JBoaB

1st of all, Congratulations jhoff, sounds very exciting. Question, what bit of paper actually states that a boat belongs to a specific person? What ever it is I think I'd prefer to sit in a bank with the seller and a bank clerk and hand it over/sign etc as the transfer is done. It seems more like a civil ceremony to me. My boat purchasing plans aren't as urgent now. I got the job near Chester but the likelyhood is I'll only have to be in the office one day a week, making it commutable on an occasional basis. Still I did like the look of Barkley.......

I might bare it in mind if I'm in a buying position. I noticed on the nearest marina to my proposed move the annual mooring costs are significantly cheaper between ‘less than 40ft’ and ‘more than 50ft’, which makes me lean towards small perfectly formed as I can stave of cabin fever with a weekend at home. If you’re going to Norbury then take a look at my brothers boat 'Jenilka' (need to check the spelling though), I think it’s 50ft. I might consider it myself but I'm conscious that it would always feel like his boat and I'd like a reverse layout. I'm sure he would show you around it in person if you'd like. Message me if you'll like to arrange an introduction. Copy of the ad below, I can't seem to attach the word doc with the pictures. 50 Foot Trad, Liverpool shell with professional fitout by Classic Interiors. Starting at the bow, with glazed cratch plate & cover; the lounge is spacious accommodating a diesel Morso Squirrel stove, corner TV cabinet, bookshelf, chair bed & double sofa bed. The “U” shaped galley has ample work surface, a peninsular glass wall unit, overhead locker, Vanette GG7000 oven with matching dark green hob, sink & Taps. Integrated 3-way fridge. The corridor bathroom is fully tiled and comprises of Porta Pottie WC, vanity unit with inset basin, full size shower and an additional double storage cupboard with large mirror over, a really great use of space. Finally the aft cabin with a fixed double bed, accessible storage below, overhead locker and a large double wardrobe. The boat has a 240 V shoreline sockets in aft cabin and lounge and inverter, a BMC 1800 Diesel engine with 1 start & 2 domestic batteries. She carries 2 X 13kg gas Bottles. Her BSC certificate is until July 2015.Crusing Licence June 2014 With 5 berths Jenilka is perfect for friends & family or would make a great liveaboard for 2 people. Late last year all new batteries were fitted & she came out of the water for the bottom to be re-blacked and new anodes were fitted. Priced for a quick sale!

I think I might keep a hold of Barkleys details then. I'm hoping to know what my future holds in another weeks time and from the details I don't think it would make a bad 1st boat for my part week accommodation requirements and I only need space for me and a little JR. Good luck with the search. I hope you find what you're looking for. jon

I do go back and forth on cruiser vs trad. I suppose it is a bit of luxury in a smaller boat but then choosing to live on a boat wouldn't be totally utilitarian. I think if I take the plunge I'll need to think about how much it will be about having a midweek residence against a social leasure purchase. At the moment it's just a fun possibility.

I'm not ready yet to dive in to boat ownership just yet. I'll hopefully know if it's realistic in a few weeks time but I'm trying to get an idea with some armchair searching. I've looked at this a couple of times:- http://www.swanleybrokerage.co.uk/images/uploads/PDF/Pearl_Fisher_2.pdf It seems quite close to what I think would suit me, apart from the pump out toilet. It strikes me that it's quite cheap compared to other examples and I'm not sure why except for a few tatty bits of paint in the photos. Is this where a hull inspection reveals lots of expense? I will be in the area in a couple of weeks so I might pop in anyway and have a look, if it's still there.

I think it would be fun to pick a boat up and spend a few weeks relocating it. I'd worry a bit about encountering teething troubles and the thought of rivers scare me a bit but I suppose it's all part of growing up. Are you single handed jhoff? I believe it is possible to get through locks solo on a rope but I'd want some instruction 1st and I'd imagine something as small as Barkley would be easier to deal with. My experience of locks has been windlass only. I think I'm formulating an idea of the sort of boat I'd like. Something like a 45' cruiser stern with a reverse layout and the fixed cabin in the bow like the example of Barkley you showed us jhoff. The stuff on here has convinced me of a cassette toilet as well.

I'm finding this thread useful as I'm hoping to move jobs and it would mean finding accomadation midweek and see it as a possible opportunity to stick my toe in the water*, but not for a few months at least. I love the little yellow one jhoff, I'm a bit of a novice as I've never owned a boat but the write up is well put together and really sells the plus points and creates a wonderful image of living on board. I'm not sure 38' would be enough but I guess it is well used. The one tip I think I have gleaned from this thread seems to be 'avoid pump out toilets' is the porta potty refering to a cassette??? *Yes it's a pun and I meant it.....

Tatternhall had come up on my web search and it looks quite nice. Google Streetview was taken during its construction by the looks. I'll wait on the outcome of the interview but fingers crossed.

This is very early days but I'm considering change of job and can't face selling the house. I'm considering buying a boat to live onboard throughout the week, possibly full time if I take to it so that I can rent out the house. I've spent some time on a somebody elses boat and can just about keep it in the right direction (I was surprised how hard that was) but this would be my first time owning and living long term. Right preamble over I'm wondering if anybody has any ideas suggestions of moorings/marinas near Chester. I find myself hoping to get the job now so that I have the excuse to make the jump. In fact if I don't I might just go ahead anyway.