Billi

Indeed ...And hence why I put this post in "new to boating" category. There is a long time before the end of the year to research. Thanks for all your help everyone.

Richard (RWLP)... Yes I helped a relative paint her narrow boat a while back and spent a good few weeks on it and just know I could never function on one full time. Am I right in thinking this then... The max size should be 60ft to be able to do the majority of canals (and rivers in other places where the width of the boat can't do certain sections of canals?) I would be happy with that if so. Would I be able to do the whole of Scotland, England and Wales without having to use dry land too on a 60 ft wide beam? Great idea too about compromising. Thanks for that wonderful description of how to do it That's one of the things I fell in love with when I helped paint that boat - the amazing way boats can store stuff and be turned into things. When commissioning a boat build, what percentage do they ask for up front and how long does a build take? It's shocked me about being booked up until 2014! Thanks everyone. Boat people are the best!

Thanks Arthur. I've filed away your info and will check out them links... and Dekazer... Thanks too. No I haven't holidayed on the canals. I just know though that the water is my true home. I'll give thought to hiring a boat to begin with though before I commission a new build. Warmest Wow thanks MJG! Wonderful information!

Wow Magpie! I'm getting bootcamp info here The things you learn! They are some mean looking locks.... Got a lot to learn it seems

Okay so what would I need for the following... my absolute minimum living design needs are 2 double bedrooms and one study, small communal space, galley, and main toilet. I would be on the canals in England - say the Leeds to Liverpool to start off with (I don't know anything about the UK canal systems yet - got a lot of reading up to do) and would not be wanting to transport by road etc to get to other canals. What would I need now? Also, what is the difference between "wide beam" and "narrow boat" and what is a "wide beam narrow boat" and how does that impact the length of boat in relation to my needs. I'm really grateful for the help. Thank you.

Thanks everyone - (esp. Alan de Enfield for the long post). Hmm... got a lot to think about... oh and I did do a short intake of breath before writing those unmentionable words Blackrose but had to to give you the full picture I REALLY would struggle on a narrow boat though seriously. I'd be living full time on it you see. Amazingly supportive group you all are. Thank you.

Wow. This is a well oiled forum I can tell. Already I feel at home here. Thank you for your fast responses. Much appreciated. So, I will have to change the dream boat idea it seems if I wish to be able to cover all canals in the UK which is my aim. What would I need then for 2 double bedrooms and 2 studios/ offices, communal living space, galley and head (forgetting the two en suites and other 2 bedrooms?) How long would the boat have to be for these specs and what type of boat would be most practical (I would feel too claustrophobic on a narrow boat)... Warmest, Billi

First off thank you for being here. My question is this. I will be having my first boat designed and built towards the end of this year and need to know whether my vision for it would fit in with the size of canals. I do not wish to contact the boat builder until I am ready to take it to the next level and hence why I am asking you good people I will need 4 double bedrooms (with at least 2 with en suite), 2 offices, a galley, living area and main head. Could such a build fit into the canal system as a whole? I was wondering about turning it around you see. Would a boat at 90ft be able to do this and is 90ft the largest a boat can be on the canal system and would all these rooms I will need fit into a 90ft build? Also, would I need a Wide Beam or a Dutch Barge to get the specifications I wish? Thanks in advance for any feedback anyone can give me. Billi