Membership

Firstly, although our aims could be seen to run in tandem with those of other organisations (particularly the Inland Waterways Association), the HNBOC has a specific role in catering for the needs of the larger boats and the heritage and lore associated with them. The HNBOC might press for a particular length of canal to be dredged (for example) or for the retention of a particular item of canalside furniture, while the IWA has more general concerns.

Secondly as owners and users of some of the largest boats possible on the narrow canals, boating practices and problems tend to be different from those of other users. It is important that these differences are explained. Our members are generally friendly and helpful to others and indeed owners of traditional craft have usually owned a variety of smaller craft previously and are therefore aware of the differing problems that each vessel may experience. Obviously in supporting the club's aims, the owners of smaller craft can help in pressuring authorities to perform dredging etc which will make it easier to avoid conflicts.

Thirdly, if the HNBOC were to consistently fail to ensure FULL maintenance of the waterways, siltation, weed growth and other factors would cause problems for all waterway users - where a working boat can go, any smaller boat can go and an angler may fish. The number of working and ex-working boats is strictly limited so, to avoid ultimate extinction, the club needs members of ALL types and welcomes the increasing proportion of other boaters as well as all others with an interest in the historic craft of our narrow canals. It is the combination of historic craft and a usable canal system that is the greatest interest to most of our members.

Finally, as a member, you will receive:- 

• A regular newsletter - published seasonally.
• Occasional discount offers on boating equipment.
• Access to the ever increasing wealth of information in the narrow boat register and archive.
• Help and advice on craft maintenance etc.
• Small, sociable rallies.
• BETTER WATERWAYS FOR ALL.

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Categories of membership

Full membership is open to:-

Owners of working and ex-working narrow boats built prior to 1965 - including cargo carrying craft, tugs, icebreakers and inspection boats.  

Working boatmen or boatwomen who are regularly engaged in the commercial carriage of cargo by narrow boats .

Other persons, or organisations, interested in the aims and objectives of the club . 

You can download and print an application form (pdf version) from HERE .
You can download a pdf standing order form for subscriptions HERE.
You can download the text of the membership leaflet HERE.
ALL DOWNLOADS HERE.