherley Junction (narrow)L 21.95m / 72ft
B 2.13m / 7ft
D 1.14m / 3ft 9"
H 2.44m / 8ft
Fits
Shropshire Union Canal: River Dee BranchL 21.95m / 72ft
B 4.3m / 14ft 1"
D 1.37m / 4ft 6"
H 2.34m / 7ft 8"
Fits
Middlewich Branch (narrow)L 21.95m / 72ft
B 2.13m / 7ft
D 1.14m / 3ft 9"
H 2.34m / 7ft 8"
Fits
River Soar: From the junction with the River Trent to LeicesterL 21.34m / 70ft
B 4.37m / 14ft 4"
D 1.14m / 3ft 9"
H 2.13m / 7ft
Fits
Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal (narrow): Stourport to Great HaywoodL 21.95m / 72ft
B 2.13m / 7ft
D 0.99m / 3ft 3"
H 1.82m / 6ft
Fits
River Stort
Pinch point: Brick Lock
L 26.8m / 88ft
B 4.08m / 13ft 4"
D 1.1m / 3ft 7"
H 2.11m / 6ft 11"
Fits
Stourbridge Canal (inc. Stourbridge Town Arm) (narrow)L 21.34m / 70ft
B 2.13m / 7ft
D 1.1m / 3ft 7"
H 1.83m / 6ft
Fits
Stratford-Upon-Avon Canal: River Avon into Stratford Basin
Note: Height restrictions at bridge coming off river.
L 21.95m / 72ft
B 4.57m / 25ft
D not given
H not given
Fits
Stratford-Upon-Avon Canal: Lapworth Basin to Bancroft Basin (narrow)
Pinch point: Bridges 44 and 47.
L 21.95m / 72ft
B 2.13m / 7ft
D 1.1m / 3ft 7"
H 1.83m / 6ft
Fits
Stratford-Upon-Avon Canal: Lapworth to Kings Norton (including Kingswood Branch) (narrow)L 21.95m / 72ft
B 2.13m / 7ft
D 1m / 3ft 3"
H 2.1m / 6ft 11"
Fits
Tees NavigationL 22m / 72ft 2"
B 6m / 19ft 8"
D 3.15m / 10ft 4"
H 5.5m / 18ft
Fits
Trent Navigation (inc. Beeston Cut & Nottingham Canal): Shardlow to tail of Meadow Lane Lock, Nottingham
Note: Navigation includes Nottingham/Beeston Canal
L 21.34m / 70ft
B 4.27m / 14ft
D 1.07m / 3ft 6"
H 2.44m / 8ft
Fits
Trent Navigation (inc. Beeston Cut & Nottingham Canal): Meadow Lane Lock to Cromwell Lock Tail (tidal)
Pinch point: Newark Town Bridge
L 42.67m / 140ft
B 5.72m / 18ft 9"
D 1.83m / 6ft
H 3.96m / 13ft
Fits
Trent Navigation (inc. Beeston Cut & Nottingham Canal): Tail of Cromwell Lock (tidal) to GainsboroughL 45.57m / 149ft 6"
B 7.06m / 23ft 2"
D 2.13m / 7ft
H 4.27m / 14ft
Fits
Trent & Mersey Canal: Preston Brook to CroxtonL 21.95 / 72ft
B 2.74m / 9ft
D 1.1m / 3ft 7"
H 1.9m / 6ft 1"
Fits
Trent & Mersey Canal: Croxton to Wardle Junction (Middlewich Branch) (narrow)L 21.95m / 72ft
B 2.13m / 7ft
D 1.1m / 3ft 7"
H 1.91m / 6ft 3"
Fits
Trent & Mersey Canal: Wardle Junction to Trentham Lock (narrow)L 21.95m / 72ft
B 2.13m / 7ft
D 1.1m / 3ft 7"
H 1.78m / 5ft 10"
Fits
Trent & Mersey Canal: Trentham Lock to Great Haywood Junction (narrow)L 21.95m / 72ft
B 2.13m / 7ft
D 1.1m / 3ft 7"
H 2.01m / 6ft 7"
Fits
Trent & Mersey Canal: Great Haywood Junction to Horninglow Basin, Burton-on-Trent (narrow)L 21.95m / 72ft
B 2.13m / 7ft
D 1.1m / 3ft 7"
H 1.94m / 6ft 3"
Fits
Trent & Mersey Canal: Horninglow Basin to ShardlowL 21.95m / 72ft
B 4.29m / 14ft 1"
D 1.1m / 3ft 7"
H 2.23m / 7ft 4"
Fits
Trent & Mersey Canal: Shardlow to Derwent Mouth LockL 21.95m / 72ft
B 4.26m / 13ft 11"
D 0.99m / 3ft 3"
H 2.13m / 7ft
Fits
River Ure: From its junction with the Ripon Canal to Swale NabL 17.37m / 56ft 11"
B 4.34m / 14ft 3"
D 1.98m / 6ft 6"
H 3.05m / 10ft
Too big: length over by 0.31 m
Weaver Navigation: Weston Point Dock to Weston Marsh LockL 65m / 213ft 3"
B 11.5m / 37ft 9"
D 3.2m / 10ft 6"
H 18m / 59ft
Fits
Weaver Navigation: Weston Marsh Lock to WinningtonL 65m / 213ft 3"
B 11.5m / 37ft 9"
D 3.2m / 10ft 6"
H 18m / 59ft
Fits
Weaver Navigation: Winnington to WinsfordL 60m / 196ft 10"
B 10.7m / 35ft 1"
D 2.9m / 9ft 6"
H 9m / 29ft 6"
Fits
River Witham Navigation: Lincoln to Stamp End Lock
Note: Glory Hole Bridge, Lincoln, is 4.64m wide
L 22.86m / 75ft
B 5.4m / 17ft 8"
D 1.52m / 5ft
H 2.74m / 9ft
Fits
River Witham Navigation: Stamp End Lock to Boston Grand SluiceL 21.41m / 70ft 3"
B 5.3m / 17ft 4"
D 1.52m / 5ft
H 3.5m / 11ft 6"
Fits
Worcester & Birmingham Canal: River Severn into Diglis Basin onlyL 21.95m / 72ft
B 5.61m / 18ft 5"
D 1.9m / 6ft 3"
H Unlimited
Fits
Worcester & Birmingham Canal: Gas Street to Diglis (narrow)
Last Edited: 26 March 2026
L 21.95m / 72ft
B 2.13m / 7ft
D 0.9m / 3ft
H 2.3m / 7ft 6"
Fits

Figures as printed by the Canal & River Trust, waterway dimensions and size restrictions (page last edited 26 March 2026). Trust waterways only.

Checked against the Canal & River Trust's waterway dimensions on 30 October 2026.

The bow of a green narrowboat nosing between open lock gates, a stone lock cottage behind
Locks, bridges and tunnels set the size of boat a canal can take.

How to use it

Fill in the measurements you know, in metres. Length is from the tip of the bow to the back of the rudder. Beam is her widest point, which may be a rubbing strake, a step at the stern or the base plate below the water. Draught is how deep she sits. Height is from the waterline to her highest fixed part, with the chimney off.

You can choose to see only the stretches she fits, or only the ones she doesn't.

How it is worked out

Each stretch has the Canal & River Trust's published maximum length, beam, draught and headroom. If every figure you typed is the same or less, she fits. If any is bigger, she doesn't, and we show by how much. Where the Trust leaves a box blank we say "not sure", never a guess.

The Trust says waterways marked "(narrow)" don't suit a beam over 2.13 m (7 ft), and the tool says so when hers is wider.

A green narrowboat cruising away down a straight, tree-lined canal through farmland
Plenty of room here. A lock or bridge further on may be tighter.

Before you set off

Take draught with care. The Trust explains that the full depth is only in the middle of the channel. It shelves towards the bank, and silt builds up, so it advises keeping well clear of the maximum. That matters most for wide or flat-bottomed boats, and in dry weather.

The figures cover Trust waterways only. The Thames, the Broads and other navigations have their own authorities and their own limits. For the time a trip takes, use the cruise time planner.

Sources

Canal & River Trust, waterway dimensions and size restrictions, read on 30 October 2026, page last edited 26 March 2026. The page is checked again each night and the date shows under the answer.

Questions before you go

What is the longest boat for the Leeds and Liverpool Canal?

The Canal & River Trust gives 19.51 m (64 ft) as the maximum length for the Leeds & Liverpool Canal main line. A 70 ft (21.34 m) narrowboat is too long for it.

Can a wide beam go on a narrow canal?

No. On its dimensions page the Trust marks the narrow canals "(narrow)" and sets 2.13 m (7 ft) as the widest beam they take.

What length of narrowboat fits most canals?

Of the 115 stretches the Trust lists, 48 give a maximum length of 21.95 m (72 ft) and 34 give less (read 30 October 2026). Type her length into the checker to see each one.

Does the checker cover the Thames?

No. It covers Canal & River Trust waterways only. Other navigations publish their own limits.