Windfola

I wish I was one of those people who can stick firmly to a policy of 'if you haven't used it in the last 12 months, then you don't need it.' I belong to the group which takes the view that 'you never know when (insert item of dubious vintage and with no discernible function) might come in handy...'

Actually I am not a great drinker, though I know the Pear Tree well! And Fairport are brill...

Would any of you folk on either side of the debate be willing to give a properly detailed and argued out reasons for for your strongly held positions for the benefit a newby who is trying to make an informed decision?

Hello from another would be boat liver...

Thanks for that article link, Peter. It is very helpful in my deliberations. I haven't seen a boat with a bedroom in the middle yet. My dad has suggested that a bed at one end or the other is best in case you have to get out to escape a fire at night, for example. (He's an optimistic fellow, my father). On the subject of articles is Waterways World the only narrowboat magazine? IS it any good? What kind of publication is 'Living Afloat'?

Wot wedding is that then?

Ah, Old Hooky. I have lived in Hook Norton the last 25 years, though not for much longer if and when I get my boat!

What a very good idea!

My main conclusion so far is that if I am looking for a liveaboard then the best idea might be to look at boats that the seller has just been living on themselves - in the hope that they will have thought of most things already. Then I can make a list of must haves.

Ah good - my chosen name is not on the list of most popular - phew! As for virgins.... Can I settle for a decent bottle of champagne instead?

Thanks, that's reassuring! So does BW have a register of boats that everyone needs to notify them with changes of name or ownership?

Stupid question possibly, but if I buy a boat and want to rename him (my boat will be a him), can I just go ahead and repaint the sign? I mean, it's not like when you buy a car and if you change the plate you have to pay and go through DVLA etc etc, is it? I have a name in mind, but what if it is already taken? Does this matter?

Well they do say that you're never more than a metre from a rat. Rubbish equals rats anywhere you go. The trick is keeping the numbers down.

Interesting reading. Your tales sound more encouraging than I expected. For ages I couldn't get Beren to go upstairs, because he once slipped down a bare wood staircase. I can just about persuade him up carpeted ones now. I cannot decide whether I should take him along to a boatyard and ask if I can try him out on deck before I am actually ready to start seriously looking to buy. And that is assuming I can get permission from the broker/owner first. I don't want to put him off from the start if he slips and panics, but obviously I can't very well put none slip surfaces on a boat that doesn't yet belong to me. And I don't yet have any boating friends I can ask informally. So I am a bit stumped as to the best way to go about assessing Beren's needs!

Has anyone here lived on board a narrowboat with a greyhound or large lurcher? My greyhound is elderly, very tall and has no experience of boats. I need to assess how well he may adapt to life afloat, in particular cabin steps, getting on and off the deck, ramps and so on. He is too heavy for my to lift and he panics if he thinks he is going to slip (for example he freezes on laminates and does the splits because the floor is such a long way down). So I'll need to check out non slip surfaces and shallower gradients as part of any boat specifications. Anyone else had to do this for a large, cowardly dog of little brain? How did it work out? I haven't tried to put him on board yet, but would prefer to make any adaptations first, if possible. Can you buy dog life-jackets?

Thanks Robin 2 for your thorough reply, and to everyone else of course. I am progressing steadily, if slowly, with my research and getting to grips with terminology a bit better. There seem to be a lot of boatyards/brokers within an hour's drive of me, especially Daventry and Rugby way, so I will go and explore them all in due course.

Is there a list available of independent qualified boat surveyors?

I'm coming round to the idea of a used boat. It's just that I am a sucker for new kitchens/bathrooms etc etc. I'm guessing I can have an older boat updated, but I would have to pay someone to do this as I am no carpenter or electrician and I would rather have some idea of the cost before committing myself. Has anyone fitted a new kitchen or bathroom recently who can give me a vague estimate? Also is it possible to add in new wiring/plumbing without ruining the woodwork? Also I am clinging on to the idea that a new build would have fewer problems which might add extra expense. I am happy to be corrected if that is not the case. You're right about not being sure what I need! I wouldn't be looking for a 'bespoke' boat, more likely one of those off the peg ones. A nice lady I met yesterday, who has just bought a rather fine used boat, said that boats are cheaper to buy at the end of the summer season. Is that right? It might fit in with my timescale actually, if I can sell the house within the next 6 months. Arrggh -questions questions!

Thanks all. Your replies so far have been very interesting (I might have guessed that for every question there'd be at least half a dozen different answers). I had a look at the boatyard at Blisworth today - some little gems there. I was hoping I might get a new full time residential without VAT, but I now understand you can only do this with widebeams. Met a few really friendly folk (including that chap who sells cheese) who were happy to answer some of my endless queries. Does anyone know a good yard that produces new 40-50 foot boats?

Hi there, just joined. I am hoping to buy a narrowboat for full time living once I have disposed of my house and have a lot of questions as I have not lived full time on a boat before and have never owned one. But to begin with, I want to buy a 50-60 foot boat and would like to ask what people think are the most important necessities for liveaboard boats, in terms of things like power/heating/electrics and the means to produce them? There seem to be so many different types of power available and I am thoroughly confused as to what is the best/most economical set up. I will be looking for a boat with a fixed double bed and if possible a small bath. I would also really like a washing machine if I can afford it. What sort of loo is the best/easiest to run? How do I get broadband? Also I will be on my own - should I buy a boat with a bow thruster to make handling easier? Should add that I am not very athletic or particularly young. Some ideas of other full time 'must haves' would be welcomed. That will do for starters.

Hello all. I am planning (I hope) to buy a narrowboat for full time residential use in the next 12 months (got a house to sell first). I have been reading this forum with interest. I haven't any experience of being a boat owner, but have hankered after one for years. I'm gradually gathering information but feel very naive, especially when it comes to the mechanics/electrics! Home Decorating is the limit of my skill in the DIY department. So I hope to make good use of this forum. It looks great so far. I currently live near the Oxford Canal but am fairly flexible about where I end up as not working at the moment.