Safety First
Just like cars have to have an annual MOT, there's a scheme for boats called the Boat Safety Scheme. Every boat has to, by law, have an up to date BSS certificate before it's allowed on the inland waterways. To get a certificate, a boat has to pass the 31 legal requirements of the BSS covering all sorts of aspects from fuel pipes, electrical systems, LPG (gas) installation to fire fighting equipment and pollution control.
Guests on board the Seth Ellis can rest assured that our boat has passed all these requirements with flying colours, testament to the members of the crew that look after the mechanics and general upkeep of the boat.
You can read more about the BSS here.
Special trips
It's not often the Seth Ellis gets a chance to cruise the upper reaches of the canal, and even less often that we get a chance to take passengers up there, but if you want the chance to witness some of the most scenic canal this area of the country has to offer, and some of the oldest flights of locks, here's your chance!
All these four hour trips are £10/person or £120/group and the boat for your own group (we still get to crew!):
- Tuesday 19th May : Shireoaks to Kiveton
- Wednesday 27th May : Kiveton to Shireoaks
- Thursday 2nd July : Shireoaks to Kiveton
- Monday 6th July : Kiveton to Shireoaks
If you're interested in any of these trips, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or phone Pete on 01246 280660 as soon as possible to reserve your place.
Welcome to the Seth Ellis
Hi! I'm the narrowboat Seth Ellis. I live at Retford on the Chesterfield Canal and am owned by the Chesterfield Canal Trust. I'm operated by a team of volunteers and spend a lot of my time running private charters up and down the canal from Retford. This website is managed by the people that crew me and would look after you if you chartered me for a trip.
If you're interested in finding out more about Seth Ellis, local historian Christine Richardson has provided us with this interesting article.
If you are more interested in having a trip on board, we offer a range of private charters. We won't be running any more ad-hoc public trips until the new year at the earliest now as we concentrate on Christmas and boat maintenance, although if you are interested in a private charter,there are a few slots still available.
It's now getting close to Christmas and you'll have seen the bit further up about Santa trips. These are extremely popular and prebooking is essential. After all, I wouldn't want any of my little friends to be disappointed by not being able to meet the jolly chap in red!!
Elsewhere on this site, you'll find latest news about trips and other events involving the Seth Ellis.