Holly Lacey

No, it's definitely gas as he demonstrated lighting it. The cooker has barely been used, perhaps never, as it looked untouched. And thank you!

Thanks! And I think so, as when taken through the boat I was told it is gas.

Duly noted!

Thanks, I am indeed. It's a lovely, little, very tidy boat.

Hi again all, and thanks for all your help! Big news... I have a boat! Be it fate, coincidence, or luck, I found a boat at the marina I intended on mooring at (Ely). On our way back from Tring, visiting a boat (glad I didn't go with that one in the end), I arrived at the marina with the intention of handing over my deposit to secure my mooring, but was told they had recently got a small narrowboat that I may be interested in. So to cut a long story short, I looked, I liked, I surveyed (came back absolutely fine), and it's now mine! I am the proud owner 35ft Lady Mildred

Yep, the is something I'm drilling into myself whenever I see a 'nice' boat and I'm prepared to walk away from said 'nice' boat if it's not in a good condition. Inner me is very cautious and a bit cynical, so I'm always expecting the worst and not getting my hopes up, but hopefully this can help weed out the lemons!

Didn't make it through all 71 pages, skippped to the last 10 to get straight to the juicey bits. I'll make sure not to seal off my vents!!

Yes, I've looked at some boats already to get a feel for the layout/ size etc. I know I could view this boat and not like it at all, these questions are to get me prepared for a potential buy

Thanks for this. So would you say the best course of action is to get the survey done and then just take it from there? And no haha, it's a 40ft Hancock and Lane I have done already. Been quoted £1450 by water, waiting on the quote by road, but have been told by another NB mover that road will be my cheaper option.

Okay, so I've found another boat and will likely be viewing it next Sunday. It's up in Skipton. I plan to contact a surveyor soon and arrange for a full pre-purchase survey to be done (the last one done on the boat was 2011). More questions: 1. Is it possible/ advisable to get the boat to a good boatyard to have the survey carried out and then, providing it's in a decent condition, get any repairs done there at the same time, along with blacking (last blacked 20112, so is needed). 2. I think the sellers have used Pennine Cruisers Boatyard in the past. Does anyone know if they're a 'good' place to use? 3. When arranging transport to move the boat (will be by road), will the transport company quote include craning at both ends of the journey, or will that cost be separate and billed by the marinas/ boatyard? Thanks again!

That was going to be my next question!

Unfortunately, 70ft is just too big, with increased licence and mooring fees, it wouldn't be feasible for me I'm afraid.

Hi again everyone! Asking for an opinion again on another boat: http://www.braunstonmarina.co.uk/find-a-boat/canal-mania It's had a hull survey this month, with the recommended work being carried out, and it is available to view. Would you still recommend getting a full pre-purchase survey?

This is something I'm thinking about, if the boat somehow comes with a pump-out. Is it a straightforward job, and roughly how expensive would this be?

I'm swaying towards cassette! Yep, I was a bit apprehensive to mention it but I am genuinely curious to hear what people have to say on them

Another quick question! When it comes to viewing boats, what papers would you expect a seller to have on the boat? Also, is there any type of insulation that is preferable or is not good? And toilets - I'm still not sure what type I think I'd like best. Has anyone had any experience with both and can offer some advice?

This is exactly how I've been so far. I don't want to waste anyone's time, so have been quite upfront about what I can afford. At the moment, I'm not in any rush, so I do have time on my side, and am willing to wait for the right boat to come along. That's what 'Ive said, but in my case it is actually true. I've got a fair list of boats, and as I'm in no rush, I'm not going to be pressure sold into buying.

I've seen a lot in the £30-£35k bracket but never thought I could make a reasonable offer on these, again without it seeming insulting but some really don't look to be worth that much, especially considering the length and age.

Thanks for the tip. It's good to get an understanding of what a suitable initial offer would be to avoid being too insulting!

Just fancy chalk paint I believe

I've seen a lot of boats similar to this all around this kinda price. Is it possible to bring them down a bit, and realistically how far?

Yeah that's amongst some of the questions I have. Is there a thread anywhere in here where I can potentially ask experienced boaters to have a look at boats with me? If someone's about in that particular area and wouldn't mind sparing an hour or so, it'd would be really helpful.

It's within a reasonable distance from me as well, which makes it that bit more appealing (I don't drive so getting about takes a bit of pre-planning).

I think below 55ft is more realistic in terms of handling and mooring fees etc. Thoughts on this one? http://www.preloved.co.uk/adverts/show/116212508/43ft-stern-cruiser-narrowboat-moored-near-tring-in-vgc.html?link=%2Fclassifieds%2Fboats-watersports%2Fnarrowboats

Thanks! I had clocked this one earlier. Will give them a call. It's not too far from Nottingham so may be able to add that to the list when we visit Mawby next week.