The Canal Pirate website is a Blog, Vlog and a Shop. Run by a eccentric ex Londoner who you could say is a tad alternative, but not a real Pirate! The Canal Pirate is a Carpenter, Digital Designer & DJ who moved up North to live and work. And now lives part the year on a Wide beam Canal Boat. The Pirate Boat is 60ft x 12.6ft Widebeam. I will try keep my personal life off this website accept little bits, as Pirates should have secrets. But the odd personal rant may arise. Why the name ? Well I’m alternative, have my own strong opinions and eccentric and not a fan of Big Government or Institutions dictating my life even though I pay them lots in Tax.

I grew up in London not far from The Thames and my local Train Line was built above a former Canal. I had a fondness for water at a young age, whether it be Rivers or at the Seaside. I think I did every swimming badge you could get minus the life savers award. I also spent 3 Years canoeing as a Teenager. I used to visit many Heritage Boats in London and on the South Coast. I remember seeing Dutch Barges but thought only Millionaires could own such a large boat. When I found out the cost I bought one new.

I also love the Countryside a lot, so Canals with their plush greenery seemed very appealing. Also the freedom as don’t like being told what to do. Hence why I am my own Boss. Not that I am always right, but admit when I’m wrong. But bloody minded. But the open space greenery and water relaxes me. I spotted a Widebeam rush pass the Pub I used to drink in summer local to my business. And went back and check prices. Did 3 Months research and then purchased one from Collingwood Boats in Liverpool in 2018. I have no regrets in my decision. The overall costs of a Mooring, Fuel and Insurance and a CRT License worked out cheaper than renting a Property to stay near where I work part the year.

I love Ale especially Gold IPA’s, I am also partial to Gin and Tonics, the odd Cider. I like Old World style Pubs and also the buildings themselves. So finding Pubs near Canals is always great, especially when you can moor near by one and don’t have to move the following day.

Music is another love of mine. I am heavily into Gary Numan, Ultravox, Depeche Mode, Soft Cell, Visage, The Sex Pistols, Front 242, Nitzer Ebb, John Foxx and Duran Duran, The Human League, The Sex Pistols, Nine Inch Nails, The Prodigy, Covenant, The Sex Pistols, Magazine, Visage and probably a lot of non mainstream Bands and Alternative Dance Acts. All this led me to be a weekend DJ and running a few club nights of my own in London in the past.