Middle Northwich Boats...
Sextans & Scales...
Sextans entered the fleet in January 1936. She was converted into an icebreaker
in 1942, then in 1964 she was bought by Wyvern Shipping from the BWB depot at
Hartshill. In 1967 she was converted to a cruiser style boat and renamed
Hesperus. She is now carrying her original name and was lengthened in 1996 by
Steve Priest to 50-55 foot with the 10 foot coming from the Middle
Northwich Thea. Sextans has now been recently sold for £66,000.
Scales, fleet number 353 was sold to the GUCCo in 1943 and converted into a
pumping boat. She was on the BWB tender list in 1963 and sold in 1964 to become
Powys Princess. Advertised for sale in Waterways World in 1979 and was
deconverted by M. Braine then bought by Simon Wain for £2000. She has been
recently up for sale for around £20,000. She is fitted with solar power and the
hold is sheeted up and looks like it may be having an undercloth conversion.
Believed to be on the Kennet and Avon Canal
Sextans on the Shroppie
Photo from M. Parrott
Sextans in 2007
Photo courtesy of M. Embley
Sextans in 2007
Photo courtesy of M. Embley
Scales as 'Powys Princess'
Photo courtesy of D. Reynolds
Scales in 2007
Scales in 2007