Springer Narrowboats: A proud Part of Britain's Canal History

Springer Narrowboats have been a familiar sight on Britian's canals for generations. Associated with Sam Springer, a steel fabricator based in Market Harborough, Leicestershire, the business began making boats from the 1960s to the early 1990a, they helped make canal boating more affordable and accessible - allowing more people to enjoy life on the waterways. Many Springers are still cruising the canals today, including "Kwa Heri", carrying on their legacy and creating new memories.

Did you know:

• Springer boats helped make canal boating accessible. They offered an affordable way for people to own a steel narrowboat.

• They have a distinctive shallow V-shaped hull bottom, making them recognisable compared to many flatter-bottomed narrowboats.

• The have local roots in Leicestershire, giving the town of Market Harborough an important place in history.

• Many are still in use today making them a living part of canal history.

Our very own Springer: Kwa Heri

At The Purple Boat, we're very proud that Kwa Heri was built by Springer Engineering in 1978, and at 40ft long she has remained in the same family ownership ever since.

Over the years, she has been refurbished and modernised, including the installation of a Beta Marine diesel engine in 2020. She combines her rich history with the comforts needed for a relaxing canal holiday.

As Kwa Heri approaches her 50th birthday in 2028, we're proud to be continuing her story. My grandmother Norma (pictured) and her husband John had Kwa Heri built orginally, and we're so proud to have restored and kept her all these years - of course keeping the original iconic purple colour.

Springer narrowboats are an important part of Britain's canal heritage, and we love that our boat is still doing what she was built for nearly five decades ago: helping people discover the enjoyment of canal life.

After all, it's not just about the boat itself, but the places you visit, the people you share it with, and the memories you make along the way.

Discover Kwa Heri and experience a traditional piece of canal history with The Purple Boat.