In its heydays Leo worked as one of a pair and until recently was  exhibited as a pair too. The motor (now gone) was Atlas, and Leo (who remains) is the butty. A butty is a boat that is pulled along behind a motor vessel, much like a sidecar on a motorbike or a trailer on a car. Both Leo and Atlas 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).

After Atlas was released from the project Leo was paired with motor Scorpio to form an exhibition pair. Operating the two boats together is a skilled job!

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