Movin' on

I meant "virgins" but I guess you like them as well!!! Thanks re BWH - will do...... Sorry - driveable location means we don't want to be based (abroad) anywhere we would have to fly to I like the idea of buying a boat here and getting to know it whilst VERY local to contacts and our home and then taking over a boat that is ready for use - it may be overcomplicated but I'm also thinking of something to do next year that feeds the long term goal without actually leaving home until 2022 when both Brexit and covid might be better understood by us all (or not) Thanks these are the tips I was looking for - its strange to be on the same side as the "I'm thinking of buying a boat and living in London" brigade - its been a long time since I've admitted to not knowing what I'm talking about!

I thought the title might get certain members attention - (if it hasn't already been "modded" out!) Having sold Zulu we are looking at the possibility of having a "base" of some sort abroad (but driveable - no flying) for use over the Apr/Oct period and at the moment are thinking to do this on a boat of some sort in France - winter months and heating/condensation/insulation won't be an issue as she would be laid up. Two basic questions - We want to hire, as soon as the virus plus common sense allows, but do we self drive/hotel boat etc etc to best find out what its like - so we would appreciate your input based on actual experiences If you are already doing this or have done it - where do I go to get more advice and what thoughts do you have on type of boat steel grp penichette - what I would like to do is buy a boat over here and use it and get it sorted through next year and then ship it out there in 2022 for how ever many years knowing that if needed it was of a type that could readily be repatriated and sold. I'm trying to keep the "asset value" UK based and clear of post Brexit red tape hence I don't want to buy property Any and all contributions would be much appreciated - please don't turn this into a Brexit thread...................

I'm not sure its a case of sitting out the season per sey as it depends on what you want - if you want a 57 ftr cruiser stern reverse layout with washing machine fixed double etc etc for £55k then don't buy now BUT if you want a 35ftr with basic accommodation for £20k then keep looking and buy the right boat when you see it. The market is hot for the everyday easy ready to move on live-aboards but not for something a bit off message like a good short boat which for some reason never seem that popular - a good well laid out 40ftr is a good single person live aboard prospect. 99% is it still a waterway?

You are not ignorant - your are learning and we have been on the journey with you - you have an opinion but it isn't based on experience. IMHO GRP is not for living on at this budget - if you have £40k plus then GRP is fine - with GRP its much more a case of what was it built for in the first place Sadly the OP hasn't really got enough money to what he/she wants to do - where to compromise is the real question and can you then live with that.

We need to know more about what you are going to do with it - is it just to be a cheap flat or are you going to go boating - will it be your only place to sleep if the winters turn nasty?

IMHO DON'T buy in London you will pay a premium and you won't get a boat that's been boating which is what you want - what is your max budget - then we can give you better advice - again IMHO this one is a walk away

This boat had a Perkins D3 but others have had DM2 HR2 P3 and 2LW - DM2 my favourite for sounds and looks but D3 was the best for power and ease.

On this day in 2015 - Persia waiting at the top of the Bratch (Les Allen/DM2) she was probably our favourite of all our boats and perhaps should have been our last..................

Trad every time pref with a boatmans cabin and a stove (and an engine room) Great roof space for dogs when its dry, BMC for dogs when its wet, heating to keep you happy (and food on the go) and the engine provides somewhere to dry your clothes - and the dogs don't get under your feet

There used to be a really good Chinese within walking distance ....................

"Swindlers" relates (I think) to the pre Arleigh days when they were a bit top end on price BUT Arleigh addressed that but now the whole empire, as with many others, is increasing its focus on mail order which lockdown has obviously influenced as it has with every aspect of shopping

............teachers allowed (facts are right)

This has nothing to do with Johnson or the virus Pubs are to be allowed to re- open because they were going to anyway Schools remain closed because (overworked) teachers won't play ball even though the "little darlings" are running riot and stopping their now well fed up Mums and Dads returning to work and seriously affecting the economy. The economy is the only driver here not the virus or public safety Why these furlough schemes are going on for so long for so many sectors is beyond me - yes there is clearly a need but not as widely as its being abused - the construction sector is using it to buy time until the property market coughs itself back into life but with 15% deposits being the norm that ain't going to happen anytime soon.

Try the "Wyatts" - ie Canal Cruising at Stone they have some great small boats - the Leek and Caldon makes a great cruise just the swing bridge that would be a challenge but make a brew and wait for help

that's cos the house is sorted

So basically you are looking for the same boat as 90% of the buyers out there! You will need to travel and be on your game - ready to go with funds in place and able to respond at a moment's notice. Typically good ones fitting that bill sell the same day they are listed - get yourself on emailing lists and be prepared to prove to the broker that you factually have the funds in place - not " my Mums going to lend me the money" Bear in mind this will generally be the most stressful time of your new "journey" try to enjoy it.

I can understand why you would want to limit the radius BUT its a very long term purchase and a lot of money - most yards will collect you from stations even now - better to travel for another hour to find the right boat - IMHO Rugby Boat Sales are the best in the business by a country mile - also a trip to the "golden triangle" (Calcutt/Braunston/ABNB/Rugby/Whilton/Tollhouse) will pay dividends. Boat delivery by water or overland is much more common in these times and pretty competitive - use Shiply.

Absolute chaos for an hour or so in Leominster/Bromyard yesterday and some overnight but not a lot of use to the gardens - I guess the Severn will be up a bit on Friday

WE have always liked them too and now we've got her I'm very pleased and very impressed with the build quality - she weighs 4 tons which for 25 ft of GRP is surprising - but then she is built to go anywhere - Irish Sea, Channel etc. Hopefully it will be a nice way to slow down and get the enjoyment back without anything like the same level of financial commitment. J

Me too - in truth we were waivering about the future even then - her new owner doesn't travel very far but I understand she is his pride and joy and she looks well on it. Agree re the "modern world" but then we were all young once ?

Just an update to say we are no longer looking - Zulu is now sold and gone and we have decided that after 50 years for me and 30 for Lynne its time to say goodbye to long term canal cruising in favour of days out/weekends on our local rivers - less hassle, less crime and less antisocial behaviour - sadly our experiences last year have finally made us turn the corner. Its been a great journey with loads of fantastic memories and good friendships made but its time to go off and do other things......................

Have you thought about transport overland - worth a look if this journey has the potential to be a task rather than a pleasure Have you thought to join RCR to give you additional peace of mind that the boat won't let you down 1/2 way As I get older I become more risk averse but in these times don't be too optimistic as all the usual help/backup simply isn't there. In general terms I would say go for it and enjoy it but if you have other constraints explore your options .........

I think the detail loses the point for the OP - the point is if you are new to all this use an independent surveyor and if buying from Whilton be aware of their rep and be extra vigilant - no more than that.

I am talking of a direct experience but a good few years ago when they weren't so open about their own internal trading

Chris Williams VERY GOOD THIRD that The thing that IMHO makes Wilton an uncomfortable experience is when its one of their boats and they still pretend to negotiate and ring the owner - just ask outright who owns it.