today, j. h. taylor boats are largely remembered for their pleasure boats built for the inland waterways of the united kingdom. the first boat of this series was commissioned by the manchester ship canal company. the boats were constructed using a round bilge style with mahogany on oak frames. the beam of the vessels is 6 ft. 11in., allowing the boats to pass through all locks on the canal system of england and wales. the boats were not cheap to build. an invoice for the canal cruiser 'ottilie' dated 31 october 1957 states a final cost including all fittings and labour came to £1924.12. the number of hours labour in the invoice was as follows; journeymen - 6077½ hours; apprentice - 456 hours.