The base plate is down — it’s official! The build of our brand-new electric accessible boat has started!

The base plate is the horizontal steel plate at the very bottom of the hull — a critical component that determines the boat’s strength and stability. Its thickness even affects how much ballast the boat will need once it’s afloat. It might not look exciting now, but it’s the foundation of something truly special!

It starts with a single sheet of steel —but it marks the beginning of something incredible.

After years of dreaming, planning, and fundraising, the build of CanalAbility’s new fully accessible electric canal boat is officially underway!

This exciting new electric boat will join CanalAbility’s existing fleet of two diesel-powered, wide-beam boats — opening up even more opportunities for individuals with disabilities, mobility challenges, and significant health conditions to experience the joy of the waterways. The project reflects CanalAbility’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, reducing our environmental impact while expanding the number of accessible trips available for those who benefit most from our services.

A young wheelchair user is inside a canal boat with another lady kneeling in front of her. The river and greenery can be seen in the background.
a family sitting in a canal boat, the young boy is a wheelchair user
Two ladies sat inside a canal boat smiling, river and reeds can be seen in the background
two young ladies and a young man smiling at standing next to a canal lock
Young lady with Down Syndrome steering a canal boat
Three smiling older ladies on a canal boat with a man steering the boat behind them
5 young people sit on a paddle of a canal lock

Thanks to the amazing support of our volunteers, fundraisers, and donors — along with generous contributions from The National Lottery Community Fund, global water technology company Xylem, and support from maritime law specialists HFW— we’ve reached this exciting first milestone.

This new boat will allow even more people — whatever their ability — to enjoy the peace, freedom, and adventure of life on the water. It will also represent a big step forward for sustainability, using clean electric power to help protect our beautiful waterways.

We’d like to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who’s supported us so far — whether by donating, volunteering, taking part in sponsored challenges, or simply cheering us on. You’ve helped make this dream a reality.

Of course, there’s still work ahead. The next stage will see the boat fitted out with safety equipment, accessible adaptations, and comfortable furnishings, and we’ll continue to share regular updates as the project takes shape.

Further Support Needed to Complete the Project

While this is an exciting milestone, we still need additional support to fully furnish and equip the boat, ensuring it delivers the best possible experience for everyone on board. CanalAbility is calling on individuals, businesses, and supporters to help us bring this project to completion and make accessible canal trips even more special.

How You Can Help

You can support us in several ways:

  • Make a Donation: Your contribution will help us furnish and equip the new boat, ensuring it meets the needs of all users.    

  • Fundraise for Us: Organize a fundraising event or take on a charity challenge to raise funds for the project. Learn More

  • Corporate Sponsorship: Partner with us to sponsor the new boat or an event, showcasing your company’s commitment to supporting accessible boating. Find Out More

  • Volunteer: Offer your time and skills to assist with various aspects of the project and our ongoing operations. Join Our Volunteer Team

We provide specially adapted canal boats so people with disabilities or disadvantages can enjoy the river. Every contribution—time, resources, or financial—helps us make accessible canal trips a reality for more people.

Stay tuned for more updates as our new boat starts to take shape — steel by steel, piece by piece.

Follow our journey on socials:

Learn more about our main sponsors and supporters:

Logo for The National Lottery Community FundThis project is made possible thanks to National Lottery players, with funding from The National Lottery Community Fund, the largest funder of community activity in the UK.

Logo of company XylemXylem is a global water technology company committed to building a more water-secure world by innovating, collaborating, and connecting solutions that make water work every day. Within our marine portfolio, Jabsco has been a trusted leader for more than 80 years, pioneering the flexible impeller pump and delivering reliable marine water systems, engine cooling pumps, and waste solutions. Since 1965, Rule has set the standard in dependable bilge pumps, trusted worldwide by boating professionals and enthusiasts. Together, these brands reflect Xylem’s commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainable experiences on the water.

Company logo for HFWCanalAbility sincerely appreciates the invaluable legal support and guidance provided by maritime lawspecialists, HFW, which has played a key role in helping us navigate important milestones, including our electric boat project.