PaulE

Thanks for you opinions 'magictime'. After visiting the Braunston narrowboat festival and Stratford river festival this last weekend and talking to various members of the boating community, we have decided on a 50-57ft narrowboat. To decide on where to moor, we plan on visiting some marinas in the south Yorkshire region. We have already visited some Midlands marinas, with Mercia at Willington a favourite. Just for the scenic option, I would be interested in opinions as to the Midlands and southern or Yorkshire and the northern canal network. Regards, Paul

Many thanks to you all for your responses, its very clear I have some thinking and research to do. Living closer to the Trent I still haven't decided on having a narrowboat or motor cruiser, but as 'magictime' states, I am also close to the northern canals, something I hadn't considered. A work colleague is selling a 60 ft widebeam (was a liveaboard but has bought a house), again something I haven't considered, would this be viable on the northern canals, I presume via the Trent - something that fills me with trepidation? Beo - have visited Mercia three times now, does look a very nice place to moor, prefer it to Sawley and Shardlow. Bee - at least twelve years from retirement, so main use would be weekends and school holidays (wife is a teacher). Off to the Stratford Boat festival this weekend after being at Braunston last weekend, good times ahead. Thanks again for your input.

Hi, After being to numerous boats shows / festivals, my wife and I have decided to look into buying a narrowboat. Before we buy and while we peruse various boats etc, I would like to get people's opinion / advice on suitable mooring locations. Initially, due to work commitments, we would be using the boat at the weekends and a few weeks throughout the year, but dont want to be limited to just one river / canal. We live in north Notts, Mansfield to be exact, so the Trent and Chesterfield are the closest. Been to visit the wonderful tea room at Torksey Lock on numerous occasions, this also looks a nice place to have a mooring, again would this limit my choice? Also been to Beeston, Red Hill and Sawley marinas, these giving more scope for travel. Your opinions and advice would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks and regards, Paul

Many thanks for your response Lottiespal. As we both work, It would just be for the weekends and weeks holidays in general, a great time to unwind. Your last option sounds appealing, we were recently in Stratford for a weekend away, both fell in love with the area and would love the idea of being able to find a permanent mooring here. Travelling to a mooring wouldn't be an issue if you had a great location, moorings etc at the end of your drive, your marina sounds like the idea location. I have to agree with you, the Chesterfield sounds a better option, and not too far away, to the Fossdyke but I feel I may be isolated on this canal. Also recently visited Trent Lock, with the Trent, Soar and Erewash at ones disposal, visited Beeston and Red Hill marinas while we were there. Getting 'boat blindness' now, seen so many

Hi, over the last few weeks I have been shifting through many threads in the different forums, trying to glean any advice. Having never owned a boat (i used to be a welder many moons ago for Birchwood Boat Co), i am eager to 'get on the ladder'. Living in North Notts i am dominated by the Trent, having spent many times having tea at Torksey Lock, I have decided to try and get a mooring there. I am undecided as to getting a river and canal cruiser or narrowboat, as i would like to be able to access the canal system as well as the Trent. Obviously there is a difference in monetary value but i need to make the correct choice initially. Would moorings on the Chesterfield Canal be more feasible, or perhaps closer to the Newark marinas? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Best regards, Paul