Janette and John Horton documented Minnow as historic boat No. 318, built December 1934 at Yarwoods and cabined at Saltley (registration BM-1557; BCN No. 1889 from 1936). The iron/composite hull class was designed as a single motor with a longer hold for heavier cargoes.
Working life
Archive notes list successive captains and inspection dates through the 1930s–1950s, with cargo examples such as wheat, flour, and copper on Midlands runs. Re-registrations and renumbering mark the transition from commercial to later private ownership. After mid-century sales and a conversion period that included other engines, the Hortons restored Minnow with Canal Transport Services in the mid-1990s.
Bolinder BM9
A Bolinder BM9 (ex Kevin Whittle; original plates reported missing) replaced a later Armstrong Merganser installation. Minnow has since appeared at Braunston and other gatherings in FMC-style livery, used for pleasure, historic rallies, and canal heritage promotion.
