Spectacular return for Wey & Arun Canal Trust’s narrowboat

The Wey & Arun Canal Trust’s trip boat Zachariah Keppel made a spectacular return to its home at Loxwood last week after spending several months away for repairs.
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The boat was floated along the Thames from All 4 Marine yard in Chertsey to Penton Hook Marina, where it was transported by lorry to the wharf at Loxwood, and lifted by a 76-tonne crane over the towpath and into the canal.

The unusual sight of a 50ft long, eight-tonne narrowboat flying through the air created quite a stir, and was filmed by a BBC South team for a piece on that evening’s programme.

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Zachariah Keppel was taken to the boatyard in January as it had developed rusty steelwork and the decision was made to appoint professional boat repairers to carry out the work required to allow ZK to be deemed passenger-worthy again, the trust said.

The return of the narrowboat. Photo: Julian MorganThe return of the narrowboat. Photo: Julian Morgan
The return of the narrowboat. Photo: Julian Morgan

A spokesman added: “With the rusty internal fittings replaced and the hull buffed off internally and externally, primed and painted with black bitumastic paint, the 45-year-old vessel should have another 10-15 years of life.

“The boat was named after Zachariah Keppel, a builder from Alfold, was the contractor responsible for building the Wey & Arun canal. He went bankrupt and had to give up the job before it was completed.

“Now that ZK is back home, volunteers will replace her ballast and flooring, making her ready to take passengers when government restrictions allow.”

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