Designing Priscilla is about far more than arranging rooms within a narrowboat shell. We want every part of her to support the way we intend to travel, live, entertain and work—while retaining the character and practical qualities of a traditional narrowboat.
Our current concept is based upon a 58-foot narrowboat with the standard 6-foot 10-inch beam, an enclosed bow and a generous square cruiser stern. At this length, Priscilla should remain capable of exploring almost all the connected inland waterways of England and Wales while providing sufficient space for extended living aboard.
The layout is still a developing vision rather than a finished technical specification. Dimensions, weight distribution, access, ventilation and safety arrangements will ultimately need to be refined with the boatbuilder. However, it establishes what we want each space to achieve.
Visualising the design
We do not want to rely solely upon a conventional floor plan.
As the design develops, we would like every section of Priscilla to be presented in two complementary formats:
- A labelled 2D plan showing dimensions, furniture, storage, equipment and circulation
- A detailed 3D mock-up showing finishes, lighting, sightlines and how the space should feel
These individual room studies would then be brought together into:
- A complete overhead 2D layout
- A full-length cutaway 3D model
- External views from every side
- A virtual walkthrough from stern to bow
- Daytime and evening lighting views
- Alternative configurations for movable furniture and storage
This should allow us to test each area individually before assessing how the whole boat works as one coherent home.
The square cruiser stern: Priscilla’s showpiece
The 10-foot by 6-foot cruiser stern will be one of Priscilla’s defining features.
It must operate as the steering position, an outdoor social space and a memorable expression of the PQOC identity. Rather than treating it as a purely practical deck, we want it to become somewhere people naturally gather while cruising or moored.
The helm will include the tiller and essential navigation controls, positioned so that the steerer retains clear visibility while remaining part of the conversation.
The principal seating feature will take inspiration from an extravagant high-heeled shoe. The sculptural form will create Priscilla’s unmistakable stern silhouette, with integrated seating incorporated into the heel and surrounding structure. It should feel playful and theatrical without obstructing movement or compromising safe access to the helm.
Beneath the deck, an electrically operated lifting storage compartment will accommodate folding electric bicycles. Dedicated charging outlets will allow the bicycles to recharge securely while stored, subject to the final fire-safety and ventilation design.
A detachable pram hood will provide protection during colder or wetter weather. When raised, it will extend the usable living space; when removed, the stern will return to an open and sociable cruising deck.
The final 2D and 3D designs will need to test:
- Safe access around the tiller
- Comfortable seating positions
- Visibility from the helm
- Secure bicycle storage and charging
- Drainage and weather protection
- Access to propulsion and electrical equipment
- The practicality of the high-heel structure
- Space for ropes, pins and other cruising equipment
Stern entrance: a bright and welcoming arrival
A pair of wide, metal-framed, double-glazed doors will create an entrance approximately four feet across. Opening inwards, they will make the transition from the stern into the cabin feel generous rather than confined.
Above the doors, a substantial sliding and lifting glazed hatch—approximately four feet square—will bring additional daylight into the interior. Together, the doors and hatch should create a bright entrance and a strong visual connection between the saloon and stern.
Two broad steps, each approximately four feet wide, will lead into the cabin. Their scale should make entering the boat easier while allowing the step structure to incorporate concealed shoe storage.
A tall cupboard immediately inside the entrance will provide space for wet coats, waterproofs, hats and other outdoor clothing. This will prevent damp equipment being carried through the boat.
At the foot of the steps, a two-foot coir or hessian mat will create a clear place to remove shoes. For particularly wet or muddy days, a washable pull-out tray will slide across the mat, collecting water and debris before being removed for cleaning.
Warm LED lighting beneath the gunwales and around the ceiling will make the entrance practical after dark while providing Priscilla’s first moment of theatrical illumination.
Saloon: the heart of life aboard
The saloon will occupy approximately 16 feet of the cabin and provide the principal space for relaxing, entertaining, filming and spending time together.
A comfortable sofa bed will provide everyday seating and occasional accommodation for guests. Its position should preserve an open route through the boat while allowing clear views of the television and the water outside.
The television installation will be integrated rather than visually dominant. Concealed cabling, storage for media equipment and a flexible mounting arrangement should allow it to be viewed comfortably without overwhelming the room.
Power provision will include conveniently positioned 230/240V sockets and high-output USB-C charging points. These will support ordinary domestic equipment as well as cameras, microphones, laptops and other production technology.
Lighting will be layered rather than limited to a single row of ceiling spotlights. The proposed arrangement includes:
- Dimmable ceiling lighting
- Continuous under-gunwale LED illumination
- Reading lights beside the sofa
- Feature lighting for display areas
- Low-level evening and night lighting
Two-way switching will allow the principal lighting circuits to be controlled from both ends of the room. Scene controls may eventually provide settings for cruising, entertaining, filming and relaxing.
Storage will be incorporated beneath seating and within carefully designed cabinetry. Some display space will also be needed for objects collected during our travels, ensuring that the saloon gradually tells the story of Priscilla’s adventures.
Dinette: dining, working and entertaining
The saloon will flow into an L-shaped dinette, creating a natural division between relaxation and dining without enclosing either space.
The dinette must perform several roles:
- Comfortable dining for everyday use
- Additional seating when entertaining
- A workspace for editing and administration
- A secondary filming or interview position
- Occasional guest accommodation, if practical
A substantial table will provide sufficient room for meals and laptops. Power and USB-C outlets will be positioned within easy reach, together with task lighting suitable for working.
Storage beneath the seating will make use of otherwise inaccessible space. The final design may include drawers or pull-out units so that stored items can be reached without dismantling the dinette.
A passage on the port side will connect the dinette to the galley, preserving a clear route through the boat.
Galley: compact, capable and sociable
The eight-foot galley will be designed to provide the practicality of a domestic kitchen within the narrow confines of the boat.
A galley arrangement should maximise continuous worktop space while retaining a comfortable passage. The current concept includes:
- A full-height fridge-freezer
- An inset induction hob
- A generously sized sink
- Deep drawers and cupboards
- Integrated waste and recycling storage
- Dedicated storage for pans, crockery and provisions
- Space for selected countertop appliances
The induction hob forms part of our wider ambition for Priscilla to be an all-electric boat. The final specification will depend upon the electrical system, battery capacity, inverter output and realistic energy modelling.
The galley will have five dimmable ceiling spotlights supported by under-cabinet and under-gunwale lighting. Two-way switching at both entrances will make the space easy to use regardless of the direction of travel through the boat.
Sockets will be positioned according to how appliances will actually be used, avoiding trailing cables across the worktop or passage.
The 3D model will be particularly important here. It should test door and drawer clearances, appliance access, worktop height and whether two people can use or pass through the galley comfortably.
Walk-through bathroom: a bold use of space
Beyond the galley, a six-foot walk-through bathroom will use a Z-shaped route to provide separation between the living and sleeping areas.
Rather than squeezing a shower into a small cubicle, we envisage a wet-room arrangement. A gently sloping floor will direct water towards a drainage point connected to a suitable shower-waste pump beneath the basin unit.
The shower will occupy the central part of the room, with careful screening or folding panels used where necessary to protect doors, towels and storage. Both shower and basin will have readily available hot water from Priscilla’s chosen water-heating system.
A cassette toilet will be positioned between the basin and the galley-side entrance. Spare cassettes will be concealed beneath a built-in seat, providing secure and accessible storage without leaving them visible within the room.
The bathroom will also include:
- Mirrored storage
- Towel rails and robe hooks
- A heated towel rail, subject to energy modelling
- Mechanical extraction and effective ventilation
- Waterproof wall and floor finishes
- Recessed storage for shower products
- Dimmable ceiling and low-level lighting
Frosted 18-inch portholes will admit natural light while maintaining privacy. Two-way switches at both entrances will control the principal lighting.
The design will need particularly careful consideration of slip resistance, drainage, waterproofing and access to pumps and plumbing.
Bedroom: private, calm and comfortable
The forward bedroom will occupy approximately 12 feet and provide a calmer, more private contrast to Priscilla’s flamboyant social spaces.
Entering from the bathroom on the starboard side, the route will pass an L-shaped wardrobe offering full-height hanging space, shelves and drawers. Additional storage may be incorporated beneath the bed, ideally using powered lifting assistance or large accessible drawers.
A permanent double bed will form the centre of the room. Bedside shelves, individual reading lights, 230/240V sockets and USB-C charging points will be provided on both sides.
Lighting will include four dimmable ceiling spotlights, under-gunwale illumination and low-level night lighting. Two-way controls at the doorway and headboard will prevent either of us having to cross the room to switch off the lights.
Frosted or curtained 18-inch portholes will provide daylight without sacrificing privacy.
A compliant secondary escape route will be incorporated close to the head of the bed. Its dimensions, operation and accessibility will need to be agreed with the builder and checked against the applicable safety requirements.
The bedroom’s 3D mock-up should explore different finishes and demonstrate whether wardrobe doors, drawers and under-bed storage remain usable when both occupants are in the room.
Enclosed bow: services without wasted space
The enclosed bow will primarily accommodate the fresh-water tank and associated equipment.
Fill points will be available from both sides where practical, making it easier to take on water regardless of how Priscilla is moored. The installation should also provide access for inspection, cleaning, isolation and winterisation.
Although much of the bow will contain essential services, we do not want any remaining volume to be wasted. Possible uses include storage for hoses, anchors, chains, fenders and less frequently required cruising equipment.
Careful weight distribution will be essential. The final tank size, position and construction must be considered alongside batteries, propulsion equipment, domestic contents and the completed boat’s trim.
Retractable communications mast
A powered retractable mast will rise from the forward part of the boat when Priscilla is moored.
It is intended to support equipment such as:
- Mobile internet antennas
- Wi-Fi equipment
- External security cameras
- Navigation or environmental sensors
- Future communications technology
When cruising, approaching low bridges or entering tunnels, the mast must retract into a protected position. Controls should include clear height warnings and a dependable method of confirming that it is fully lowered.
The mechanism will need manual emergency retraction, suitable weather protection and safeguards against accidental operation. Its precise location must also avoid obstructing ropes, visibility, roof access or the emergency escape route.
Connecting Priscilla’s interior
The success of the layout will depend not only upon the individual rooms but upon the experience of moving through them.
From stern to bow, the sequence should feel natural:
- A theatrical outdoor social space
- A bright and practical entrance
- A generous saloon for relaxing and entertaining
- A flexible dinette for eating and working
- An efficient all-electric galley
- A walk-through bathroom creating separation
- A calm and private bedroom
- An enclosed bow containing essential services
Lighting, materials and cabinetry should connect these areas visually without making every room identical. The interior can become quieter and more restful towards the bedroom while retaining recognisable touches of Priscilla’s personality throughout.
The complete digital model
Once the individual spaces have been refined, they should be assembled into a complete digital representation of Priscilla.
Full 2D plan
A dimensioned overhead drawing showing every room, passage, doorway, item of furniture, major appliance and storage compartment.
Full 3D cutaway
A view of the entire boat with one side or the roof removed, allowing the relationship between every space to be understood at a glance.
Virtual walkthrough
A human-height journey through Priscilla, beginning on the cruiser stern and moving through to the bow. This will help test sightlines, apparent space and the transition between rooms.
Systems overlays
Separate views showing electrical equipment, plumbing, heating, ventilation, batteries, water storage, communications and other technical infrastructure.
Lighting simulation
Daylight and evening models demonstrating how natural and artificial light will move through the boat.
Storage inventory
A plan identifying where everyday possessions, filming equipment, bicycles, outdoor clothing, food, bedding, tools and cruising equipment will be stored.
This modelling should expose practical conflicts before construction begins, when changes can still be made without dismantling finished work.
A home designed around our future
Priscilla is intended to be more than a beautiful narrowboat. She must be a capable travelling home, a creative workspace, a place for friendship and the vessel through which we explore a much bigger waterways adventure.
Some ideas will undoubtedly evolve as we work with the builder. A few may prove technically impractical, while others may become even more ambitious.
That is precisely why the 2D plans, individual 3D room mock-ups and complete digital model matter. They will allow us to see not only whether everything fits, but whether Priscilla truly feels like the boat we have imagined.
This is our starting point: the first complete vision of life inside Priscilla.