<p>President was built in 1909 by Fellows, Morton and Clayton Ltd. &nbsp;Steam narrow boats could carry 18 tons of cargo and were powerful enough to tow several unpowered boats, known as butty boats. They worked "fly" (that is day and night) between London, Birmingham, Coventry, Derby, Leicester and Nottingham.</p><p>The large compound steam engine and coke-fired boiler took up valuable cargo space. To solve the issue, in 1925, President's steam engine and boiler was replaced with a 15 horsepower Bolinder, increasing carrying capacity by nearly 8 tonnes. President then spent the remainder of her working life as a motor boat.&nbsp;</p><p>President was purchased by a private owner in 1973 as a derelict hull and restored to her original appearance complete with working steam Scotch return boiler. The Museum took ownership of her in 1982 and remains, to this day, a much-loved part of our Collections. Her story is considered highly significant and she is listed<a href="http://www.nationalhistoricships.org.uk/register/55/president"><ins> on the National Register of Historic Vessels</ins></a>.&nbsp;</p><p>Enjoy a closer look at President with this <a href="https://www.haraldjoergens.com/panoramas/bclm-president/files/"><ins>360° video produced by Harald Joergens.</ins></a>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Why we need your help</strong>&nbsp;</p><p>After 30 years of service President’s boiler has been found unfit for purpose and needs urgent replacement. Work is underway to design the new unit and source a suitable boiler maker. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>