An Introduction to Starcross
"Starcross" is a narrowboat, built for pleasure cruising on the English waterwys system. Due to her length (50ft 9in or 15.42m) and width (6ft 11in or 2.1m) she can pass through every lock on that system bar one. She has a "traditional" stern (as opposed to a "cruiser" or "semi-trad") which means that her back end and steering position is designed to resemble the old cargo-carrying working boats that plied the waterways in better days. Starcross was built in 1991 by Ken Field at Aldridge Boat Builders on the Daw End Branch of the BCN. She had a Perkins 4108 four cylinder diesel engine but this failed in August 2007 and was replaced by an Isuzu 35 at Norbury Wharf. There is sleeping accommodation for up to four people, two in a permanent bedroom and two in convertible accommodation in the main saloon.
Jim Davies, waterways enthusiast from Hereford, bought her in November 2004 and now uses her to travel as much of the English canal system as possible consistent with having to work for a living!
Quite a few people write about their experiences on the inland waterways and many of these live either permanently or for large periods of the year on board their boats. I can't do that, so this site is written from the slightly different perspective on someone who lives "on the bank" but spends as much time as possible on his boat (or getting to and from it) I have divided the reports of our trips and activities into seasons of the year which you can access via the navigation bar to the left of the page.
I don't see how anyone can fail to find the canals interesting and attractive when the sun is shining, but real enthusiasts can enjoy them in all weathers. We recently took some first-time boaters for a trip on what was possibly the worst day for weather I have ever experienced on the cut, but it was still great fun!
Jim Davies
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