Built by Walkers of Rickmansworth for the GUCCCo (Grand Union Canal Carrying Company) in December 1935, originally named Grus, Almighty is a Star Class small Ricky motor. The hull is made of 2" oak planks with 3" elm bottoms bolted to rolled iron knees.
The engine is a National DM2, two cylinder diesel, contemporary but not the original engine for this boat. It was standard practice to swap out engines for major servicing so this is not surprising.
Dimensions
Length (LOA): 71'6"
Beam: 7'0.5"
Draught: Empty 3' Laden 3'3"
Capacity: 20 tons
Almighty is currently moored and actively navigating in the western pounds of the Kennet and Avon canal. It is currently painted in Ovaltine colours.
This picture shows Almighty with Albert, the only two surviving Ovaltine motor boats outside of the museums, at Batchworth lock, RIckmansworth in 2002 with narrow boat Roger being rebuilt in the background.
Owners, names and butties
| Paired with | ||||
| 1935 | 1941 | GUCCCo | Grus | Glaxy |
| 1941 | 1946 | Wanders (Ovaltine) | Cecil | Enid (ex-Ursa) |
| 1946 | ???? | GUCCCo | ||
| After passing back to the Grand Union company in 1946, little is known until… | ||||
| 1963? | George Gilbert, Charity Dock | Almighty | ||
| Cabin built by Malcolm Braine |
||||
| 1972 | 1980 | Camping Boat | - | |
| 1980 | 1996 | Private ownership | - | |
| Extensive partial restoration was carried out by Martin Cox, boatbuilder, during this time which accounts largely for Almighty's survival and relatively good condition. | ||||
| 1996 | 2004 | Private ownership | Kestrel (ex-Triagulum) | |
Almighty's website is sponsored by Tiger Boats, specialists in high-tech and sustainable energy systems for the RV and marine markets.