This first boat of a new concept design has been named Bass during its recent launch at Aqueduct Marina, where the boat was built. Named after David Bass, a Senior Project Delivery Manager at the Trust who, along with British Waterways, David has worked for the past 27 years. The boat was named in recognition of all of David’s years of hard work and effort he has put into the concept and its unique design. He has been a leading force in developing and building this first boat, using laser-cut components in the build of its hull and CNC-cut components for the cabin interior, all of which have reduced the cost of future builds for the Trust and the manufacturing time for Aqueduct Marina.

 The new design features an easier form of stackable craft, which reduces transportation costs and enables the boat and hopper to be manoeuvred around the canal network with ease.

 The naming of the boat had been kept a secret from David, with the unveiling presentation being led by Mick Carrington, National Workboat & Plant Manager for Canal & River Trust, who was joined by David’s wife Karen, work colleagues from the Trust, Stuart Norton, Marine Architect and all of the team at Aqueduct Marina.

 The new workboat, along with two more under construction at the marina, will be used at various locations around the canal network to enable the Trust’s colleagues to familiarise themselves with this new concept of workboat and hopper.

*Credit: written by Phil Picken.