johnofyork

Sorry to cause all these problems guys, it was just a general question. "No" would have been a great answer! I have no intentions of taking a NB to sea or converting one to make it watertight or self-righting.

Anyone have a very rough idea of how much it costs to transport a NB across the channel? Just thinking about the canals used by heavy commercial trafic. Can a NB turn over easily? Presumably self righting?

Hi Dave Thanks for the extra advice, no your boat was not too narrow at all (it's really what I want) . I'm still throwing it all about and as it's a retirement project I thought why not do it in France too, where it's a bit warmer in winter. I agree with your point about going over the top and the extra expense just to cross the channel maybe once or twice. (and lose out here too). I'm back to the narrowboat and transporting it by road, looks like the cheapest and best option. If they are not ideal for all canals in France, I'll just be more selective over there. I also take the point of not being able to transit North to South easily. Daft question: When say transiting a busy canal with commercial traffic in France. Could you fit a stabiliser of some kind?? Don't worry, I'll invite you over for a tour! Geoff

Brilliant idea, could be a cheaper option Quite a few good points, NB not really suited to a lot of continental waterways Looking like best option so far. Buy boat for continental waters and larger UK where I would spend most of my time, hire for the smaller routes

Interesting point about the windows, did not want to do much work on it, probably pay a bit more instead but will have a look

That sounds like the type I'm looking for. Don't have big requirements as I can manage in a 20 x 6 foot campervan. 30 to 45 x 10 foot cruiser would be a luxury. Think we are getting a bit closer to my requirements

Was wondering if there was ANY type of cruiser that would do the job, not just a steel barge. Fibreglass cruiser? Looks OK except for the price but yes good example

Thought they may be expensive! Could be a show stopper

Looking tor live aboard boat for retirement. Started looking at narowboats a few months ago and it's still a possibility. However, is there a type of cruiser for larger canals and rivers that would also cross the channel on the right day? What's the technical name for such a boat? Would like to tour the UK and France if possible. Only need 2 berths and used to living in compact accommodation. Thanks

I'm a newby and just looking round at everything. Don't have a boat or moorings just yet. I drive along to various sites in may van then cycle the towpaths on my Brompton folding bike, to get ideas and see different boats/moorings. . I usually park with the fishermen at BW sites and there are usually no signs about parking. Is it OK to park at these sites overnight whilst the boat is moored at another site a few miles away? Seems to solve most of the problems with a cycle ride each day to collect the van? Assuming I have a permanent mooring and paid my BW licence fee that should cover it or am I missing something?

Thanks for the encouragement and advice, I'll go and have a look for those mags. It's nice to know there will be something suitable out there if I keep looking.

Thanks for the link, it certainly would help if I could potter around until I have a better idea of where I want to be long term. Think the next thing I need is some maps to work out some possible routes?

Think I'm getting there, thanks very much for taking the time to explain it to me.

Thanks a lot for that. Probably do not need a Marina, sounds just the thing I'm looking for! did not know you could do that, a farm or end of garden would be brilliant. Especially a farm where they may let me park the vehicle too (pay a bit extra). Presume the only way is to find a slot before buying a boat, otherwise you are compelled to move under the CC license and don't have time to look around? I would be happy to pay twice or three times that if I could live on it almost full time. Presume the big problem is being able to empty the toilet though?

Thanks Keith, If it's just a declaration, why do they bother? I guess you can stay 14 days regardless of what you have declared so cannot see any point. So would I be best declaring CC all of the time and if I get permanent mooring still declare CC to cover my options? Think I must still be missing something?