SPEEDWELL

£39,000
Ref: 4217
For Sale
1990
Traditional
57ft 5in
3 Fixed + 5 Make-Up Berths
Standard

Speedwell of Newbury is a 57ft 5in traditional narrowboat built by Peter Nicholls in 1990 and has remained in the same family since new. An onboard history file documents regular maintenance, including engine servicing and hull blacking, while a hull survey completed in 2024 is available for prospective purchasers to read. The layout offers flexible accommodation for up to eight people, with three fixed single berths (with bunks above) arranged across two cabins, and an L-shaped dinette in the saloon converting to provide an additional double berth. The galley is equipped with gas cooking, an under-counter 12V fridge and benefits from a side door with hatch providing additional natural light. The walkthrough shower room incorporates a shower cubicle, with a separate toilet compartment and washbasin. Heating is provided by an Alde gas boiler feeding fin radiators, complemented by a solid fuel stove in the saloon. Externally, the original paintwork has weathered over time and is now showing signs of fading, reflected in the competitive asking price, offering an opportunity for new owners to personalise and upgrade the boat while enjoying spacious accommodation from the outset.

SPEEDWELL At A Glance

BERTHS
3 Fixed + 5 Make-Up Berths
BSS
18/03/2030
BUILDER
Peter Nicholls
ENGINE
Mitsubishi FMK4
FIT OUT
Peter Nicholls
HEADROOM
6ft 3in
HEATING
Alde Comfort 2920 gas boiler; Squirrel solid fuel stove
LAYOUT
Standard
LENGTH
57ft 5in
LOCATION
ABNB at North Kilworth Marina
STATUS
For Sale
TOILET
Cassette

Line Drawing

We Love

  • The flexible sleeping accommodation and two bedrooms, making a great vessel for a family
  • The folder onboard containing maintenance history, showing that she has been looked after by the family who have owned her from new
  • She may be an older vessel, but she is presented in a neat and tidy condition

SPEEDWELL Full Details

Basic Information
Reference
4217
Location
ABNB at North Kilworth Marina
Year
1990
Length
57ft 5in
Total Berths
8
Fixed Berths
3
Make-Up Berths
5
Berths Detail Info
6ft 10in x 2ft 9in permanent single in bedroom 1 • 6ft 10in x 1ft 11in make-up single bunk in bedroom 1; 2 x 6ft 6in x 2ft 3in permanent singles In bedroom 2 • 2 x 6ft 6in x 2ft 0in - 1ft 6in (tapered) make-up single bunks in bedroom 2; 6ft 5in x 4ft 0in make-up double on dinette
Builder
Peter Nicholls
Fit Out
Peter Nicholls
Fit Out Details
Cabin sides oak tongue & groove boarding and hull sides, headlining (ceilings), bulkheads (partitions) lined in oak plywood
Headroom
6ft 3in
Insulation
Polystyrene foam
Vessel History
Boat Safety Scheme Certificate
18/03/2030
Last Out of Water
February 2024
Recreational Craft Directive
Boat was built before 16th June 1998 when the Recreational Craft Directive came into force
Added to Market
10 July 2026
Previous Owners
1
Hot Water & Heating Systems
Water Heating
Calorifier heated by engine & boiler
Cabin Heating
Alde Comfort 2920 gas boiler; Squirrel solid fuel stove
Stove Type
Solid Fuel
Water Tank Details
Under deck integral (unable to see to measure size) water tank
Electrics
Mains 230V
230V circuit installed; Independent onboard 230V power from batteries via Amperor 0.6kW modified sine wave inverter
Propulsion & Bowthruster
Engine
Mitsubishi FMK4
Engine Type
Diesel
Gearbox Make
PRM Delta
Bow Thruster
None
Horsepower
32
Bathroom
Toilet Type
Cassette
Toilet Details
Sealand pump out toilet
Bath
No
Shower Details
Cubicle shower 30in x 29in with tiled linings and bifold doors
Galley & Appliances
Cooking Detail
Gas cooking; Valor Vanette SL grill & oven; Moffat 65 4 burner hob
Fridge Freezer Details
Shoreline 12V under counter fridge
Appliance Details
None

Video Walkaround

Location

ABNB at North Kilworth Marina

This boat is located at our marina in North Kilworth. Viewings are available by appointment, so please contact the ABNB team to arrange a convenient time to visit and see the boat in person.

10 min from M1 motorway access

12 min from a fast London train station

30 min from Leicester or Coventry

Buy & Sell With Confidence

ABNB Boat Brokerage are proud members of the Association of Brokers and Yacht Agents (ABYA), the UK’s professional body for yacht brokers. ABYA membership ensures we follow recognised industry standards and a strict code of practice, giving buyers and sellers confidence that every transaction is handled professionally, transparently, and with expert guidance.

Learn More
The Small Print

Whilst we endeavour to ensure the details listed here are correct there may be some listings awaiting vendors approval. Please check the brochure details for the boat that interests you. If you are still in any doubt please contact the office by telephone or email where a member of the team will do their utmost to help.

Please note: This is sales information and not a survey report; providing content details only. In this case we are acting as Brokers only. The specification in these pages is based on ABNB’s visit to the vessel and on information given by the owner. Whilst every care has been taken in their preparation, the correctness of these particulars is not guaranteed. The particulars are intended only as a guide and they do not constitute a term of any contract. A prospective Buyer is strongly advised to check the particulars and where appropriate at their own expense to employ a qualified Marine Surveyor to carry out a survey. Life saving appliances do not form part of the inventory and it is for the buyer to ensure that they are in date and suitable for their purposes. The information here is given in good faith but no description, statement, promise of work to be done, or suggestion for future use, constitutes an offer. If the craft leaves the UK, any necessary VAT paid status may not be available.

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Frequently Asked Questions

We’re here to make things simple. Take a look through some of our most common questions before getting in touch with the team.

Emma’s Top Tip!

Stick to your realistic budget rather than relying on large price reductions. Sellers rarely adjust for upgrades, so it’s wise to allow some contingency for routine maintenance. Most boats are already priced to reflect their condition and specification.

Do I need to book an appointment before visiting?

No, but we do recommend booking in advance where possible. This allows us to make sure we have enough time set aside to properly look after you, answer any questions, and prepare any boats you may wish to view ahead of your arrival.

Are your deposits refundable?

Yes, our deposits are fully refundable up until the exchange of contracts. Once contracts have been exchanged, the transaction becomes legally binding. If the buyer fails to complete within the agreed timeframe, the deposit is liable to be forfeited as liquidated damages in accordance with the Sale and Purchase Agreement.

How long is the buying process?

We allow a five week window from the day the offer is accepted, to the date of completion. This is usually plenty of time to arrange a survey and/or water trial, and to allow you to get the funds transferred into our secure client account, and the boat licence and insurance organised.

I am using my pension to pay for my boat but it may take up to six weeks to access the funds. Can I still make an offer?

Yes, this can be considered. If you are aware of any delays in obtaining funds, please let us know at the outset so we can present this to the Vendor. Subject to their agreement, a variation to the Sale and Purchaser Agreement may be included to allow an extended completion timeframe. If no extension is agreed, the standard five-week completion period will apply. Please be aware that failure to complete within this timeframe may result in forfeiture of the deposit and the boat being returned to the market.

I am selling my house, can I make an offer on a boat?

We are generally unable to accept offers that are dependent on the sale of a property, unless contracts have been exchanged and a fixed completion date is in place. This is because property transactions can be uncertain until exchange, and delays or withdrawals can occur. In the past, we have seen situations where a buyer expected to complete within our standard five week timeframe, but their house sale did not proceed.

In such circumstances, the boat will have been withdrawn from the market during that period, and the buyer is now unable to complete within the agreed timescales. Under the terms of the Sale and Purchase Agreement, this would constitute a default, resulting in forfeiture of the deposit. Any survey or lift-out costs incurred would also remain payable, and the Vendor may seek to recover losses. For this reason, we strongly recommend that funds are in place, or that a confirmed completion date is agreed, before making an offer.

Do you allow viewings if I do not have the funds in place?

Yes, we are always happy to welcome visitors who are at the early stages of considering boat ownership. There is no pressure or hard selling at ABNB, and we are pleased to show a small selection of suitable boats to help you get a feel for what is available. We do ask that you pre-book a viewing appointment so that we can set aside dedicated time to assist you.

Are dogs allowed on boats?

We are all dog lovers at ABNB, however we are unable to allow dogs onboard. The boats we market are privately owned, and we have a responsibility to take good care of them.

Can I go out for a cruise before deciding to buy?

We are unable to offer a water trial prior to an offer being accepted. Once a sale has been agreed, a water trial can be arranged as part of the sales process. Many buyers choose to combine a water trial with a handover. Where possible, the boat owner will carry out the water trial and handover; however, if they are unavailable, a member of the ABNB team will assist.

Can I have my boat washed off and blacked whilst it is out of the water being surveyed?

Yes, this is possible at some boat yards. However, the boat is not yours at this point, so we will need to seek approval from the Vendor, and you will need to sign a disclaimer which states that you will pay for blacking regardless of whether you go ahead and purchase the boat.

Are there any other costs that I need to be aware of?

As a professional brokerage dealing with high value assets, we are required to carry out identity checks in line with Anti-Money Laundering regulations. This includes verification of photographic ID and proof of address. A small administration fee per person is charged for this process, which is payable at the deposit stage. Please note that this fee is non-refundable in the event that the sale does not proceed.

I have seen a boat for sale I like, but it is a private sale. Should I be cautious?

Yes, we would always advise caution when purchasing privately. While many private sales proceed without issue, there are unfortunately occasions where buyers have been exposed to fraud. We recommend that you never pay a deposit before viewing a boat in person. You should also ensure that all ownership documentation is in order, including a clear chain of title and confirmation that the seller is the legal owner.

The most recent Bill of Sale should be in the name of the current seller. If documentation is missing or unclear, this may indicate that the vessel is subject to outstanding finance or that ownership cannot be fully verified. You should also check compliance with the Recreational Craft Directive (where applicable) and the Boat Safety Scheme. If you would like assistance, we offer a professional conveyancing service for private sales – please ask for our current pricing and details.