Atlas and Leo

( A working pair.)

Both these boats were built in 1935 for the Grand Union Carrying Company, Leo was launched in September of that year and Atlas in November.

Atlas is the powered boat which towed Leo. Both are 71feet long and 7feet 1inch  in the beam, they both have a maximum draft of 3feet 6inches. Both boats are of steel construction. In good conditions they were able to carry 25 tons of goods each.

The cabin of Leo was the primary living space and the cabin of Atlas was occupied as additional sleeping space for the family. In most cases the boatman steered the motor boat and his wife steered the butty whilst caring for the children and family.

The project uses these boats as an example of a narrow boat pair and to preserve and practice the skills of operating them as a pair.