I think you are talking about butties. The narrowboat, in which the family lived, was horsepowered, and other, unpowered boats were tied on behind, or on the side if it was a wider canal. The boats are very manouverable when going along the canal, you can move one by leaning on a bargepole. Turning and stopping are a different matter. Most boats are 30 foot+ long, and don't do anything in a hurry!!!! Thanks for the help, I've got plenty of time, so any other ideas would be welcome. Hwyl. Bron.