Captain Zim

Go to see a guy called Nieko in Franeker in the north. http://www.nieko.nl/en He's affiliate to a yard over here in Ely but that's not why I'm recommending him. He has loads of experience in exporting barges but most of all he is a really friendly, top bloke. I bumped in to him accidentally whilst viewing a boat that had nothing to do with him and he was still happy to spend hours talking about buying a boat in holland and making us coffee.

Thanks for all the links and suggestions. I did think of a ring but I get the feeling they don't want really long days. Anyway, I've passed it all on so thanks again for the help.

He needs to book it for a Christmas present. Drastic have been a bit of an exaggeration though.

Thanks. He and his brothers are experienced sailors so I don't think it would take much for them to get up to speed on the canal The Llangollen looks like a good option. I agree that he's looking at least 1500 and I think he knows that as well. Thanks for the idea

Hello. Merry Christmas all. I am really sorry for starting a thread on this as I'm sure it's been done a million times but I'm drastically short of time. A friend wishes to book a weeks holiday for his mum and brothers for next summer time. Please can the experts provide a few options. Criteria: Can be anywhere but probably north/midlands preferred Lots of quaint pubs Not millions of locks but brothers can do a few Ideally a holiday where it's possible to go in one direction only (if such a thing even exists - for example between two hire bases?) Sleeps 4 ( I think) Reasonable price (I know - although he's got a few quid so it's not essential. Plus it's for his mum so he shouldn't be so tight) Probably mostly countryside. Could start in a city though. Thanks ever so! Zim

40 hours from Brighton to the Thames in a force 5 rising 6. But then you weren't there so I expect you didn't know. Eta: sorry. Got a bit carried away defending the honour of my old girl. Not mine anymore. I'm gonna leave it now but believe me, if I were still her owner, she would still be here long after I'm gone.

This is exactly right. I would like to correct the previous comment made about a barge brought to London and painted white. I lived aboard for 7 years and brought her from a floating hull to her current state. Not perfect, not finished. She is 106 years old. She is a solid old girl who will look after whoever buys her. I am gutted that the new owner has decided after so little time that she's not for him (can't drive her apparently!) and have told him so. She was my little boys first home and a solid shelter in all weathers. I just hope someone who appreciates her comes along.

That barge has a draft of 1m absolute max with water tanks full. The airdraft is 2.3. And you can all take a guess as to how I know.

I was led to believe that he was coming down with a few mates to help. I single handed it for years and I have to say that, apart one very embarrassing moment in cassiobury park a few weeks back and almost going overboard on the Thames, I never had a problem. It's all about taking time and remaining calm. Still, that's no help to this guy now or to those on Facebook.

Hello. Haven't posted for a while as I've been a bit busy. Have now sold my barge so I am off to live ashore for a short while. Not sure when or if I'll be back but just wanted to say thanks to all those on here who have been around for advice and help when needed. Cheers. On that note, the chap I sold my boat to is on a fairly big maiden voyage from Kings Langley to Enfield in three days. Not that big you might say, but it's a new boat, a lot bigger than his old one and so far he has called me two days in a row and he sounds like it's getting a bit much. If I was anywhere close to London I'd go and help him but I'm now in plymouth so it's a bit far to commute. Perhaps he'll be alright, I don't know, but I also know that he doesn't seem to have anyone to help him and he needs to get at least to Tottenham by tomorrow evening. If anyone sees a large grey tjalk with a tall stressed looking bloke aboard could I please ask that they give him a wave and ask him how he's doing? He's a really nice bloke who has perhaps not planned as well he could. Cheers again and all the best to you all.

3,4,4 is plenty. Don't worry about it.

When we go into London it's really just for a visit, in and out. Greenford is fine, water point there. Perivale pleasant but not near anything much. It's at the end of the central line though. Kensal is very nice but again, no water. I suspect if there was a water point here then no one would move and it would be packed out. Then little Venice for a touch of the high life before heading back out again, either east to the Lea or back west. I wouldn't really stop in alperton or bulls bridge end except for an overnight. Nothing wrong with them but it's very industrial.

Okay, one quote I got, I won't say who as I don't think that's fair, £2235 ex VAT to do 72m2. 35000psi. 3 day job. Clearance of at least half a metre needed in the dock.

I agree it's great that it all went so smoothly...being in the process of selling, the boatshed brokerage have been really good to us. As for buying a house...well, let's just say that once i'm over that trauma it's unlikely I will ever decide to move unless someone does something to call conveyancing solicitors to account. People slag off estate agents but the agent for the person we are buying from has worked really hard to get things sorted. Unfortunately, both sets of solicitors seem to think the world revolves around them. Disgraceful.

To be fair, you're quite right. The boat was occupied at the time so I suppose we've become too complacent.