RichardH

I must have missed that from the original post too. My understanding is that EOG's cannot be used for residential purpose.

In truth, they are pretty scarce in terms of length and being permitted (CRT do not automatically grant the right and insist on a survey). There are a few nice ones around Adlington, some just outside Blackburn and then the odd few on the summit in Barnoldswick. After that I think I am correct in saying true EOG's (not farmers fields) are next at Silsden. My advice would be to have a reckky on a bike and then be so cheeky as to knock on doors and ask if people would be interested in a few extra beans income for no effort. Some might be happy others less so at the prospect of you tramping across their garden with your stuff.

It is not ludicrous. Narrowboats and their operation are expensive business. Trust me, I have the scars. There are cheaper operators out there and the price may reflect the quality of offer. Very few will rent to single handers.

I was never that confident with the LPWS4 we had in one of the hire boats but to its credit and the 12.5k hrs on the clock it never missed a beat. Oil changes done every 100 hrs to be on the safe side which did push the cost of operation up. AFAIK it is still going strong (and crossed the Ribble)

Hi - Polycottons which include Black are £9 each, Postage - £3.50 for 1, £4.50 for 2. The 100% Egyptians are £10 each. Cheers Richard

Hi - yes, white and ivory in 100% Egyptian. Buttercream and Black in Polycotton. Cheers Richard

I could post to a local marina perhaps?

Agreed. We spotted a gap in the market for 4ft fitted sheets and still have plenty left 3 years on! If there was someone offering what you are doing for that money I would snap their hand off so don't let it put you off Good to see the usual comedy nonsense when you ask a serious question.

There are days when I would have enjoyed the meander and days I would have replicated your actions. Nothing wrong in my opinion either way.

Agree. I wouldn't have liked owning a hire company on a 'week' ring - only takes 1 lock to go pop and you end up turning boats round miles away. We were lucky, the only rings were 3 weekers so didn't occur very often.

We do them and we're on the Lancashire/Yorkshire border. Most people thoroughly enjoy the day.

Save this one as a link to the regular newbie who rocks up and says 'I am thinking of buying a boat to rent out but not pay for hire licence insurance and whathavya.....' Sad if there is truth in the 'friend did a runner' assertion for the owner but at the end of the day I am sure he checked his insurance before letting his friend loose.

And don't forget to lubricate appropriately

We are clearly talking along the lines of 'Fly Fishing by JR Hartley'

They are brilliant. Never had a leak on any of the boats we have had with them.

We have never had an issue with the locals - quite the opposite - help and a bit of banter I would however not stop overnight unless at Red Rock, Gathurst or Dover Lock on the 3 approaches

To give some perspective, we have had very little interest in our 3 year old 50ft tug priced at 55k which has a good shell, quality (if not to everyones taste) engine and hand built solid oak fit out. I nearly spat my coffee out when I saw 48k for this. You can pick up a 4 year old ex-Black Prince for this length and money.

Agree. LOL is something that was escorted to my room 101 some time ago. I genuinely wonder if people think about the original meaning when writing it

I quite like it but agree, simple show stoppers have possibly made it a nightmare to sell. They would have also been better building at 58ft to make it a relaxing choice to cruise the northern waterways. The forum has said many many times 'go 57-58' and I believe people now shy away from the 60-62 bracket before the longer ones kick back in.

Victron for me but have not experienced Mastervolt. Found Victrons aftercare to be superb. It could be just coincidence but when we had the hire boats, those with Sterling always generated more 'low power' call outs.

The curve of a brand new boat price to its resale value in say 3 years is dramatic to say the least. Reasons: - people who want a new boat do it because they can tailor make it to their whims and fancies - sadly these are not the same whims and fancies for the rest of the world - said new boat which was 100k new will not appeal to those with say 80k to spend as they can still buy a new boat elsewhere - there is a huge canyon (IMHO) between those with new boat money and the rest of the market (and frankly if someone tells me the reason they can offer scrap value is because it is a 'buyers market' I will scream) Would I buy a brand new boat? No. Do I wish however I had sold Isabel the tug as a brand new boat rather than a 3 year old quality nearly new boat Yes.

It really saddens me to hear stories like this and leaves me wondering what peculiar pleasure people achieve from their moronic actions. As news ripples, it further 'scares' people from venturing up the flight onto the lovely Leeds Liverpool.

Mercia Marine - speak to Keith Hough. Whilst I agree that the antics of some pirates etc on day boats are less than ideal, some of these people may then go on to do holiday hire and potentially buy a boat. I would avoid a 'patch' which includes locks if possible. Under the current licensing system a healthy 'no lock' discount was offered. This may be changing with the new structure. Have you found a suitable boat?