jackiejet195

Hi Alistair, i turned down the wooden top as it was a 1969 hull make unknown that hadn't been out of the water or blacked for 5 years let alone surveyed, then with a 2000 build wooden top (not by a boat builder) covered in thick fibre glass. Very nice inside but slight water damage in 2 places. General opinion seems to be that combo of steel and wood not good, they don't hold their value and are not particularly desirable when you want to selll them on. It was for around £12K though. Thanks for everyone's advice! Jackie

Hi everyone, thanks for advice, Lapworth is a wooden top and at present age unknown. I've already said no to a wooden top (2000 build on a 1969 steel hull). Hi Nigel, did you have the Hancock and Lane I came to see? Hi canalman, i'm just going to check those sites now but go to them regularly anyway. Don't think I said before but I'm looking for a boat for full time residential. Cheers, jackie

Hi, thanks for suggestions so far, I seem to spend hours trawling apollo, boats and outboards, ebay and marina sales as well as asking arund friends who live on boats...anyway, keep suggestions coming in! Cheers Jackie

Hi, I am trying to buy a boat on not much budget, if anyone knows of anything for sale. I have quite a bit of knowledge of the narrowboat world and know I'm probably dreaming when I say my spec would be: 45' to 50', all steel, not too old, no structural work needed, clean and fairly contemporary inside, budget of £20,000 ideally with fixed double, multi fuel burner, water heater etc etc etc. Would consider a sailaway with mains ring, gas and plumbing in place, lined etc, maybe a boat builders has old stock for sale at a reduced price. I've been looking at all the normal internet sites for a few months now and regretfully said no to a 50' all steel hancock and Lane 1983 boat at £17,000 when I managed to get first refusal. Anyone got any suggestions or know of any boats? I live in london but am willing to travel to look. Thanks alot, jackie

Hi, Thanks for the replies again, I'm glad I found this forum! Breal, what do you mean by 'selling on to the low end of the market'? does that mean it's not worth much but then you said it was a good find! I viewed another boat today, a 50' 1983 Hancock and Lane all steel, nice condition, BMC, all present inside though not very nice, (wasn't inspired by the idea of living in it really), it would need alot of changing around and rebuilding but the price of £16K seems pretty cheap. The wooden top is super lovely inside, huge kitchen, full width bathroom, seperate bedroom (lengthwise bed), a range dating from 1910 very spacious and airy but a slightly scarey more risky prospect! If I knew how to attach images to this I would! This is a difficult decision for me as it's all the money I have and quite a plunge so it's great to be able to get 'second' opinions and experinces. Thanks, jackie

Hi, thanks for the replies, yes the whole cabin was rebuilt in 2000 in wood etc. on a 1969 hull, people in the marina remember it being done...it must sound really strange to have not done the rebuild in steel, I didn't think of that! If the boat didn't have such a nice airy living space I would steer well clear, but maybe some more shopping around is needed, especially as everyone I talk to seems wary of the whole idea! Any more advice from anyone is extremely welcome! thanks, Jackie

Hi, I am considering buying my first boat though I know the boat world really well. I am looking at a wooden top with thick fibreglass cover. It is a 1969 hull and 2000 new build top with BMC engine, the structure seems very sturdy and no real evidence of water leakage inside. The interior is all in place and really lovely, it feels like a good home and I can move in straight away! It is 50' and for sale at between £10 to £12K. It hasn't got a survey but I know it will need one. Generally, is it worth buying a wooden top (even in good condition), are they hard to sell on, is that price the average or can they sell for more (generalised question) and what should I be wary of or look out for? I'm worried about it losing value and/or being hard to sell on, or serious maintenance issues. Any advice, experiences ort even, does anyone know of a boat at a similar price. Anything much appreciated, cheers, jackie