WBOC - Wilderness History

Ian Graham built his first Water Rat in 1970 whilst working in Cwmbran. It was 18'6" long by 6' 9" beam with a plywood four berth cabin measuring 14'9" long by 6' width and full standing headroom. These cabin dimensions have remained the same in all Wilderness models, except the shorter Water Rat “Traveller”, and the “Cub”
Light in weight and powered by an outboard motor, the Water Rat could be towed by the average family car. It could also become a caravan for "dry-land* holidays. A home assembly kit of GRP hull and deck unit, a GRP cabin roof and a set of plywood side panels was £585 with a completed version available at £995.
In early 1975 the company became "Wilderness Boats" moving to Corsham, in Wiltshire. The first major production change occurred in May 1976 when the new "Water Rat Gipsy" was introduced with a GRP cabin and roof moulding, initially bought in from the Teddesley Boat Company, and later built to Wilderness’ own design.
The trailer was now twin axle and, with lighting board, cost £373. In 1976 "Sailaway" shell boats for home completion were available at £1400 and completed boats at £2121. Water Rats continued to be available until April 1987 when the hull and deck moulds were damaged beyond repair.

A new 7 metre hull with a “pointy” front was introduced as the Wilderness Beaver in April 1978, and this design has remained the same until today. A cunning mould design allowed the production of 5.7 amd 5 m variants called the Otter and the Cub. Internal layouts followed those established with the Water Rats, but were often varied to suit the needs and visions of owners.

In 2007, when investment in new moulds were required, the manufacturing rights were transferred to a new builder. Moulds were taken from one of the last “old” Beavers, and the opportunity taken to improve the assembly process, whilst retaining the internal and external appearance. The shorter Otter and Cub versions did not survive this rationalisation. Most recently, in 2022, manufacturing rights and the moulds were acquired by Clearwater Boats.

In May 1973 Ian and Shirley responded to a challenge to be the first boat to moor at the "Open Hearth" pub, 2 miles south of the Pontymoile Basin on the "Mon & Brec". This section had been badly neglected and was virtually impassable. The aim was to persuade the new Torfaen District Council to clear the neglected section,and take a greater interest in the canal. They had to “bow haul” the boat for half the distance but were rewarded with a bottle of whisky for being the first boat to reach the pub.

By a strange coincidence this stretch of canal leads almost immediately to the “Bridge 46 to Five Locks” stretch,which has been the focus of recent campaigning, involving WBOC members, some 50 years later. (Link to Bridge 46 to five locks Facebook page)

The Short History of Wilderness Boats

The Water Rat that became a Gypsy .........

A Beaver arrives, and the family gains an Otter and a Cub…………………

New Beavers from new moulds continue the legacy

Wilderness for hire

The First Campaign