Description

For Sale: 45ft Narrowboat “Leadbelly”

I'm moving abroad for study in September and unfortunately cannot take Leadbelly with me! So I'm looking for a good owner to sell to soon. All reasonable offers considered for a smooth quick sale.

Please read recent survey and BSC before viewing. All advisories on survey have amended and fixed. Serious buyers only please. Hull surveyed March 2025, BSC valid until 2028. Please get in touch for links to PDFs of Hull survey, Boat Safety Certificate. Thank you.

Disclaimer:
This is a unique, custom-built boat and does not have a Hull Identification Number (HIN), as it wasn't built by a commercial manufacturer. It has always been fully insurable and has served me reliably for years. I'm being completely open and honest about the condition and background of the boat—not only to reassure genuine buyers, but also to avoid any last-minute hesitation or excuses. I’m including this note to be fully transparent, as I need to sell the boat soon due to moving abroad for study in late August. It’s a solid, dependable vessel, and serious buyers are welcome to inspect it and see the quality for themselves.

Stylish, unique, and ready for life afloat – marina or off-grid.
Built in 2015 and beautifully fitted out for comfortable cruising or marina life, Leadbelly is a 45ft narrowboat packed with charm, smart design, and modern amenities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful liveaboard or a stylish getaway, this boat offers the best of both worlds.

Specs & Features
Engine: Perkins 4108 (reconditioned 2024)
Layout: Reverse layout – Kitchen → Living Room → Bathroom → Bedroom
Berths: Sleeps up to 5 (double bed, sofa bed, and hooks for hammock)
Boat Safety Certificate: Expires 2028
Hull Survey: March 2025 (with all key advisory works completed)
Blackened: 2-part epoxy in March 2025 (5-year lifespan)
New anodes: March 2025

Interior Highlights
Kitchen
Shaker-style with live edge wooden worktops
Top-spec Thetford oven/grill, Vonshef fridge
Lift-up breakfast bar + 2 stools

Living Area
Fold-out sofa (small double)
Real acoustic piano (can be removed on request)
Bespoke fireplace & stove
Smart TV

Bathroom
Full-size shower
Edwardian-style handbasin
Brand-new Thetford cassette toilet

Bedroom
Double bed with panoramic bow-facing views
6 soft-close drawers under bed + secure metal storage locker

Systems & Power
Water Tank: 400L
Hot Water: 45L calorifier (engine + 1000w immersion on shore power)
Heating: Diesel heater + solid fuel stove
Power: Shore power capabilities with galvanic isolator fitted.
1x 280Ah lithium-ion leisure battery (new)
Starter battery (new)
650W solar array
Alternator + split relay for automatic charging

Unique Selling Points
-Gorgeous use of real wood and handcrafted elements throughout
-Bespoke fireplace, real piano – rare features on a boat this size
-Spacious, clever layout with stylish and homely touches
-Off-grid ready and marina-friendly
-Newly painted all over the superstructure
-Two large outdoor storage boxes on the roof, positioned under the solar panels
-Stern seats with built-in storage
-Newly surveyed, blacked and boat safety certified until 2028.

Specifications

Construction

drawers under bed

Fireplace

Secure Storage under bed

LVT parquet floor with borders kitchen

LVT parquet floor bathroom

Hardwood kitchen worktop and stainless steel sink

Hardwood professionally finish stern seat

Fresh two-part epoxy blacking

Stern fresh two-part epoxy blacking

Throttle lever

Gas locker fits two 13kg calorie gas bottles

Electrical cupboard

Window view from sink

Fresh two-part blacked on base plate

Sofa bed pull out

Freshly painted name local artist

Engine(s)

Reconditioned last year - Perkins 4108 engine. Sturdy, reliable and a true workhorse. 45-50 BHP plenty of power. This engine is a renowned model and will stand to test time compared to the more modern diesel engines. I have also considered running it on renewable biodiesel to make LEADBELLY a renewable off-grid boat.

Perkins 4108 engine

Perkins 4108 engine zoomed

Location Map