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Hi, I'm still looking for my first boat as a newbie. It's just me and the size suits me well. I'm planning to go and view in person, it's a bit of a hefty drive and I don't have anyone up that end who can come along to help with the viewing, so wanted to know if there were any glaringly obvious red flags before I look?
 
https://www.venetianmarina.co.uk/used-narrowboats/details/8347.aspx
 
Venetian advertise they have just done a survey on this boat by a Tony from Aft to Bow Marine Surveys..not sure if he has a reputation either way, but I'd be looking to get my own survey anyway from everything I've read on here, although thinking this could scupper my chances with someone willing to take it with a new survey.
 
One thing that concerned me (not just with this boat but a few others I've seen, especially some older ones with very rough looking hulls under the blacking)- is a very recent pre-sale blacking a red flag and likely trying to cover up something or is this fairly normal practice? I haven't seen many trying to sell up after a fresh 2025 blacking..
 
When putting in an offer with a broker (subject to survey) I've read on a few threads around 10%, does this look about right for this all matching up with the ad? I recognise I'll need to set aside a few grand for solar and cratch covers, and with the other fees this is the absolute top end of my budget, but its also at least 10 years younger than others NB's I've been looking at so thinking it's might be worth the extra stretch in the long run. 
Thanks!


 
 

Hi, I'm still looking for my first boat as a newbie. It's just me and the size suits me well. I'm planning to go and view in person, it's a bit of a hefty drive and I don't have anyone up that end who can come along to help with the viewing, so wanted to know if there were any glaringly obvious red flags before I look?
 
https://www.venetianmarina.co.uk/used-narrowboats/details/8347.aspx
 
Venetian advertise they have just done a survey on this boat by a Tony from Aft to Bow Marine Surveys..not sure if he has a reputation either way, but I'd be looking to get my own survey anyway from everything I've read on here, although thinking this could scupper my chances with someone willing to take it with a new survey.
 
One thing that concerned me (not just with this boat but a few others I've seen, especially some older ones with very rough looking hulls under the blacking)- is a very recent pre-sale blacking a red flag and likely trying to cover up something or is this fairly normal practice? I haven't seen many trying to sell up after a fresh 2025 blacking..
 
When putting in an offer with a broker (subject to survey) I've read on a few threads around 10%, does this look about right for this all matching up with the ad? I recognise I'll need to set aside a few grand for solar and cratch covers, and with the other fees this is the absolute top end of my budget, but its also at least 10 years younger than others NB's I've been looking at so thinking it's might be worth the extra stretch in the long run. 
Thanks!


 
 

Just has a chat with CRT who told me that applications for end of garden moorings are suspended until further notice.  He didn't want to expand on that and I got the distinct impression that he would rather go back to his "doom scrolling" than have to talk to a newbie. 
 
He didn't want to explain the difference between a "Gold" licence and a "River and canal licence" either.  I didn't push it as his indifference was clear.

Has anyone passed Streethay Wharf lately and seen the knackered Dawncraft with it's adjacent boat size pile of crap on the towpath, including a lovely homemade sign saying "SLOW DOWN CUN#? 
I'm not entirely sure someone bending the rules as such can expect a sedate, tick over pass by. Or can they? 

Do CRT not know the name of their own assets?

Looking for any recent experience of the K&A in the summer for around a three week trip up to Caen Hill Locks and back again. I am lucky enough to have a 6 week sabbatical from work this summer so it will be one of the few chances we have to take an extended break on the boat and actually *get* somewhere far away from our home on the Wey.  We had already discounted the London canals (our first idea) as being too busy with day boats and few moorings that might make our first proper trip away a little more stressful than we would like.
 
There has been some mention on another thread-that-shall-not-be-named that the K&A is also a bit of a struggle in the summer.  How much truth to this is there based on other boater's recent experience?  We're sort of planning to "race" to the finish line at Caen hill and then pootle back at a more leisurely pace.

Hi,
Can anyone recommend a gas safe engineer that deals with the Hemel Hempstead area please?
 
I need to have some work done for BSS. 
 
I've found one but would like to compare prices if possible. 
 
Many thanks 😊

How’s it going for you today? Water levels a problem, slow moving, high levels of weed. Please let us know what problems you’ve had and what’s your thoughts for the next few days, so to help boaters thinking of heading that way. Obviously Canal, problem encountered, water levels, boat type.
 With an extreme heatwave forecast for the next few days water levels could be a problem so any up to date information could be helpful to those thinking of going the same route.

It's no good reinventing the wheel, so has anyone tried this before.
DC fridges are rather dear. I'm looking at running an AC fridge on a small 12v inverter. Plan to switch the inverter on/off using the fridge's thermostat. I don't want have the inverter permanently on.
Any advice would be appreciated 
 

I found this boat sitting abandoned in the long grass - I'm about to make a low offer (to the current landowner) to buy it as it will be good for maintenance tasks . Any tips how to repair the keel? I assume epoxy/glass fibre kit after rubbing down?

Boat licensing Commission gives update
In January, the Commission which is looking into boat licensing on our canals and rivers, met for the first time. Since then, many of you have shared your views through an engagement survey – thank you to everyone who took part. The 4,678 responses, which include a wide range of comments, is informing the Commission’s ongoing work.
The Commission members – Andrew Cowan, a former senior partner at Devonshire's law firm; Penelope Barber, an elected boating representative on our Council; and trustee Sir Chris Kelly, a former senior civil servant and former boat owner – are now having conversations with a wide range of boating organisations, as well as walking the towpaths to gain an understanding of life on the cut and hear boaters’ thoughts.
On top of that, they are reviewing a wide range of background, history, and data, and have attended several briefing days where they’ve questioned and challenged the Trust’s ways of thinking and asked for more information so they can continue their research.
Given the scale and seriousness of the task, the Commission now expects to make their recommendations to our Board of Trustees in November.
Commission chair Andrew Cowan said: “Learning about boating on the canals and hearing the voices of boaters has been fascinating. From the freight-carrying origins, through the near loss of navigation last century, to the popularity of both leisure boating and, increasingly living aboard, the canals and boats are inseparable. We want to understand the needs of not just today’s boaters but those who come after, so we can think about whether the current licensing framework is fit for the future and recommend how it can be used to best support boaters while enabling the Trust to meet its charitable obligations to safeguard the canals for the public benefit, for wildlife, and for heritage. I’ve particularly enjoyed seeing canal life first hand and would like to thank all those boaters, and people within the Trust, who have been so welcoming, and continue to share their knowledge with us.”

Hi everyone!,


I hope you're all doing well and enjoying the summer days.
 
I just wanted to briefly share a situation that unfortunately, we are currently going through, as it may potentially affect others in the community.
 
We purchased a boat, signed a valid contract, paid in full, and secured ownership. However, the marina has refused to hand over possession of the vessel. Even more concerning, and the reason I’m posting here,  the marina is still advertising and attempting to sell this same boat, despite our existing legal ownership.
 
We have already initiated legal proceedings, but as you can imagine, the legal process takes time.
 
The boat is 72ft, and I can't share more as the previous post was deleted. DM and I will help you with more inf.
 
I am purely posting this to raise awareness and help avoid further complications for anyone who might unknowingly enter into a purchase involving this vessel, as we are involved in a legal process.

I am doing what I would like others in the community to do for me.
 
Thank you very much for reading.
 
Best wishes,
Antonio
 

I thought I would share my experience trying to improve my internet and phone communications whilst out on the cut. For a number of reasons it is essential that I can have a reliable connection, especially internet wherever possible. As a CC for at least six months of the year the need for something more reliable than the standard ‘3’ Mi-Fi offering (as good as it is) quickly became apparent.

Has anyone ever tried to log their fuel consumption and mileage and hence been able to work out an average consumption per mile for their boat?
 
Perhaps easier for those with day tanks, and certainly harder for those with diesel heating.
 
Early testing of a friends steam powered narrowboat which he has recently converted from coal to oil firing got me thinking about comparing his fuel (and our) consumption with that of an internal combustion engined 'diesel fired' narrow boat. 
 
Cheers 
 
Daniel 

We will be attempting the Four Counties Ring starting from The Black Prince boatyard on the 21st June. We are experienced narrow boaters, but would appreciate any advice on the Ring please.

I have a 12.5% share in "Oakmere" that's up for sale on the boatshare website
 https://www.boatshare.co.uk/shared-narrow-boat-oakmere
£9900 for six weeks a year (sometimes more)
It's managed by BCBM, is well maintained and valeted after every outing. Currently moored at Fenny Marina (S Oxford Canal).
If you (or someone you know) would like a share in a quality boat, please let me know.
There is a fortnight coming up from 28June, so someone could enjoy the benefit very soon!
This is a spacious and comfortable boat, especially if only two of you, and very different from most shared boats.
I could split this into smaller shares if necessary.
 

I'm thinking about ordering a tonne of coal to get a summer discount. Homefire is offering the following brands with "Homefire Smokeless" being their top of the range followed by "Homefire Ovals"
 
They have quite a wide range of smokeless fuels, most of which I've never tried. So which would you go for? 
 
 

Hi all, just after some clarification on the below situation....
 
There's a CRT volunteer who lives locally and who owns a boat.  They volunteer every Wednesday with other non-boating volunteers.
 
Their boat has been moored/stored at this location for about a year (a 48 hour mooring spot currently). They have used their boat twice to access an embankment that has no pedestrian access, to do some weeding about 2½ months ago.
 
Would CRT grant them what looks like 'a free mooring' in return for their volunteer work?
 
The only time they have moved, is either overnight or short periods - usually around clocking day.
 
For those that CC, this just comes across that if you volunteer for CRT one day a week, then you don't have to move your boat!
 
 

Perhaps we should say 'dangerous trees' but having noted from the CRT Boaters Report 2024 that £7.3m was spent on "Vegetation Management", the title is probably correct.
Today, while heading downstream and negotiating a tight bend on the River Soar north of Leicester in the vicinity of Watermead just before Birstall Lock, we encountered a pair of former working boats, motor and butty, coming upstream. In order to avoid them and maintain control, we were forced over to the side of the navigation under some overhanging willow - most of which could be brushed aside but among these thinner branches, was one that was at least two inches thick and, having been pushed aside as the boat passed, it sprung back with sufficient force to knock Graham (who was steering) off his feet. Miraculously, apart from a cut and some bruising, no serious damage was done. However this was a potentially very dangerous situation and the outcome could have been much worse. Incidents like this underline the importance of cutting back all vegetation that presents a hazard where it overhangs the navigation.
Especially at bends on river sections.

Hi everyone I have just joined the forum and hope to gain some advice, hopefully ongoing but initially around buying.
We are seriously considering investing in a NB with a budget of 30-40k.
I have done some Internet research and am now thinking of viewing some boats with brokers to experience different layouts and lengths of boats.
We would potentially like to keep the boat on the GU probably around the Tring/Aylesbury/Hemel area (mainly for commute time from our home)
Our intended use of the boat is for leisure purposes.(for the most part as a cpl)
 
Any advice around boat size, moorings, pros/cons or general wider advice would be welcome.
Thanks
 
 
 

https://www.wiltshire999s.co.uk/lechlade-boat-fire-eight-ambulances/

Has anyone tried to book Limehouse Lock lately. Apparently C&RT only operate the lock during office hours. We used to book a 5.00 am jaunt but the only time we have been given is 3.30 in the afternoon. We’ve always tried to avoid the busy period with river busses etc. 5.00 in the morning was perfect. It still says on C&RT’s website that t you can book it 24 hrs in advance for a 5.00 trip but if you try and book it, it’s a different story. 

Just wondering if anyone has had success with getting a broker or similar to carry out a valuation of their boat and put it in writing? I need one for insurance purposes and having owned the boat for 30 years it seems most insurers will only insure for the purchase price which is probably not correct should I wish replace it if the worst happens. 

Troubled Waters – The Many Struggles Of The Canal And River Trust
https://www.politicshome.com/news/article/troubled-waters-many-struggles-canal-river-trust

Popped up on my Facebook feed - nice entertainment for gongoozlers at the pub yesterday 😄
(Mind you,  it's not much worse than the attempt I made a few years ago)