Beta Marine 40th Anniversary Challenge

Search for the oldest working Beta Marine narrowboat engine

Beta Marine has teamed up with Crick Boat Show and Waterways World to celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2027 by finding the oldest working Beta Marine engine still powering a narrowboat.

Owners who think their engine could be among the earliest still in service are invited to enter the Beta Marine 40th Anniversary Challenge by 15 April 2027.

“We’d love to hear from narrowboat owners who think they might have the oldest working Beta Marine engine,” said Chris Smallwood, Beta Marine’s National Sales Manager for the Inland Waterways. “Tell us about your boat and engine, and help us celebrate 40 years of Beta Marine on the waterways.”

The owners of the oldest qualifying engine will receive:

  • A free Zone 1 mooring for the duration of Crick Boat Show 2027, or a campsite pitch if their boat is too far away to make the journey.
  • Two tickets covering the whole Show, including Trade & Preview Day.
  • A complimentary one year subscription to Waterways World.
  • A bottle of champagne.

How to enter

Email betacompetition@wwonline.co.uk by 15 April 2027, giving your boat’s name, engine model, engine serial number and Beta Marine WOC ‘K’ number.

WOC stands for Works Order Card. The ‘K’ number is Beta Marine’s reference identifying the engine’s original build specification. The engine model, serial number and WOC number can normally be found on the identification label on the rocker cover at the top of the engine. The serial number is also stamped on the engine itself, although its location varies by model.

If you need help identifying your engine or finding these details, email spares@betamarine.co.uk.

To qualify, the engine must still be working and powering a narrowboat that remains in use and holds a current licence from the relevant navigation authority. The winner will be determined by the age of the engine, rather than the boat. All entries will be subject to verification by Beta Marine.

 

 

Waterways World

Waterways World is the biggest selling and longest-established inland waterways magazine.

Every month, we explore the waterway system, test the latest boats and equipment, and look into the history and heritage of our canals – and our news coverage is unrivalled.

Canal & River Trust

In an increasingly fast-paced and crowded world, the Canal & River Trust’s historic canals and rivers provide a local haven for people and nature.

We're the charity entrusted with the care of 2,000 miles of waterways in England and Wales

Crick Waterside & Marina

Since opening in 1996, Crick Waterside & Marina has become one of the most sought-after marinas in the country.

It has a great location on a 21-mile lock-free pound, ideal for relaxed weekends afloat, yet handy for all major cruising routes.

BUY TICKETS >

CRICK BOAT SHOW
is organised by the publishers of Waterways World magazine

Waterways World magazine

 

crickboatshow.com sets first-party and third-party cookies so we can monitor and improve the effectiveness of our website. You can control this using your browser settings.