WILDERNESS Water-Rat
"ARK"
4 Berth
NOW SOLD
This 4 -berth Water-Rat is a remarkably good example of our original design of canal and river craft built by us during the 1970’s. At only 18’6” in length and with a 15ft full-headroom cabin it offers 4 adult berths (2 x double-across), a compact workable central galley and, with centrally placed toilet and wardrobe compartments, it is effectively divided up into two cabins.
Its very stable flat-bottomed pontoon style hull and deck are of sturdy built of low-maintenance GRP and are still in very good order despite many years of extensive use. The cabin sides, below a two piece glassfibre roof, are of painted plywood which have been replaced in recent years.
The interior of the boat is light and airy due to the use of large sliding side windows in the forward saloon which provide both good summer ventilation and panoramic outward views. The front cabin also has a central door opening inwards and upwards.
The galley is situated amid-midships on both sides of the gangway and provides a worktop with sink and drainer (cold water only), and on the other side, a Vanessa cooker (2 burner hob, grill and oven) in beige vitreous enamel in good condition. There is cupboard below both worktops for food and cooking equipment. There is currently no fridge but a small 50L electric fridge could be fitted, and there is plenty of roof-top space for mounting of solar panel(s) and for an extra battery in the locker below the rear doors.
The toilet compartment contains a Thetford Porta-potti 365 and removable plastic wash-bowl mounted into a fold-down shelf. There is a small rigid polypropylene (60L) fresh-water tank in the forward cabin under one of the bunks supplying cold water to the sink via a foot operated pump. Lighting in the main cabin is from 2no high output LED units, one at either end. The cabin headlining is of cord carpeting that adds insulation but, is currently requiring some re-sticking.
The superstructure and interior of the craft are basically sound and carry very attractive hand-painted pictures of traditional of roses and castles on the inside of the rear doors; some minor repair/ remedial work will be required shortly at the base of the doors.
Tech Specs:
Like all Wilderness trailboats, it is tiller-steered and easy to handle. The engine, new 2016, is a TOHATSU 9.8hp electric-start, 4-stroke petrol outboard which is reported as running well and is , unusually mounted on a robust external steel transom . One of our aluminium rudders is fitted to the lower engine leg for good slow speed steerage.
There is a modern single-lever control box mounted on the cabin side within easy reach of the helmsman. A single 75A/hr leisure battery situated below the rear doors that is charged by the outboard.
The Boat Safety Certificate runs to April 2026
In short, the craft is basically sound, the super structure appears leakage free, the engine is in good order, the trailer is recently serviced, and it represents a workable trail-boat rig with a pleasing retro appearance, and could easily be upgraded with modern comforts such as space heating, hot water and a fridge.
The Vendors are after 36 years of enjoyment and extensive waterways travel ( including the Ribble Link !) are seeking to find a good loving home for “ARK” and are willing to sell the whole rig at the realistic price of £8,750 in the knowledge that some modernization is due.
It is ashore on its trailer at the Vendors’ home here in Wiltshire after the hull sides having been re-antifouled in the last few weeks
For further information and arrangements to view contact Ian Graham on either 07973 815 920 or 01380 870 141 including evenings and weekends.