Smudge38
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Posts posted by Smudge38
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Hello All,.
I don't know if this topic is really relevant. I just asking because spoke to couple of boaters one weekend in part of Manchester. As my previous posts indicate I am a 'Newbee' and looking into living on Canals well as finding out maybe Pitfalls.
My Q. is I spoke to a lady on this boat and lady informed me about the risk or not of surveys. She said (Not her boat) which the lady had built from the shell then they fitted out themselves. But a friend had bought a meduim size boat..done all right things thus thought she had a good survey done on it by a qualified person. To cut a long story short the Ultra sonic survey had missed a bad part on the boat which nearly resulted in the boat sinking. Before she took action & had get lifted out water.
My Q. is that personally at price of the survey for boats £1,000 in my thinking this should not be happening at prices like this! Can anybody tell me what come back would this ladys friend on this survey she had done!?
To me this is quite alot of money to loose when think found your perfect boat and then again have shell out around same amount another poss boat seen! or another. This is where I am slight put off on the Narrowboats because at this price I think you should be getting good, 1st class, sound surveys done by people who not looking to make quick buck on behalf of the boater or possible buyer.
Can anybody enlighten me on this topic or about how to make survey not so risky.
My last Q. Are Ex-hire boats a safe buy than normal used ones??
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I thought Sue was your weekend name - you know when you are woman dressed in men's clothing........
I know - coat..............
Does this raise Q's about Marina's though!?? Thinking ; "We will rip-off Boaters now!!"???
This is my biggest worry about starting new life on Canal's...
cheers
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Oh right Sue.....
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Hello All,.
This post is in nothing in particular it's more general on a very sad article I seen last week about poss 'Hazzards' of buying a boat on Higher purchase or Loans.
The news article appeared in 1 free papers that are given out commuters on public transport newspaper (Metro). Anyway,. it was very sadding item on a Couple who had bought one of Widebeam barges on Higher purchase or Loans some way. I have dug deep into the Article but I got the gest. If not seen the article the Guy ended up trying smash' it up because He did not want give it back to the Marina after living on it for 20years.
It is a very SAD story as a Newbee to the Barges. Having been looking into idea of buying a Narrowboat as a Perm Home for quite a lengthy time now..I found this item apart from very Sad' a cautionaly tale why not buy a Barge this way!??
Whether it is a small Narrowboat style and I wouldn't even considering buying one larger ones (Widebeams) this way.
Well, this is it .. I would be glad to hear any full time liveaboards views on this as I am sure this will if like me a Newbee think about ways of buying any boat..
Cheers
Newbee
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Hello Jess,.
I am also new 2 all things Barge/Canals & have been looking into buying near future. I am just sending you this message ask what you think!
What I have found out so far Jess, the boats (Used) are not expensive 2buy..
To me it just seems their are lot other costs around them. One seems be the Marina's... Does the Costs put you off Jess??
Cheers
daz
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Would fitting LED lights solve this problem?? I use some LED lights & in certain places found no difference in preformance compared to other light opitions..
My boat still has very ancient 12v Fluro lighting throughout. When i try and use the fluro tubes, they are very dim and now and again flicker very bright like they should always be then go back to dim.
I have bought two new bulbs and tried it in some of the fixings, but the same thing happens.
My batteries are charged and it does this when engine is running.
Could it be the old wiring not being upto the job?
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Hi All,.
Mine is just a general view on an article I seen this week in one of the weekly Canal boating Magazines.
In a small article it says that now MP's have been looking at the Canals as a soultion to shortage of Housing problems they have now said 'Yes' and intend to back the move to help more people out onto the Canals.
To me this is great News & I am astonished that a MP's can actually be forward thinking for Once!! and use some they grey matter sense.
I have been looking into a alternative way of living for a while now & partically at the Barges as a place I can call my 1st full time home. Why barge? Well, simple I can not affrord get anywhere near the Property Ladder even if working &slog my Guts out..
To me this is good news and I am sure giving people like me some New hope and a senseof security in a different way of living. I am just worried now if I go ahead & take leap of purchasing boat to live on that certain places along canals (Ie. Marina's) will take to much advantage of all Boaters & start charging rip off prices. I don't think this would be fair or help anyone on canals & put New boaters off.
Well, that it.. I am sure some you will get me on this topic.. but I just wanted know some thoughts.
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hi i no nothing about boating
but iam thinking of buying one what sort of fees are involved with keeping one on the water. ive seen bcs licence in a few ads on the net what does this involve. iam thinking of bying one thats in need of work, iam not put off by a lot of work because i want to use it as a hobby as iam shop fitter/carpenter by trade but currently working as a welder fabricator so i think i have everything i need to make a boat nice. plus will give me something to do on the weekends. any advice welcome.thanks
Hi xadmx,.
I am bit of a Newbee to all things Canal/Barges.
I have been thinking about buying a boat for a while now as a Perm Home. My reasons are purely because I can not afford get anywhere near Property ladder & this way living seems very appealling alternative! What I have found out so far their seem to be a lot of Pro's then Con's seem equal the barges. I am slightly different 2 you xadmx as I am lookin buying 1 that is ready really..
I would love 2do 1 Up from stratch like you as I am a Pratical person but never had real opportunity to see if I got any skills this way. I would love have a go at 1 from stratch like you if I had some hands-on friendly help along way!?!
Anyway,. what I find out so far about them xadmx - Is the Boats 2nd hand are not they expensive buy, but to me it seems Other Costs around them!?? Also, little worrying to me is also what about happen - with Whole Canal system (..I don't know if heard?). But it seems in a while the British Waterways are thinking selling off the canals system to someone else. I have been told this might put UP Costs a lot for people &boaters. Maybe making it 2 expensive people live on them!? Also, 1 other thing is that is seems very Expensive to stay in the Marina's! then maybe got Council Tax cost on Top?
To me the Canal system could be a easy soultion for lot people like me who can not afford get near Property ladder &live off land. Well, anyway thanxs for reading & I would love to know your views on what I said here xadmx...
Cheers
Daz
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Hi Clarity,.
I am considering living on Barge as a full time Home...but my reasons are Econmics (..Just can't not afford get near Property! I am a Single guy, I have thought about this issue amongst many issuses that I have found out about living on canals so far. Safety, I think could be same anywhere ..whether you live in Bricks&Motor or a boat.
The research I have done so far on living on a Barge I admit this topic is at very bottom,. my issues whether to take leap over to water are mainly what I can see are around Other Costs on the Canals. To me it seems the boats themselves are not that expensive,. but I have found out that lot other costs I didn't really expect!?
I would love keep in contact you Clarity as I say I am considering the Barges/Narrowboat as a Perm live on home for reasons just stated at start..
Regards
Daz
Well I am thinking of a major lifestyle change meaning that I would live full time on a narrow boat. Haven't fully made the decision yet. Was wonder if there were any single women out there (or men too) who could comment on how safe they feel living onboard. I think I'm looking a residential mooring to begin with - if I can find somewhere nice and cheap in yorkshire. Another factor is that I use a laptop and video camera for my work so these will be left on the boat sometimes. Anyone ever been burgled on a boat? Many thanks for your advice[/font][/size][/size]
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Hiya All,.
I am just adding another Post hope that members will be helpful as last posts. I have looked at a Canal boating Magazine lately & they have a section on painting the Hulls of boats.
Going through the best way cut the costs of 'Blacking' over the years using different Paints from various cheap Bitumen to 2 Coat Proxy paints. Also mentioned before painting 2 reduce the time span spent Blacking' suggesting Grit blasting before to keep best condition of Hulls.
I just wanted know from any People who live on their boats Full-time (As a Perm home). Do they use these processes? Also how much does it cost the 'Black' hulls every few years? Do you use expensive paint of go for cheap opition Bitumen paint?
Cheers
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Hi LadyMuck,.
This is a very interesting Post/Q. to me - as I am thinking of buying a boat as a Perm home in future (..As I can't afford luxury of getting near Housing !!) The Government put that rest for me.
Anyway I wondered exactly the same - what would happen in exact Q. you asked!!
As you say at end -- we all need live somewhere. Everybody needs a Home... & my view the Canals should be a easy soultion for lot people like me. I keep hearing off politicians that there going be a Housing shortage very soon - well in my view WAke up & let people live how they want - As long as not breaking any rules or annoyance other community..
Cheeers
Newbee
They add overstay charges onto the next license. Skint boater gets a big shock and can't afford to pay. Skint boater becomes an unlicensed boat because they can't find that amount of money in order to pay their license. Seen it happen up here and I would say some of these boaters are vulnerable. The boats do eventually get served section 8 notices and taken away by BW, but if the boat is someones home then the social services will be involved - you can't just turf someone out. It takes time and it isn't pretty. It does happen though, have seen quite a few get towed away over the years, but not so many recently?
And BW can't take everyone to court, it is expensive and they don't have the budget for it because all of the money is going in Robin Evans pension pot *cough*
The housing crisis hasn't helped this situation one bit - everyone has got to live somewhere, employed or otherwise.
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Hello Fortunata,.
I am Looking into buying a boat/Barge as a Perm live on Home for myself.... One question I would like ask you is - I noticed you say you live self-sufficent on your boat..
Can I ask how much this Cost you to make your boat Self-sufficent!!? What things have u done??
I would love hear how & see Pics if poss..
Cheers
A Newbieee
I don't CC as I take care of a dog locally. That may sound a bit odd but I'd not take off and leave him. So the immediate area is pretty run down. I'm late forties and have a few basic skills, a bit of mechanical included. Not a tradesman, though. Have wroked in health education, security, teaching abroad, mowing and so on. However, no response to jobs I apply for.
I only need to make about 80 quid a week and I can get by as I live self sufficient on the boat. Even tried delivering leaflets for a time.
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Hello Eloise,.
I am 2 all things canal boats/Barges...so I among like you a Newbee. I have posted 2messages on this site.. about being new to all things Canal living.
I have been doing research for quite a while now (..in various Forms, Websites, Canal magazines, talking to boaters) face2face... I have looked at link of the boat you have purchased..its very nice.
I am sending you this message to ask would you mind sharing your knowledge you have gained on your purchase..??
The one thing that slightly worries me at mo,. is not so much the Boats/Barges, but seems lot other Costs around Canals. The reason I have started looking at the Canal as a Perm living & Barge as a Home is simply because I can't afford to get near property.. WHO can these Days! I think the Barges could be a great Soultion for a lot people like me..As I keep hearing from these 'Head in the'CLOUDs' polticians is that there is now a Critical Housing Shortage!!
Anyway,. thanks for reading Eloise...I hope we can converse more..
Cheers
Darren
Hello all. This is my first post, but since starcoaster now has hers, I thought maybe some of you might be able to help me out too. I'm looking for a boat that I can single-hand for most of the year. I've done endless reading and research, and now want to visit a few boats to get an idea of size, layout, how to assess their condition etc. This boat has been moved from Whilton to Braunston and doesn't seem to be selling. Is there something glaringly obvious about it that should put me off making a trip to view it?
http://www.braunstonmarina.co.uk/Findaboat/tabid/66/id/329/boat-name/Witches%20Promise/Default.aspx
Any comments welcome.
Eloise
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Hello All again,.
This is my 3rd Post..I would like clear something up 2 you all (..As 1 member has said on here!). I am NOT a Reporter for anyone.. (..I wish I had Good Job as that!
I am just a Normal Guy, trying 2 do research on living on Canals this is all! Anyway, back 2 the Topic I would like ask now. I have had some very helpful & in 1case detailed reply from a Member who been very helpful. She has raised a Topic for me that I would like 2 ask members now...and their thoughts on this subject.
This Member has told me that in very near future... things on Canals are going change (..In that Inland Waterways are considering Ownership of the Canal System)..to other agency's. The Member who has got touch me says if DO this COULD raise the cost of Living on Canals quite Hugely..
My main reason I have been looking at canals/barge is I was considering as a Home &also a different lifestyle that went with it. But this NEWS makes me very weary of taking finacial leap into the Canals/barge because if it is become hugelly Expensive I will have ditch Idea of a Barge as a Perm Home. This is a shame because I think barge living could be a poss Answer for the Government to SOLVE the 'Housing Prob's'/Shortage that they keep telling us that is Here Now!! What I found Out So Far, that Barge themselves are not that Costly, but seems other expenses are what is the Cost. If what does Happen (As I have been informed could b a Possibilty)) that would blow all ideas out Water 4 a Alternative home for me & close down more Opitions for interested People. If you are now living on a Barge & have thought about this Topic or it greatlly Worries you..please could you give me your thoughts on what I said here!!!!?
I wait keenly for your replies.
Cheers
Newbiee.
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Hello All,.
I have previous posted a Message about being Newbiee to all this Canal & barge stuff. I am posting another Message in hope that someone will enlighten me much further.
I have been looking at and thinking about possible Barge living in future..as I want different lifestyle than 4 walls.I have been doing quite a lot research various sources (Internet,Barge Magazine, etc).. & have found out various stuff.
Could anyone please answer this Q. I recently printed off the Inland Waterways Licence Fees document (..Listing all prices for 6months, yearly, etc)). I was so astonished to see the price differences between having your Barge on Canals&Rivers, and then just Rivers! This points me to the next Q. I wonder if anyone could answer!?
I have done bit research into the Old days, on the Canals, the Old Boats, etc..
After doing all this it seems me now that it has changed quite a lot since the Old Working Barges where working on & thus little expense to NOW the Modern Barges that on the Canals. It seems 2 me Now that since it has all become LEISURE for people living on the boats...Inland Waterways..have now jumped on barge Owners & thought We will make this alternative way of living a Expensive Method.
My Q. Is - - Can anybody tell me why? Why, has it gone so Expensive since the OLD Days of Barges, Old Working Boats, etc..
I think way now has gone is a real shame,. because I am a Single person, who cannot finacially afford to get on the Property ladder or near and this is where I think Canal Living/Barge could be real Opition for lot more People in my situation if there was not much Costs or expense to a Alternative lifestyle. The Goverment talk alot mo about SHORTAGE of Housing for people - Well, why not make it Easier for People 2 buy &live on the Canal system!!!
Thank you for your attention ALL.
Newbiee..
Darren
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Hello All,.
I have previous posted a Message about being Newbiee to all this Canal & barge stuff. I am posting another Message in hope that someone will enlighten me much further.
I have been looking at and thinking about possible Barge living in future..as I want different lifestyle than 4 walls.I have been doing quite a lot research various sources (Internet,Barge Magazine, etc).. & have found out various stuff.
Could anyone please answer this Q. I recently printed off the Inland Waterways Licence Fees document (..Listing all prices for 6months, yearly, etc)). I was so astonished to see the price differences between having your Barge on Canals&Rivers, and then just Rivers! This points me to the next Q. I wonder if anyone could answer!?
I have done bit research into the Old days, on the Canals, the Old Boats, etc..
After doing all this it seems me now that it has changed quite a lot since the Old Working Barges where working on & thus little expense to NOW the Modern Barges that on the Canals. It seems 2 me Now that since it has all become LEISURE for people living on the boats...Inland Waterways..have now jumped on barge Owners & thought We will make this alternative way of living a Expensive Method.
My Q. Is - - Can anybody tell me why? Why, has it gone so Expensive since the OLD Days of Barges, Old Working Boats, etc..
I think way now has gone is a real shame,. because I am a Single person, who cannot finacially afford to get on the Property ladder or near and this is where I think Canal Living/Barge could be real Opition for lot more People in my situation if there was not much Costs or expense to a Alternative lifestyle. The Goverment talk alot mo about SHORTAGE of Housing for people - Well, why not make it Easier for People 2 buy &live on the Canal system!!!
Thank you for your attention ALL.
Darren Brennan
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Hi Darren.
In a house, you pay council tax.
On a boat you dont (if you're a CC-er) but you pay a BW licence which is about the same.
So far, lets say you havent won by being on a boat.
In a house you pay elec, water. ..about £100+
in a boat you pay gas, diesel....about £100+
So far, lets say you havent won by being on a boat.
In a house you may have a car, and the two may cost in tax, insurance, maintenance...lets say £500 a year?
In a boat you need to black the hull, pay insurance and fix maintenance issues. Could be in the same region, or more.
So far, lets say you havent won by being in a boat.
In a house you pay rent each month...lets say £500-£1000
In a boat, you may want to stay in a marina...about £250-£350 pmth (can be less)
You may have to pay a boat finance company back...lets say £400 pmth
Shall we say at this point you havent won by being on a boat. (unless you are a CC-er, and your boat was given to you...in which case you should be winning in the house/boat comparison.
In my mind, I win, because when I rent, the cash I pay is lost for ever, but paying for a boat is partly recoverable when I sell.
Hope it helps.
Some people spend thousands on their boat...shiny paint jobs, marble kitchen tops, interior decoration, etc. You may not need to do that.
Thank YOU for your very Helping & detail message left for me!!
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A very sensible post. Too many people think boat living is a cheaper option when it is often not, its just nicer. For example I owned my last house and own my boat now. The cost of council tax and heating/lighting costs combined in my house were considerably less than combined cost of mooring/licence heating lighting etc on my boat, for me its a lifestyle choice we both vastly prefer being on the boat which is were I amtyping from now, ooops look at the time !! pub 20 yds away be rude not to
- Thank you for your Reply 2 Me -- Yours was very helpful than most must say.
I get the Idea now that it may not be a cheap as living on land.. Can I ask 1 Q. about what u said in your reply me.. You said Owned your own house and Own Narrowboat now. Did u sell your House 2 buy a Barge? Would u ever go back to living back in Bricks & Motor??
Barges really appealls me... but I can say now the Only worrying thing is what seems emense Costs now..
The Goverment rant' on about Not ENOUGH HOusing being Built & shortage for most people! Well, why don't they think about making Barges a easier Opition for People!? I really don't get this Business about some places have 2 Pay 'Council Tax'...on a Boat. Why! These are things that putting me off a bit about Barge/Canal living..
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It depends on the type of mooring and if you have sole use of it, Than you pay council tax on, I do and
having just been re-banded from A to B under the new rules brought in by "Grabber Brown", Because I
have a waterside view I go up a band.
I live on a boat for two good reasons, 1) I hate the pain of moving house and having to settle in to a new home.
2) I get a better nights rest.
One last thing Darren which paper do you write for?. As I smell a reporter. Why else do you require people to reply by email instead of the forum.
Firesprite
I Wish I had good Job as a Reporter Mate! I just asked People reply via e-mail simple reason is I am not a Internet Person & its just quicker for me! No Conspiracy here....!
daz
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A very sensible post. Too many people think boat living is a cheaper option when it is often not, its just nicer. For example I owned my last house and own my boat now. The cost of council tax and heating/lighting costs combined in my house were considerably less than combined cost of mooring/licence heating lighting etc on my boat, for me its a lifestyle choice we both vastly prefer being on the boat which is were I amtyping from now, ooops look at the time !! pub 20 yds away be rude not to
Thank You - For your Good Answer..
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Hello All,.
I have previous posted a Message about being Newbiee to all this Canal & barge stuff. I am posting another Message in hope that someone will enlighten me much further.
I have been looking at and thinking about possible Barge living in future..as I want different lifestyle than 4 walls.I have been doing quite a lot research various sources (Internet,Barge Magazine, etc).. & have found out various stuff.
Could anyone please answer this Q. I recently printed off the Inland Waterways Licence Fees document (..Listing all prices for 6months, yearly, etc)). I was so astonished to see the price differences between having your Barge on Canals&Rivers, and then just Rivers! This points me to the next Q. I wonder if anyone could answer!?
I have done bit research into the Old days, on the Canals, the Old Boats, etc..
After doing all this it seems me now that it has changed quite a lot since the Old Working Barges where working on & thus little expense to NOW the Modern Barges that on the Canals. It seems 2 me Now that since it has all become LEISURE for people living on the boats...Inland Waterways..have now jumped on barge Owners & thought We will make this alternative way of living a Expensive Method.
My Q. Is - - Can anybody tell me why? Why, has it gone so Expensive since the OLD Days of Barges, Old Working Boats, etc..
I think way now has gone is a real shame,. because I am a Single person, who cannot finacially afford to get on the Property ladder or near and this is where I think Canal Living/Barge could be real Opition for lot more People in my situation if there was not much Costs or expense to a Alternative lifestyle. The Goverment talk alot mo about SHORTAGE of Housing for people - Well, why not make it Easier for People 2 buy &live on the Canal system!!!
Anyawy,. if anybody could reply to this Message through my E-Mail I would be very grateful my E-mail address is: leedaz9 at yahoo.co.uk
Thank you for your attention ALL.
Darren Brennan
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Hi Gazznhelz,.
I would very much like get in contact with you via e-mail addy's! My reason, is because this Gazz I seen/read your 1st blogg on this site ..about acquiring a Canalboat/barge... & living on it get away from Rat race.
This is something, I have been thinking about for quite a while now,.. & done a bit research on the Topic of boats via mostly the Internet! & on foot occasionally visting or should I say quick chats with people on Boats when I been out &about.
But I am very still unsure about WHOLE subject of living on them... as I heard different things 1moment saying 'Good' then 'Bad'.. My reason Gazz is that I don't really want a Mortage/live in a house,.and all that comes this..
I would very glad if I could personally talk you via Telephones/ e-mail/ or even better see what your Boat is like (..if you would not mind this)for me get real idea what really like living on them!!?
My personal e-mail addy is this@@: dzbrennan at yahoo.co.uk
Thanxs for your attention.
Daz/Darren
To me it just seems their are lot other costs around them. One seems be the Marina's... 
but iam thinking of buying one what sort of fees are involved with keeping one on the water. ive seen bcs licence in a few ads on the net what does this involve. iam thinking of bying one thats in need of work, iam not put off by a lot of work because i want to use it as a hobby as iam shop fitter/carpenter by trade but currently working as a welder fabricator so i think i have everything i need to make a boat nice. plus will give me something to do on the weekends. any advice welcome.
Re: 'Claiming Benefits like Housing if needed on water?'
in General Boating
Posted
Hello All,.
I would just like ask a general Q. see if anybody could throw light on this..I know what the answer probably be but just would like any feedback on this subject.
Could anybody who has done this please answer me if know. I know it will probably be a definite 'Yes' answer if living in a Marina as I guessing this solves my Q. as saying got fixed address.
My Q. is just with regards 'Continue Cruising' situation.. Can anybody tell me the answer this Q. if poss.
Is it possible to claim any extra Benefits (I.e. if as was on land)) like 'Housing benefit' or related if living on the waterways & at a time out of work!??
Well that is it...
Regards
Newbee..