Water-way to go!

Brian Asquith, owner of White Rose Boat Builders, has just completed his first canal boat for a couple who wanted to swap their traditional bricks and mortar home for something a bit more unusual.

The project took seven months from start to finish and the end result is plusher than most houses, with laminate floors and all the mod cons you would expect from a swanky modern apartment.

The company, based at Brookside Works, in Cleckheaton, has previously built five boat shells, but this is the first time it has completed a boat from scratch.

He also drew on his experience running B&J Commercial Trucks, which builds the chassis for large vehicles like trucks and wagons.

“I’ve always liked canal boats and I fancied building one, so when the opportunity arose we took it,” said Brian.

“I think we are one of the few boat builders around here that do this type of thing. We were delighted with how it turned out. We’ve had two people working on it for months, it was amazing to see the end product on the water.”

The boat was hoisted by a 50-tonne crane onto a flatbed wagon and driven via the M62 to Savile Town Marina in Dewsbury.

It then made the journey through four locks, in torrential rain, to its mooring on the canal in Mirfield Marina.

Proud new owner Philip Maud said: “The launch day had the heaviest rain all year and it rained all day.

“When steering, there was no protection from the elements.

“We had to sail it to the mooring, which was a big challenge.

“We had to travel from Savile Town to Mirfield on the Calder and Hebble Canal, which took three-and-a-half hours.

“The weather spoiled it to be honest, it should’ve been a very exciting day but the rain didn’t stop all day.

“But in the end, it’s our boat and we got it on the water.

“It looks great and is a real credit to the boat builders.”

There is still some final work to be completed before Mr Maud and his wife can live there permanently, but Brian hopes his company can build on its success.

The firm has already had enquiries about similar projects and has received a request to refurbish a 30-year-old canal boat as well.

He added: “We have the refurbishment to do and people are ringing up asking about other boats as well.

“That can take anything up to 10 weeks, but they would be fully fitted out and brought up to a modern standard.”