From Purchase to Perfection: The Stunning Transformation of Ty-Two

There’s something truly special about seeing a boat find its perfect owners - and Ty-Two’s story is a wonderful example of how a little creativity, care, and craftsmanship can breathe new life into a narrowboat.

Ty-Two is a 50ft semi-traditional narrowboat originally built in 2009 by Liverpool Boats, with an interior fit-out by NGP Joinery. Sold earlier this year by our Great Haywood Marina broker, Emma, she quickly caught the eye of Kevin and Lorraine, a local couple with a creative flair and an eye for potential.

“Emma was a delight to deal with. Nothing was too much trouble - she spent over two hours showing us every boat available, with every question answered and no pressure to buy. When we purchased our lovely boat, she dealt with the sale at record speed, showed us all the workings, and even moved it into our mooring at Great Haywood Marina. Emma made the whole experience of buying our first boat wonderful."

Their words perfectly capture what we strive for - helping people not only find the right boat, but start their new adventure on the water with confidence and excitement.

Before the Transformation

When Ty-Two arrived at Great Haywood Marina, she was a charming, well-built and neatly arranged narrowboat ready for a new lease of life, all the essentials for comfortable cruising.

Her warm wooden interior and classic layout offered a solid foundation - a perfect blank canvas just waiting to be reimagined. The original galley, while functional, featured darker cabinetry and a tiled splashback typical of her era. The saloon’s two captain’s chairs provided comfort but made the space feel smaller, and the bedroom’s fixed double bed took up much of the available room. But within weeks of ownership, Ty-Two was unrecognisable.

The Transformation

The before-and-after photos speak for themselves. Ty-Two’s new interior feels fresh, modern, and full of character - a reflection of her owners’ creativity and attention to detail.

In the galley, muted teal cabinetry, warm butcher block worktops, and clever storage solutions have replaced the old fittings. Thoughtful styling, from wall-mounted spirit dispensers to natural textures, gives the kitchen a contemporary yet homely feel. Adding a personal touch, Kevin crafted custom wooden sink covers, seamlessly blending practicality with style while maintaining the natural warmth of the timber surfaces.

The saloon has been completely reimagined. The bulky armchairs have been swapped for a sleek grey sofa, paired with soft furnishings in autumnal hues and lush greenery that adds life to the space.

The solid-fuel stove remains as the cosy heart of the boat, but now it’s complemented by modern lighting and personal touches that make the space feel open and inviting.

The bathroom might be the most striking transformation of all. Gone are the plain wood tones, replaced by rich greens, warm brass accents, and a statement mirror framed by bold crane-print blinds. It’s elegant, compact, and perfectly balanced.

In the bedroom, the fixed bed has been replaced with a camper-style convertible bed that doubles as a seating area - a clever use of space that enhances versatility and flow.

Natural wood tones, layered textiles, and wall art complete the transformation, creating a calm and stylish retreat.

Every detail tells a story. Among the décor are sentimental pieces collected from antique sales, including a wooden oar repurposed as a bathroom door handle - purchased years ago with the dream of one day fitting it aboard their own narrowboat. That dream has now come true.

Among the many bespoke details are Kevin’s handcrafted touches, including custom wooden doors that attach over the glass of the bow doors, offering both privacy and warmth to the space. His craftsmanship adds another layer of personality and functionality, demonstrating how thoughtful design can elevate even the smallest details aboard.

Life Afloat, Reimagined

Today, Ty-Two is almost unrecognisable from her original interior. She blends the reliability and build quality of a Liverpool Boat with a fresh, modern aesthetic perfect for comfortable leisure use or continuous cruising.

With her Isuzu 35hp engine, Alde gas boiler, shore power, solar panels, and thoughtfully upgraded interior, she’s a shining example of what’s possible when passion meets craftsmanship.

It was a pleasure to revisit Ty-Two and see how much love and creativity has gone into her transformation. Her story is proof that with imagination and care, even the most traditional narrowboat can be reborn into something extraordinary.

What Do You Think?

We’d love to hear your thoughts on Ty-Two’s stunning transformation!

Would you keep a classic wood finish or go for a modern refresh like this?