Both boats were part of the extensive orders placed by the Grand Union Canal Carrying Company  in 1935 to modernise their fleet.

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.

They worked with different partners in the Grand Union Carrying fleet until nationalisation in 1948 when they were transferred to British Waterways Transport. On the dissolution of the transport fleet both boats were passed to the Maintenance Division where they remained carrying the goods required for the maintenance of the waterways.

On joining the project they were extensively restored. Malus has recently been released from the project, but it recently received a full set of running gear and cloth covers which represents a boat capable of moving perishable items about the waterway system.

Scorpio has has her cabin restored to the appearance of those boats no longer used as commercial carrying craft, but as a base from which men could work.

National Historic Ships have certified Scorpio (Length overall:
21.8075m, Built: 1935 by Yarwoods of Northwich)  has been identified as meriting inclusion in the National Register of Historic Vessels of the United Kingdom.

Date: 20 December  2007.  Certificate Number: 2077

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

Date: 20 December 2007  Certificate Number: 2078