Irene Posted May 25, 2007 Report Share Posted May 25, 2007 Does anyone have a Narrow Boat?We are thinking of buying one. Does anyone have any advice or experiences to share? :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andsome Posted May 25, 2007 Report Share Posted May 25, 2007 Does anyone have a Narrow Boat?We are thinking of buying one. Does anyone have any advice or experiences to share? :DHave you thought about the pitfalls, like having to take it out of the water periodically for maintenance etc? My nephew lived in one for quite a time, and spent quite a lot of time untangling weed etc out of the propeller, not a very nice job. Have you thought about cleaning out chemical toilets? Very nice for an occasional holiday in a hired one, but not really for the general public unless you have been brought up to the life.Not for me thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irene Posted May 25, 2007 Author Report Share Posted May 25, 2007 Have you thought about the pitfalls, like having to take it out of the water periodically for maintenance etc? My nephew lived in one for quite a time, and spent quite a lot of time untangling weed etc out of the propeller, not a very nice job. Have you thought about cleaning out chemical toilets? Very nice for an occasional holiday in a hired one, but not really for the general public unless you have been brought up to the life. How long ago was this? How modern was the craft?We are considering a very up to date version, in which we might trundle along during our retirement. B) We have owned boats previously, although smaller craft, so we are aware of the up-keep. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deuces wild Posted May 25, 2007 Report Share Posted May 25, 2007 Have you thought about the pitfalls, like having to take it out of the water periodically for maintenance etc? My nephew lived in one for quite a time, and spent quite a lot of time untangling weed etc out of the propeller, not a very nice job. Have you thought about cleaning out chemical toilets? Very nice for an occasional holiday in a hired one, but not really for the general public unless you have been brought up to the life. How long ago was this? How modern was the craft?We are considering a very up to date version, in which we might trundle along during our retirement. B) We have owned boats previously, although smaller craft, so we are aware of the up-keep.Any boat requires maintenance and upkeep. Regarding toilets larger boats have holding tanks that are pumped out at marinas. I have owned and operated boats of all sizes for well over 25 years and do not regret a minute of it.Irene, if you plan to purchase a boat make sure you get it professionally surveyed (by a reputable surveyor *you* hire) PRIOR to signing any contract. The survey should include structure and mechanical, including compression test of the engine(s). It is also good to look at maintenance logs backed up by receipts......no log or receipts and you should walk away. If the exterior appears neglected chances are the entire boat (including engine) was neglected.Don't fall in love with a boat and jump into a deal without doing your homework. I will be happy to help you via email if you need such assistance. BTW: Ignore andsome.........who knows what caused the problems his nephew experienced. He is just trying to be ornery. B) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irene Posted May 25, 2007 Author Report Share Posted May 25, 2007 I will be happy to help you via email if you need such assistance. Thanks DW. We may well take you up on that offer!This a a Holiday weekend in the UK, so we may take a look at what's available within a sensible travelling distance. If we find something, I'll send you some details. :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deuces wild Posted May 26, 2007 Report Share Posted May 26, 2007 I will be happy to help you via email if you need such assistance. Thanks DW. We may well take you up on that offer!This a a Holiday weekend in the UK, so we may take a look at what's available within a sensible travelling distance. If we find something, I'll send you some details. :D I will be happy to help. B) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andsome Posted May 26, 2007 Report Share Posted May 26, 2007 Have you thought about the pitfalls, like having to take it out of the water periodically for maintenance etc? My nephew lived in one for quite a time, and spent quite a lot of time untangling weed etc out of the propeller, not a very nice job. Have you thought about cleaning out chemical toilets? Very nice for an occasional holiday in a hired one, but not really for the general public unless you have been brought up to the life. How long ago was this? How modern was the craft?We are considering a very up to date version, in which we might trundle along during our retirement. B) We have owned boats previously, although smaller craft, so we are aware of the up-keep.Any boat requires maintenance and upkeep. Regarding toilets larger boats have holding tanks that are pumped out at marinas. I have owned and operated boats of all sizes for well over 25 years and do not regret a minute of it.Irene, if you plan to purchase a boat make sure you get it professionally surveyed (by a reputable surveyor *you* hire) PRIOR to signing any contract. The survey should include structure and mechanical, including compression test of the engine(s). It is also good to look at maintenance logs backed up by receipts......no log or receipts and you should walk away. If the exterior appears neglected chances are the entire boat (including engine) was neglected.Don't fall in love with a boat and jump into a deal without doing your homework. I will be happy to help you via email if you need such assistance. BTW: Ignore andsome.........who knows what caused the problems his nephew experienced. He is just trying to be ornery. B)I am not quite clear as to the exact meaning of that American expression. I was just pointing out that it is not all wine and roses, there are down sides to every project, and these need taking into consideration. Many people live to regret taking decisions based upon romantic ideas. Your advice is sound, and she should take her time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thos Posted May 26, 2007 Report Share Posted May 26, 2007 Sounds a great idea, Irene. I wish you well in you search. Where would you moor it?Thos. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irene Posted May 26, 2007 Author Report Share Posted May 26, 2007 Just got back from a very pleasant, interesting day at the Crick Narrow Boat Show. We didn't even realise it was on! :D This morning, I did a Google on Crick Marina, only to find that the Boat Show was on there over the Bank Holiday weekend. So, since the forecast was giving the best day as today, off we went. B) After crawling through the traffic from the motorway to the show, we eventually parked up and began to explore. However, to cut a long day and story short, we returned home with masses of literature and information, including the latest narrow boat magazine. We think that a short holiday on board one of the local vessels available would be a good yard stick. It would prove if we could handle the close proximity of the sides of the boats and each other!! Boating is not new to us, although we've not done any for a good many years, and that was of the much smaller outboard motor variety.andsome... you are correct that caution is sensible. We'll certainly not be rushing into anything! Thos.... in the event of a purchase, we would hope to moor locally. There a a number of marina's very close by. As you probably know, there is an excellent canal network within our immediate vicinity, so we could easilty become part-time travellers!! Who knows, we might even reach the south coast. :D So, watch this space for the next episode. :lol: Also, any other hints, tips and advice will be very gratefully received. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deuces wild Posted May 26, 2007 Report Share Posted May 26, 2007 When we had our larger boat we would spend just about every late spring, summer and early fall weekend on it. We would also do a one week cruise to the Lake Erie Islands, Canada and Michigan. At the end of the week we were glad to get off the boat. However, there were 4 of us (including my son and daughter) and the boat was only 34' LOA. B) Even when we did not take the boat out we would enjoy time at the marina and made many friends there. We never cooked on the boat other than with the microwave, with the grill at the dock serving our cooking needs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deuces wild Posted May 26, 2007 Report Share Posted May 26, 2007 When we had our larger boat we would spend just about every late spring, summer and early fall weekend on it. We would also do a one week cruise to the Lake Erie Islands, Canada and Michigan. At the end of the week we were glad to get off the boat. However, there were 4 of us (including my son and daughter) and the boat was only 34' LOA. B) Even when we did not take the boat out we would enjoy time at the marina and made many friends there. We never cooked on the boat other than with the microwave, with the grill at the dock serving our cooking needs.I just took a look at some of the new narrow boats via the links at the Crick Narrow Boat Show site. Interesting looking boats but where is the open deck area to sit and enjoy the water and sun? B) This is the type of boat I am more used to (our last boat before we downsized): http://img511.imageshack.us/my.php?image=boat015jn7.jpgThe narrow boats certainly have a certain charm about them and would serve one well as a live aboard or a weekend escape. We generally do not see boats like these in the States though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irene Posted May 27, 2007 Author Report Share Posted May 27, 2007 We generally do not see boats like these in the States though. They are very popular in un UK, where there is a vast array of canal networks.The pace is sedate, to say the least! It's amazing how different even your own locality looks from the water. :D Your previous boat looks lovely.... I could certainly see myself sitting out on that deck. B) Some of the narrow boats do have a cruiser-style fore or aft, so for our purpose we would be looking for that facility. ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andsome Posted May 27, 2007 Report Share Posted May 27, 2007 When we had our larger boat we would spend just about every late spring, summer and early fall weekend on it. We would also do a one week cruise to the Lake Erie Islands, Canada and Michigan. At the end of the week we were glad to get off the boat. However, there were 4 of us (including my son and daughter) and the boat was only 34' LOA. B) Even when we did not take the boat out we would enjoy time at the marina and made many friends there. We never cooked on the boat other than with the microwave, with the grill at the dock serving our cooking needs.I just took a look at some of the new narrow boats via the links at the Crick Narrow Boat Show site. Interesting looking boats but where is the open deck area to sit and enjoy the water and sun? B) This is the type of boat I am more used to (our last boat before we downsized): http://img511.imageshack.us/my.php?image=boat015jn7.jpgThe narrow boats certainly have a certain charm about them and would serve one well as a live aboard or a weekend escape. We generally do not see boats like these in the States though.This is why I was a little dubious. They are a lot more luxurious these days, but still not as comfortable as I would personally like. I have enjoyed odd trips on them, usually with a club out for the evening, but would soon get bored with more than a couple of days at the most. I believe that the speed limit is about 4 mph, so sedate is the word. A lot of the canal system does pass through nice scenery, but an awful lot passes through industrial areas, as the canal system was built purely as a means of shipping coal and other goods. I take your point about holding tanks as against chemical toilets, but am not sure whether narrow boats include such amenities. Also, many canals are VERY shallow, hence the problem that my nephew experienced with weeds tangling in the propeller on quieter sections. I wish Irene and her family well if this is what they truly want, but it's not for us. There are still people dating back to the days gone by, who were brought up on working boats and know no other life. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catgate Posted May 27, 2007 Report Share Posted May 27, 2007 Also, many canals are VERY shallow, hence the problem that my nephew experienced with seeds tangling in the propeller on quieter sections. I wish Irene and her family well if this is what they truly want, but it's not for us. There are still people dating back to the days gone by, who were brought up on working boats and know no other life.You would be very wise to take note of these very erudite words of wisdom, particularly if you want to avoid getting tangled up in seeds. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andsome Posted May 27, 2007 Report Share Posted May 27, 2007 Speil chucker passed seeds of course, I should have typed WEEDS. :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irene Posted May 27, 2007 Author Report Share Posted May 27, 2007 Also, many canals are VERY shallow, hence the problem that my nephew experienced with seeds tangling in the propeller on quieter sections.You would be very wise to take note of these very erudite words of wisdom, particularly if you want to avoid getting tangled up in seeds.Thanks catgate, I have already noted that particular warning. :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deuces wild Posted May 27, 2007 Report Share Posted May 27, 2007 We generally do not see boats like these in the States though. They are very popular in un UK, where there is a vast array of canal networks.The pace is sedate, to say the least! It's amazing how different even your own locality looks from the water. :D That picture was taken just after it was first splashed in Spring......I always had to have it in before Mothers Day. It sounds like the narrow boat style fits your needs and wants...........that is the most important thing. Good luck on your search for that boat of your dreams. The search is often half the fun! B) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlanHo Posted May 28, 2007 Report Share Posted May 28, 2007 I have had a couple of canal holidays - and enjoyed them so much we are off again for another one in September.We go with another couple of close friends - the guys tend to gravitate to the blunt end and the gals to the pointed bit for gender oriented natters and the occasional snifter. I love the scenery, tranquility, operating the locks, meeting lovely fellow travellers and the good pub grub. Management would add me not being able to spend time on the internet as another great pleasure (for her).Others more experienced than I have given you some good advice which I am sure you will heed - especially the need to have any prospective boat properly inspected. Another matter to be careful about if you buy a new boat - is whether the boat builder will stay in business long enough to deliver. A friend bought a boat two years ago with stage payments and the builder went bust before completion. He finished up £35,000 out of pocket. If you buy new - insist on payment upon satisfactory final inspection and delivery. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irene Posted May 28, 2007 Author Report Share Posted May 28, 2007 I have had a couple of canal holidays - and enjoyed them so much we are off again for another one in September.We go with another couple of close friends - the guys tend to gravitate to the blunt end and the gals to the pointed bit for gender oriented natters and the occasional snifter. I love the scenery, tranquility, operating the locks, meeting lovely fellow travellers and the good pub grub. Management would add me not being able to spend time on the internet as another great pleasure (for her).Others more experienced than I have given you some good advice which I am sure you will heed - especially the need to have any prospective boat properly inspected. Another matter to be careful about if you buy a new boat - is whether the boat builder will stay in business long enough to deliver. A friend bought a boat two years ago with stage payments and the builder went bust before completion. He finished up £35,000 out of pocket. If you buy new - insist on payment upon satisfactory final inspection and delivery.Thanks Alan. What a monstrous thing to happen to your friend!! We'll certainly bear that one in mind.We have decided that we really need to do a reality trial run. So, who knows, we could be calling ship ahoy as we pass!! :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thos Posted May 29, 2007 Report Share Posted May 29, 2007 So, who knows, we could be calling ship ahoy as we pass!! :DShip ahoy makes a change from the usual comments exchanged.Reminds me.A young lady was driving along calmly, came up to a bend in the road and another car came towards her and the driver shouted to her, " PIG"She shouted back "so are you, you sh*tbag"And then she ran over a pig!Thos. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irene Posted May 29, 2007 Author Report Share Posted May 29, 2007 So, who knows, we could be calling ship ahoy as we pass!! :DShip ahoy makes a change from the usual comments exchanged.Reminds me.A young lady was driving along calmly, came up to a bend in the road and another car came towards her and the driver shouted to her, " PIG"She shouted back "so are you, you sh*tbag"And then she ran over a pig! :lol: .. :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andsome Posted May 29, 2007 Report Share Posted May 29, 2007 Reminds me.A young lady was driving along calmly, came up to a bend in the road and another car came towards her and the driver shouted to her, " PIG"She shouted back "so are you, you sh*tbag"And then she ran over a pig!Thos.Like it. :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlanHo Posted May 29, 2007 Report Share Posted May 29, 2007 I think that jokes about the police are in exceedingly bad taste. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irene Posted May 29, 2007 Author Report Share Posted May 29, 2007 I think that jokes about the police are in exceedingly bad taste. So do I! :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catgate Posted May 29, 2007 Report Share Posted May 29, 2007 If a person is "Broad in the beam" is it possible for them to get into a narrow boat? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.