These boats were historically worked as a pair, and for most of the life of the project were used/exhibited as a pair too.  Atlas is the motor (powered boat), and Leo the butty which was towed by the motor.  Both craft were built in 1935 for the Grand Union Carrying Company - Leo was launched in September and Atlas in November.

Specification:

• Length – 71ft long
• Beam – 7ft 1in
• Max draft – 3ft 6in
• Construction - steel

In good conditions they were able to carry 25 tons of goods each.

The primary living space for a family was in the cabin of Leo, and the additional sleeping space would have been proivided by the cabin on Atlas. In most cases, it was the wife that steered the butty (Leo) whilst looking after the children, and the boatman that steered the motor (Atlas).

Recently, Atlas was released from the project and Leo is now exhibited with Scorpio to form a pair.  The project uses these boats as an example of a narrow boat pair and to preserve and practice the skills of operating them as a pair.

The National Historic Ships have certified Leo (Length overall:
21.8075m, Built 1935 at WJ Yarwood & Sons Ltd, Northwich) has been identified as meriting inclusion in the National Register of Historic Vessels of the United Kingdom.

Date: 4 April 2008  Certificate Number: 2092

The National Historic Ships have certified Atlas (Length Overall:21.8075m, Built:1935 at Hartland & Wolff Ltd, Woolwich) has been identified as meriting inclusion in the National Register of Historic Vessels of the United Kingdom.

Date: 4 April 2008  Certificate Number: 2094