TheyAllFloatDownHere

From my admittedly slim experience, sellers are given to wild overestimation of the value of their boat. I don't think my seller is lying, they are just being too optimistic and getting advice from people who are telling them what they want to hear. In this case, the seller has asked the marina managers, who of course get a cut of sale price. I guess they are trying it on a bit, also. I'm rather surprised that so many sellers have incredibly unrealistic expectations. But that's a good guide price you've given there, thanks.

Yup. I'm looking in London at the moment and there are loads of handwritten signs.

Thanks. For context, this boat was built in 1996 or so and is second hand. She does have a mooring but I am keen to understand the price of the boat without the mooring.

Hi there Boaters, So I've been informed by a seller that narrowboats are currently worth from £1000-£1500 per foot. This is my skeptical face: Surely this depends upon the make and model, year, condition, etc? You can't just say 'all narrowboats are currently worth between x and y'...can you? Does the location of the boat (regardless of mooring) matter in terms of price? I know you can get cheaper boats out of London. Thoughts please. Thanks! p.s. Sorry about font size craziness.

Can you tell me why giving a deposit whilst they are still on board would be a bad idea? For instance, what if we have an agreement drawn up and the money held in escrow? It does put me off a bit, tbh. Owner is talking six months! However, there is another buyer interested and the boat is in a very desirable location. And of course I am getting a survey done.

Hi there everyone, First of all, thanks for all the great advice on various subjects. It's been a steep learning curve and I'm still a naif on this subject. I've gone from thinking CCing was a simple choice, to deciding that a mooring will be an essential part of my boating experience, one for which I am willing to wait / pay. And I think I may have found the perfect boat in the perfect marina (at a price. Boy, has my budget gone up!). However, the owner has decided that they cannot move out for a few months, so they need a buyer who is willing to wait. I am in no rush, so that's fine by me, though I would put a deposit down to secure the boat. In the intervening time I could take a boating day course, work on downsizing my stuff and hire a boat for a few weeks, to get an idea of life on board. Does anyone have any experience of deposits? For instance, we could agree that the seller would lose the deposit if she dropped out or sold to another person, and I would lose the deposit if I changed my mind or found another boat. That way I'm limiting the amount I'd lose if I decided that the life was not for me, whilst also securing an amazing boat and location. Or would it be legally safer to just buy the boat? But then she'd still be living on it..? Confused. Thanks for your brain thoughts!

Ok, so just to be clear, you are talking about a leased mooring (which this is) with the right to sell that lease to the next owner (which I can). But I think I only have 2 years security on that. I mean, most people stay there for years, but not sure you are guaranteed the right to continue. Blimey, £30k? That certainly explains the price tag! Mind you, the lease is worth investing in itself...

Interesting. They are asking more than twice that. Of course you have to factor in the mooring, which I reckon is worth about 5-8K (that's what I'm willing to pay) but still. That is some mark up! Thank you very much!

Indeed. The boat I'm considering has a massive premium on it for the mooring (whose transfer is legit as far as I can see). Thing is, I don't mind paying a bit of a premium - it's all in the game, yo - but the boat itself is WAAAY overpriced. At the risk that they read this (sorry owners), can anyone tell me what sort of price one would pay for a 40ft, 34 year old Springer? Hull survey is not bad. New Mitsubishi engine added (a Land Rover engine??) but no boiler and no inverter (so no hot water on board and power problems when cruising). I'm not telling what the asking price is, but if you can guess, then... you win! Much obliged.

Not at all sucky-eggy. I don't want to end up buying a crap boat, just cos I'm blinded by the location.

Ha ha. I love Brum! But my heart belongs to Hackney.

Hey Boaters, how's it going? Trying to get a moored boat in London (next year I'm solving Israel-Palestine, which should be simple in comparison) Is it better to: a) Purchase a boat on a mooring you don't really like, then be on the lookout for a better location (I've seen a great one, in a poor location) Buy a boat that is so-so, but on a great mooring (seems silly to me) c) Buy a boat, continuous cruise for a bit (in the location you desire) and be on the lookout for a mooring d) Throw money at the problem and buy a great boat in a great location (this is also an option but would mean considerable debt) Thoughts? I'm thinking a) is the most sensible. Am I right? Thanks for your brain power! ! Random smiley face is a b. I'm an adult; I don't do emoticons..

Guys, thank you SO much. Very useful comments. An excellent suggestion of being in a marina for a bit whilst I get used to the idea of being a boater. Also love the 'giant metal pet' analogy. And the bike - I shall keep him inside so he doesn't go for an unauthorised ride. Also, the physical humping around of gas, coal, wood etc - I understood that there is a boat that delivers all this and that they will even change gas/ fit it for you. My upper body strength is crap, though my fitness is good. Just for some context, the boat I'm looking at has great security and I have an office address (a coworking space), so the address thing is sorted. Christmas - that's an excellent point. Can one moor in a marina as a leisure boater for a week or so? Also, any intel on the winter moorings? Understand that it is quite a new thing. P, p.s. Thanks for the suggestion about facebook, but I hate the bloomin thing. Twitter...now that's different.

Hello potential boating homies, I am seriously contemplating buying a narrowboat. I currently live in London and work as an in-house and freelance word monkey. I have regular but flexible hours. These jobs are based centrally. I've seen a lovely 40 ft boat that has captured my heart. I've been chatting with boaters and the idea has filled me with excitement. If I could find a mooring that wasn't in norfolk, or afford a permanent mooring in a swanky boat yard I would happily pay for a mooring licence. As it is, I'm contemplating life as a CCer (the horror!). It actually rather appeals to me. Just for context, I plan to navigate the Lea, Islington, around Victoria park and Paddington. I'm a female woman, who needs fast internet, digi radio and a good shower. Being a big fan of festivals, I think I can put up with a little hardship / dirt / toilet issues, as long as I can get the aforementioned shower. Gotta be honest and say that a big motivation is the cost of renting / buying vs living afloat. I know you guys say that it is not cheaper, but seriously, if I'm not mooring it MUST be cheaper (I pay min £800 pcm at the moment). Anyway, I know that is a tired old topic. What I really want to ask is: 1. How challenging is it to hold down a professional career whilst also being a CCer? 2. How easy is it to get winter moorings (the ones you pay for nov-march) in central London? 3. How safe is it for a woman on her own? E.g. walking back along towpaths late at night. I am quite a sociable person, so I would be coming back to my boat two to three times a week from the pub theatre, opera, etc. and can, on rare occasions, be rather drunk tired. Thanks for all your advice! Pennywise x