Description

Introducing Aster — a truly exceptional and historic narrowboat, offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for canal boat enthusiasts and heritage lovers alike. Built in 1969 by the legendary Malcolm Braine, Aster was the very first vessel to emerge from the now-renowned Norton Canes boatyard. This 45ft traditional stern narrowboat marks the beginning of a remarkable legacy in British boatbuilding.

Malcolm Braine is widely regarded as one of the finest narrowboat builders of his time. His dedication to traditional craftsmanship and quality steelwork is unmistakably present in Aster. In 1996, she was brought back to Norton Canes for a significant refit, including the addition of a steel top — further enhancing her structural integrity while preserving her vintage character.

Lovingly maintained and steeped in history, Aster comes with a comprehensive record of documentation— including the original build plans from 1969.

Onboard, you'll find charming features and practical fittings throughout, including a Morso Squirrel stove, Eberspacher warm air heating, and a Paloma gas boiler for hot water. The layout includes a walkthrough bathroom with a cassette toilet, shower, and vanity basin, and she comfortably sleeps two with a fixed double berth.

Her Mercedes OM636 engine is paired with a raw water cooling system. She’s also fitted with two solar panels, making her more self-sufficient for extended cruising. A recent survey (2023) and having been blacked in April 2025 offering peace of mind for her next owner.

With her distinctive heritage and enduring charm, Aster is a standout example of traditional narrowboat design — ideal for someone who values the artistry of classic boatbuilding and is ready to carry her legacy forward.

Specifications

Accommodation

Comfortably sleeps two with a fixed double berth

Construction

Constructed in steel in 1969 and In 1996, she was brought back to Norton Canes for a significant refit, including the addition of a steel top — further enhancing her structural integrity while preserving her vintage character.

A boat is not valued on its age. The age of a boat is irrelevant. A boat is valued based on who built the hull? Who fitted the boat out and what type of materials were used (Hard wood or MDF etc) What equipment does the boat have (Bow thruster, generator, inverters etc) These are just a few of the many factors that equate to the correct value of a boat

Engine(s)

Her Mercedes OM636 engine is paired with a raw water cooling system.

Certification

BUYERS & SELLERS

When you buy a boat from us you pay all monies in to our company clients trust account which means that the buyers and sellers money is protected. This is the same account that solicitors set up for house sales .This money does not belong to the company it belongs to the buyer until the sale is complete and then we pay the seller from the company clients trust account. We cannot release the money from the Clients Trust Account to the seller until the vessel has been accepted and handed over to the buyer because if there was a fault with the vessel and the buyer refused to accept it and wanted their money back we could not do this because the seller would of already had the money. This could become a very costly and messy problem for all parties.

This money never enters our company current account. This also means that we cannot use customers money for other purchases/reasons. If at any point the company went bust then the buyers/sellers money is safe and it would go back to the rightful owner of the money.

We have had this company clients trust account set up from day one to protect our customers money. This account is a secure holding account. We pay the seller monies due from this account when the buyer has signed to accept the vessel. Payment is made from this account to the seller by cheque from the clients Trust Account which is protected guaranteed funds.

Great Haywood Boat Sales Ltd trading as Nationwide Boat sales are a full member of:

The British Marine

As such we abide by a strict Code of Conduct to protect both the buyer and seller.

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Disclaimer

No guarantee is given or implied with regards to specification but descriptions are given in good faith. All vessels are sold without warranty or condition as to the fitness either expressed or implied by status or otherwise. No appliances or systems have been tested. All measurements stated are approximate.These details are not intended to, and do not, form any part of any current or future contract. In this transaction we are acting as Brokers only. All sales subject to contract.We are relying on information supplied by a third party. All information is given as a guide.Plating thickness cannot be measured during NBS visit while the boat is in the water and is based on information supplied by the owner.A prospective buyer is strongly advised to check the particulars and where appropriate at their own expense to employ a qualified Marine Surveyor to carry out a survey of the vessel.NBS advises that a qualified independent surveyor carries out a full out of water survey for every vessel.

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