Celtic Kiwi is a smart 58ft semi-trad narrow boat which started cruising in 2003. She is well laid-out for 2 to 6 people with plenty of living space. She is currently based at Wigram's Turn Marina, at the junction of the Oxford and Grand Union canals.

The bedroom has wardrobes and a double bed extendable to 5ft width. The bathroom has a flush toilet, hand basin and bath with a shower over. The kitchen has a double oven, fridge, 4-ring gas hob, sink and microwave. The dining area has a raised dinette which converts to a double bed, with storage below the seats. Forward of this is a sitting area with more cupboards, two armchairs (which convert to single beds) and a multi-fuel stove. For entertainment, we have an LCD TV with DVD player and freeview digital tuner, and a radio/CD player.

CK has a 240 volt AC inverter with sockets in most areas. She also has a central heating system with diesel boiler and hot water radiators throughout.

A full set of equipment for canal and non-tidal river cruising is on board, including a heavy duty anchor, chains and warps for rivers and tidal sections. We carry a full selection of mechanical spares on board, a full set of Nicholson canal guides, and cooking utensils, crockery and cutlery are provided. Quilts, pillows etc. to make up all six berths are included, but linen (sheets, pillowcases, towels etc.) must be provided by the using owner.

Celtic Kiwi was originally commissioned by the Boatshare Company, and the owners converted to private management in September 2005. We don’t employ expensive boat management companies, but we do spend our funds keeping the boat in good condition. For this reason the running costs are not as low as some groups (many of whom run their boats steadily downhill). She had a complete external repaint in 2008.

We elect a 3 person owner-management team of boat manager, secretary/treasurer and assistant boat manager at each AGM (usually held in September), where we also set the plans for the year ahead. If other decisions are required during the year, the boat manager will circulate the owners who discuss and decide the matter by email.

CK has a gold licence covering BW and EA waters, which owners find useful for visiting the Thames and the Nene - both only a few days' cruise from Wigrams. Wigrams is also very well placed for the English canal system.

All owners follow regular guidelines (as with all narrow boats) and there is an agreed changeover procedure to ensure that we all find the boat in good condition. Owners can hand over at Wigrams or (by arrangement) anywhere in the country.

We welcome new owners, who should have some experience in operating a canal boat. Prospective owners without narrow boat experience must be willing to take a suitable short narrow boat course from an approved trainer.

See an example of the Celtic Kiwi newsletter sent to owners