Mickonearth

Great blog. I'm following in your wake, determined to get on the water. At the beginning stage right now, and it's encouraging to read of your process. Cool stuff.

Thanks, I'll check it out.

Yeah, it was just my technophobia playing up again. SouthernStar, plenty of work to be had around Rugby? Can you tell me more please? Rugby's handy enough by train to possibly make it work with the parenting situation...

Ah, can't use the pm facility, as I haven't posted enough threads yet.I'll remedy that though.

CDS, that's very kind. I'll pm you about it.

Since I lost my job and went on HB, my landlord has maxed out the rent to the ceiling of what HB will pay. So that now, I couldn't afford to live in my flat if I worked. This is, unfortunately, a very common problem in London.

Yes Mike, that's what the famous benefit trap is. I could probably keep my HB by working a few paltry hours for a pittance, but as soon as I were to earn a meaningful wage, HB entitlement would stop. Therefore, I would never earn enough to save for a boat. GreyLady - yes, I like the positive stuff! It suits my outlook better. And I am really grateful for all the advice from you lovely people. No need to argue, when you're all trying to help.

TWBM, Good point. I will look into this idea of working and living outside of London, and the whole cheaper rent thing. Must admit, at present, I favour either renting a boat while I save money to buy, or exercising patience while saving up. Buying a cheap boat, which might drain money from my plans to buy, might mean it takes longer to make it viable. Information is what I asked for, and I'm getting plenty. Cheers everyone.

Hmmn, it's not completely out of the question, Dave. I'm bearing all this in mind and adding it to the equation. I was born in Wombourn, Staffs, and later lived in Walsall. The canals were among my playgrounds, almost since I could walk. Yep, it is hard to do from here... Mick.

No Alan, it's great to hear it from more than one source. Thanks Boatman too. I would live anywhere in the general region, to get on the water, so not confined to Kingston.

Thank Peter X. Plenty of food for thought there. Thanks everyone. Mick.

Yes, it is indeed, a high-risk strategy, and I would like to avoid it if possible, magictime. No, housing benefit wouldn't pay if I was working, and no, I wouldn't get working tax credits as the non-resident dad. Catch 22. If I was aboard, I could work legally and earn pretty well, but to get there, the process is straight out of Kafka. Friends with boats, yep. I plan to find some in my area. I'm determined and will get there. Thanks for the welcome. Mick. GrayLady, I hear ya.

True, Kris. I lost my nursing career to a head injury. But I retrained as an practitioner of alternative medicine. I can generate cash this way, and am in the process of making it happen. I'm 51, so I think I've just missed out on a young persons' resettlement programme. Oh, I must get an avatar! Just joined an hour or so ago. Mick.

Thanks for your replies thus far. Your work suggestion is a possibility Kris. I could possibly afford a boat in a year doing so. Also, I would be able to return to my former profession of nursing, if it wasn't for the rent issue. Yes, I'm in London, but originate from the Black Country, via everywhere. So I know you don't melt if you cross the M25. But my son lives at Kingston, so I have to be nearish. Keep it coming, my ears are open. Mick.