Hi everyone,
Thanks (i think!) for you comments. Certainly didn't intend for anyone to fall out over my post.
Just to clarify a few things:
Yes, with hindsight, which is a wonderful thing, we should not have paid full amount up front.
Yes we are moored at Stanley Ferry and before we bought the boat we certainly did our homework. We spent about 5 months researching and viewing boats, including talking to boaters (and them letting us see inside their pride and joys),but as this post proves,everyone has their opinion as to what is right. We also went to Crick and read articles on't web.
Yes we had a GRP but wanted something bigger and with more power to get us onto the tidal rivers. We weighed up pros and cons of GRP v steel.
Finally decided on another GRP but wanted inboard engine as we were fed up having to find petrol stations near enough to carry cans back to boat (and storing).
After a lot of searching the boat at Cas seemed to fit the bill.
Plus, there are lots of boatyards that also sell boats, we have visited a few, are you telling me they are all dodgy? I am sure there must be some questionable brokers as well.
We now have another boat. So seriously skint now (should have called the boat this), so wave if you see us: Hurley Mist.
Will let you all know what outcome is.
By the way what does OP mean? old pensioner, old phull, old pisshead?