Iris Abbott was built in 1947, by Isaac Pimblott of Northwich, for Frederick J Abbott Ltd. of Castlefield.
She primarily worked between the docks on the Mersey and Trafford Park, carrying grain to the Kellogg’s Factory via the Manchester Ship Canal and Bridgewater Canal, but also to destinations on the Weaver Navigation and River. She was capable of carrying 47 tons whilst also towing two flats (unpowered barges.)
At the end of her carrying life, in 1974, she was converted for leisure use, and has since had several owners. She has been turned out in several quite different styles and colour schemes over the years, not least when for a while she was known as Black Abbot of Mersey and used as a hotel and function boat, based in Liverpool
The boat measures approximately 70′ x 14’6″ and is still fitted with the original Gardner 4L3 engine, with compressed air start. The historic forecabin accommodation is also still present.
I purchased the boat in January 2024, and would be interested to hear from anyone who has photos or information about the history of the boat, and from those who worked, lived or travelled on her.