dharmalounge

Dear Nb Trkeri It is nice to hear some positive comments on gas free boats but it is a shame that you are in minority. Best Wishes

Thanks al,l for your advice. The charging system is a 100 amp alternator and there a 3 kilowatt inverter. The ceramic hob has just two rings. There are five new batteries. There was a mention of a travel pack but apparently this was a mistake and one is not include in the sale. Do you feel the system is Ok . We will be living on board during the summer months but not during the winter. But we will be traveling a lot. Thanks for your help. Robert

Thank you all but some of the answers are a little scary. There is no range on board. There is a reflex stove for the radiators and a ceramic hob for cooking and a micro wave . there is also a full size 240 volt fridge. I believe the alternator is 100 amps and there is a three kilowatt inverter. there are five domestic new batteries.

We are about to buy our first boat which is a 2005 58 foot trad with an Isuzo engine, I think a 4LB1 delivering about 35 HP. Our questions are: 1. Does it have enough power for continuous cruising on canals and non tidal rivers. 2. Is it noisy 3. Can you still get spare parts? 4. Would you buy a 58 foot gass less boat with such an engine?

As the original poster of this thread, I would once again like to thank you all for your replies. We got a bit bogged down for a while about exit routes etc but hopefully this is all finished now! This is a great community and we can't can't wait to find the right vessel. I dare not bring up the the reverse / traditional internal layout debate! Best wishes to all.

Thanks you guys very helpful indeed.Trackman, would you know the number of Beta or least the town where they operate. I agree that it would be sensible to give them a call. Best wishes

Thank you all for your very helpful and informed responses. What a great community . I can't wait to become part of it.

Brilliant debate, thanks to all of you for your very helpful, measured and informed replies. What a great community . I can't wait to become part of it. So portholes it is with a light interior!

Dear All.Thanks very much for your opinions they are much appreciated . Any further views?

Thank all very much indeed for your very helpful replies and yes Loafer the 2p is yours if meet plus a glass of ale.

Apparently the boat has cruised the majority of the system. Assuming that it has say 7000 hours on the clock and has been properly serviced is all likely to be well in your opinions?

Are there any boat owners out there who could give their opinion on narrow boats which have only portholes as opposed to windows. We are considering purchasing such a boat but are concerned that they may not afford adequate light and views when cruising the canals? Its difficult to judge at present as the weather is so awful.

Well apparently the seller thinks 11000 hours might be an overestimate and that 7000 hours may be more accurate?

We are trying to buy our first narrow boat and are interested in 57 footer built in 2006 with a Beta 43 diesel engine with an estimated 11000 hours of running. The hours have been estimated due to a faulty main hour meter. The particulars state that the oil and and filters have been changed every 250 hours. Does this sound like excessive use in a short time leading to expensive repair bills or is it something that a surveyor will be able to pick up on if we buy subject to survey? Many thanks in advance to anyone who responds .