Peter Knowles

Thanks all, This pretty much confirms my understanding. Peter

Please forgive the mundane and possibly common question. But even a Google search doesn't seem definitive. The closest credible reference is one thread here on Canal World that suggests that average narrowboat headroom should be about 6'- 4" Would the general consensus be in agreement? I realize there are many variations in buildouts that affect this. I've seen many listings that indicate much less headroom. At 6'-3", the topic is of keen interest. Peter Knowles Still in Canada, working at getting my pup into the UK.

Great thoughts all. I think the biggest limiting factor would be the integrity of the hull in deep pounding troughs. I'm quite used to 20 foot swells, but you can come down hard now and then. And it's true, there are not many storm holes on that coast. I'm still so up in the air about what type of boat to buy and thus, where to cruise. It may end up moot as insurance for non UK residents seems a bit tough and offshore insurance probably even tougher. Add to that a 70 year old unknown wooden boat and I have a feeling I'd be completely out of luck. It just seems to me that even very, very modest narrowboats seem to fetch an awful lot of money. Perhaps when I'm able to tour the yards I can find a reasonable project. My ideal narrowboat would be in the 30 foot range, cruiser stern, inboard and completely ratty but sound steel and engine. Thanks for the welcome Bettie, I Love Saint John,... Again, you're a great lot, can't wait to float amongst you Peter

OK, I'm certain to get grief for this but it seems I seriously underestimated the North Sea. Disclaimer, although I was born in London I've lived in Canada most of my life. Most of what I know about boating in Britain I learned from Arthur Ransome. I'm considering a few boats that are on the Broads and imagined I'd simply run them down the coast to the Thames as the Broads doesn't offer much for continuous cruising. Lovely lovely waterway though. Searching and searching for references the only one I could find was the now famous "Broad Ambition" With it's dozens of media articles and a 110 page thread on the Norfolk Broads Forum! Here's where I really don't want to stir it up, is it really that unusual a voyage? I realize wooden Broads cruisers are not meant for the open sea, and I understand the differences in their construction. Here in Nova Scotia we'd think nothing of running that distance down the coast in pretty much anything. Is it severe tidal eddies, sudden weather? Traffic? Looking to be educated. Peter

Ahh, good tip on the Ducati. I'll look into that. Lining up as many boats to see as possible. Cheers All.

I really do get the value of being able to cruise all the canals, it's true, being limited to the rivers could be a shame. I've bookmarked this little Springer,... http://narrowboats.apolloduck.co.uk/image.phtml?id=388340ℑ=2 I like that it has a diesel inboard, not much for outboards. I could easily handle the cosmetic and interior work, A survey would be in order for the steel condition. Do any of you use the rust sealing product POR15? http://www.por15.com/ It requires meticulous prep though. It's exceptional stuff, I use it on Land Rover chassis' in harsh salty Canadian winters. I searched the forum and only a few references Peter

Yes, sorry I know, I was only referring to my own experience. It seems I easily offend here, please excuse my naivety in these matters. Peter

Paul, Quite true, however much more costly, awkward to drive. In reality I'll mostly stay in AirBnb, hostels and couch surfing. But I've no problem setting the seat back and crashing should it be the most convenient. I've been on the road for 18 months, I'm very adaptable. Towing a 24' Airstream around get's to be a pain in some places. I'm in New York at the moment and I can tell you, it's no fun managing a caravan here. Peter

Ah, yes I see. Also very common in the southern US. Peter

The government ENCOURAGES sleeping is cars in cities? I do completely understand that the steel narrow boat is the de-facto vessel for the canals. I'm just one of the unenlightened few that prefer "fat wooden tubs". Peter

Good morning, A long evening of Googling has educated me on all things licensing and BSS. All seems straightforward. The Dawncraft does appeal to me and I've bookmarked a few. Very interesting seeing the old listing for 49K,.. I heard back from the owner of the one in St Olaves. Very reasonable responses. I understand the logic of a steel narrow boat. They're just largely outside my budget and I tend to prefer regular boats. Thinking I might hire a car for a week and have a quick run 'round some yards. Can I legally sleep in a car in England? Peter

Now this looks interesting,... http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CLASSIC-BROADS-BOAT-28FT-CLASSIC-CRAFT-SHINING-DAWN-/331338626236?pt=UK_Power_Boats&hash=item4d255234bc Haven't scrutinized too much or snooped the seller yet. Would love opinions,... It also brings up the question. Being a Broads boat, Is it awkward to license it on the Thames? Would the run down to the Thames estuary be insane in winter? Perhaps I'd just stay put on the Broads till spring. Only boated on the broads one as a kid. Loved it especially after reading Arthur Ransome a few dozen times.... Peter

David, Thanks, I've seen that listing. Petrol sterndrive is unappealing. But there's lots of boats like this out there. Cheers

Perhaps I misled. I would not consider taking a narrow boat out to sea. I've been looking at some very cheap, tiny cruisers. Not altogether comfortable but capable of all the inland waterways while I discover what it is I should do. Thanks again.

All great points, thanks so much. Very interesting Googling the phone number, I'm usually savvy to that but didn't think of it here. It looks like this particular boat may be a problem. Also no reply from seller after several emails. Bummer, I really like the boat. Another option, similar to buying a van is buying a dirt cheap GRP outboard with a minimum cabin and tour the canals and rivers hunting for the right one. Will get pretty chilly. I'd love to be able to cruise the narrow canals, so many of them. But I'd also like to cross the channel. I don't expect narrowboats and ocean swell mix well. However if I could find a shortish narrowboat project at the right price, a fit out project is right up my alley. Again, thanks all. Best cheers Peter On dogs is public places. Anywhere is better than North America,...