Essex Disability Charity Takes Delivery of New Accessible Electric Boat
A major milestone has been reached for Essex based charity CanalAbility, as its new accessible electric canal boat, Amply Accessible, has been successfully delivered to a local marina, ahead of her journey to the charity’s base on the River Stort.
Based in Harlow, Essex, CanalAbility provides accessible boating experiences for people with disabilities, mobility challenges and significant health conditions, welcoming clients, families, carers and support groups.
The new 56ft by 11ft boat has been designed specifically for CanalAbility’s disabled clients and will join its two existing specially adapted diesel-powered wide-beam boats, helping the charity provide more opportunities for people to enjoy time on the water.
A Boat Built for the Future
The new boat is fully electric, with eight solar panels on the cabin roof helping to provide power for its onboard electrical requirements.
Moving from diesel to electric is expected to save approximately 5,130kg of CO₂ emissions each year, as well as providing a much quieter experience for clients.
Accessibility features include a wheelchair lift, drop-down access ramps, an accessible toilet, changing table and hoist. The boat also has joystick steering alongside conventional tiller steering, giving clients with different abilities the opportunity to take part in steering.
The project has been made possible thanks to the incredible support of CanalAbility’s volunteers,
fundraisers, donors and supporters, together with National Lottery players whose contributions made a substantial grant from The National Lottery Community Fund possible.
The project has also received sponsorship from Xylem and support from HFW.
CanalAbility Chairman, Marc Balkham, said:
“2025 and 2026 have seen CanalAbility focussing on the exciting development and build of our new boat, while also reviewing our strategy and planning for the future stability of the charity, all while maintaining our high quality of service provision to our clients.
Seeing Amply Accessible successfully trialled at Colecraft Boats and now preparing to make her journey home is a hugely exciting milestone for everyone involved.
This boat represents a significant investment in the future of CanalAbility. It brings together accessibility, sustainability and modern technology, and most importantly has been designed around the needs of the people we support.”
Next Stop – CanalAbility
The boat will soon begin her journey to her new home in Harlow at CanalAbility’s base on the River Stort.
There will still be preparation, testing and commissioning before she begins welcoming disabled clients and community groups for day trips, but seeing Amply Accessible successfully complete her water trials and arrive at the marina marks an exciting step forward for CanalAbility, as she prepares for the next stage of her journey to the charity’s base on the River Stort.
For more information visit www.canalability.org.uk, Email hello@canalability.org.uk or call 01279 424444.
