Getting on board with wheelchair access

It’s not every day that we get to transform access for a new wide-beam narrow boat. So, when local charity Warrington Disability Partnership (WDP) approached Terry Lifts to install a lift in ‘The Wizard II – John B’, it was an opportunity we couldn’t wait to get on board with.

WDP is an internationally acclaimed user-led charity and organiser of Disability Awareness Day. Chief Executive, Dave Thompson shared: “The Wizard [our old boat to be replaced by the Wizard II] offers boat trips on our specially adapted wheelchair accessible 37 ft long narrow boat, complete with ramps, a passenger lift, an accessible toilet, central heating, and a kettle for a hot drink as you cruise along the picturesque Bridgewater Canal.”

The original boat was 40 years old, equipped with a 20-year-old lift which wasn’t sustainable or viable to continue operating as it constantly broke down. With long-standing users from care homes in the area and other disability, elderly, and community groups interested in its use, we needed a new, accessible solution in order t0 continue running boat trips for the community.

KEEPING A CHARITABLE PROJECT AFLOAT

With the existing narrow boat coming to the end of its life, the charity set out to purchase a new one. When asked about wheelchair access, Dave recommended a manufacturer that could provide a folding step solution, but it turned out to be unfeasible. 

After much head-scratching and a little ingenuity, WDP opted for the S7 Incline platform lift from Terry Lifts which, when folded, offers easy access to the interior from deck level, was quick to install and offered the necessary headroom. 

Finding a solution to give both pedestrian and wheelchair access in the same space was challenging, together with limited headroom due to the sliding door hatch, a lower turning circle, and structural fixings. Without any changes, the boat wouldn’t be fit for purpose. A decent weight capacity and quick turnaround were also required, in time for summer 2026. 

MODIFICATION TO INSTALLATION

After making modifications to help with the fit, we installed the S7 Incline platform lift to feature an auto-fold design and 300kg capacity, customised in a matt black colour.

Fixed onto welded steel uprights concealed in the wall, a bespoke platform size fits neatly alongside the main staircase. An isolation switch stops the lift being used if the sliding door is shut to prevent a trapping hazard.

Installation took only a day, with a further visit to commission once the boat was on the water. Another challenge for our engineers was getting the lift level with the rest of the boat, which was positioned at an angle. Special insert fixings were also used for the posts as there was no access behind.

PLEASURE CRUISES FOR ALL

Providing a massive improvement to access, this new purpose-built lift will be fundamental to the operation of the boat, giving the community and Warrington Disability Partnership clients a fantastic day out, with no stress over how to get on and off.

It was a real privilege and honour to collaborate with WDP on this project, and we hope the installation will bring many happy days to passengers for a long time to come. 

Extract from the Warrington Disability Partnership website:

In May 2026, Wizard II – John B, our fully accessible wide-beam boat, was officially launched onto the water. This new vessel is larger, more advanced, and even more accessible than the original Wizard.

This was all made possible thanks to a wonderful lady who made a very generous legacy donation in memory of her late husband – John B – specifically for an accessible boat.

Designed with accessibility at its core, the new boat features a fully accessible toilet, a lift, a fully equipped galley kitchen, and a dedicated wheelchair-accessible area where individuals can personally take the helm and experience driving the boat.

Warrington Disability Partnership is proud to offer this improved and inclusive experience, helping ensure that more people can enjoy time on the water in comfort and independence.

Read more about the BRAND NEW Fully Accessible Wide Beam Boat here.