Where Do ABC Boat Hire’s Canal Boat Names Come From?

Ever noticed how so many of our boat names start with ‘Alvechurch’? That’s not a coincidence.   Alvechurch is the home of where all ABC narrowboats are built, inspiring a large proportion of boat names, while others are named after other marinas. Each name is also followed by the wildlife you’re likely to see along the waterways.  

Find out how ABC chose this naming theme and why canal boat names matter.  

Why Do Canal Boat Names Matter?  

Canal boat names matter in the UK for legal and personal reasons. It’s a legal requirement under the General Canal Bye-Laws, and for your boating licence if you own one, that a canal boat’s index number and name be displayed on both sides. According to the UK government, boat names must be unique for registration purposes. 

A narrowboat name also becomes part of its identity. It’s how boaters recognise them, remember them, and talk about them long after their trip ends. During the Industrial Revolution in the UK, many people lived on their canal boats, as it was practical and self-sufficient, and they could make it their own. 

So it’s not unusual to see funky colours and wacky titles across the canals that give you an idea of the boat’s character, such as the roses and castles painting style. When choosing canal boat names, many people go for a personal touch, like children’s or grandparents’ names; some choose their favourite places, while others are inspired by a good old pun or two (there are a few foodie ones you can find here). 

What’s the Theme of ABC Boat Hire Canal Boat Names? 

ABC’s canal boat names follow the pattern of its marinas combined with types of birds commonly seen around the waterways. What better way to give each boat its own personality than with the gorgeous (and often mischievous) canal wildlife?  

This theme spans across our 31 types of boats, across our fleet of more than 200, of all boat sizes from two to five-berth, six to eight-berth, and up to 12-berth. 

The Significance of Alvechurch for ABC Boat Hire 

Alvechurch isn’t just a name for us at ABC, it’s our home. All of our ABC Boat Hire fleet was built at Alvechurch Marina, which is why so many of our canal boats carry the Bromsgrove district at the start of their name.  

There’s also wider canal history tied to the area. The village of Alvechurch is four miles north-west of Tardebigge, where it’s reported that the Inland Waterways Association (IWA) was born. The IWA became an organisation which played a revolutionary role in saving Britain’s canals from decline. So essentially, when you board an Alvechurch boat, you’re experiencing a real piece of waterways heritage. 

Our unabbreviated name, Alvechurch Boat Centre, came about in 1993 after formally changing from Alvechurch Waterways Holidays. Alvechurch Marina isn’t just a mooring base, but operates full marina services, like electric hook-up, gas and diesel, and pump-out facilities, it’s also a site for day boat hire, topside repainting and canal lift outs.  

This slice of Worcestershire countryside is truly the perfect place for canal enthusiasts.

Browse Routes from Alvechurch Marina

What Are ABC Boat Hire’s Narrowboat Names? 

At ABC Boat Hire, every single boat in our fleet of more than 200 has its name decorated on both sides. The first part of each canal boat name usually shows where the boat was built, and the second half of the canal boat name includes birds often seen near locks, hedgerows and towpaths.   

Some of our flagship canal boats are smaller and slight, like the Wren and Swift, and others are distinctive and strong, like the Eagle and the Falcon.   

Two to Five Berth Canal Boat Names  

There are 10 boat names at ABC Boat Hire that can sleep up to five people, with eight of them having the first name, Alvechurch. These smaller canal boats often use lighter bird names to match the boat’s size and easy handling.  
 

Six to Eight Berth Canal Boat Names 

ABC Boat Hire has 17 boat names that sleep up to eight people. Most follow the ‘Alvechurch + bird’ pattern, with a few exceptions, reflecting different build locations or earlier naming styles.   

These boats have more noticeable and popular bird names, matching their size, space and family-friendly designs.  
 

Up to 12-Berth Canal Boat Names 

These are our four largest boat names at ABC Boat Hire, all inspired by  Alverchurch Marina and named after bolder birds. 
 

Choose Your Narrowboat

Having memorable and themed narrowboat names isn’t just a fun way to connect them, it helps our team quickly identify boats, and guests remember their favourites more easily, often requesting them the next time they book a canal boat holiday.  

Plus, how much cooler does it sound that you can say, “I went on the Alvechurch Eagle”?  

Choose your boat today

If you’ve seen a canal boat name that you like the look of, browse our routes to see if it hits the spot for your next holiday destination.