VIDEO: Large canal boat Kingfisher craned into Chichester basin

A crowd gathered to watch a large new boat be craned into the basin of Chichester canal this morning.
By The Newsroom
Published 11th Jan 2016, 15:36 BST
Updated 8th Jun 2018, 06:59 BST

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Kingfisher is craned into the basin at Chichester. Kate Shemilt ks1500002-1Kingfisher is craned into the basin at Chichester. Kate Shemilt ks1500002-1
Kingfisher is craned into the basin at Chichester. Kate Shemilt ks1500002-1

Kingfisher will replace Egremont - now over 40 years old and given an honourable retirement - in providing popular canal trips for families and groups.

The 40ft long, 10.6ft wide canal boat will be able to carry 22 people along with two crew, ten more than its predecessor, and will have access and facilities for disabled customers.

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The new boat, which will complement the small fleet of trip boats, was built by specialist canal boat builders Colecraft in Coventry, where it arrived from on Monday.

Kingfisher is craned into the basin at Chichester. Kate Shemilt ks1500002-1Kingfisher is craned into the basin at Chichester. Kate Shemilt ks1500002-1
Kingfisher is craned into the basin at Chichester. Kate Shemilt ks1500002-1

Its delivery is part of Chichester Ship Canal Trust’s major renovation plans for the basin at Chichester, and three new pontoons were also lifted in on the day.

Mike Bushall, the Trust’s chairman, said: “Today is the first stage with the new boat being launched. We still have more to do with two boats coming out for the annual inspection, and new pontoons arriving, to allow the basin layout to be changed. It’s been in the planning for some time.

“It’s been designed specifically for very easy movement around the boat, very spacious, with disabled facilities.

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Judy Saxon, chairman of the Chichester Canal Trading Company, added: “We’re hoping to get it for commercial trips in February, but there’s quite a bit to do before then.”

ks1500002-2 Chi Canal Boat phot kate The new barge is lowered into the water.ks1500002-2 SUS-161101-143749008ks1500002-2 Chi Canal Boat phot kate The new barge is lowered into the water.ks1500002-2 SUS-161101-143749008
ks1500002-2 Chi Canal Boat phot kate The new barge is lowered into the water.ks1500002-2 SUS-161101-143749008

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Members of Chichester Ship Canal Trust and volunteers next to the new trip boat. ks1500002-3Members of Chichester Ship Canal Trust and volunteers next to the new trip boat. ks1500002-3
Members of Chichester Ship Canal Trust and volunteers next to the new trip boat. ks1500002-3

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Related topics:KingfisherCoventry