Mick in Bangkok

I bought an upmarket leather sofa for our apartment a couple of years ago, the sofa is of Italian leather, only the leather was imported and the frame and carcass made locally by the agent/vendor. As the show room model was too big for our apartment both the frame and leather cover was cut down in size at no extra cost (or saving). Given this experience perhaps by approaching suppliers you may get a similar tailored version to allow a sofa designed to your requirements, i.e. size and ability to deconstruct. The money saved on converting a boat door would then be invested in a better quality sofa.

Also a newbe here so interested in all the comments offered, however 4 above mentions boats larger than 70' being unpopular and high maintenance, surely 70' or 72' would be the limit available?

But distance is relevant to time

this looks very handy

thank you I will look these up

Quality cruising would take preference.

I am very much open to suggested routes for my 1st outing as I would like to get the best out of my holiday.

Can I ask what would be a good canal guide book to purchase for my first trip this summer, are there any favoured publishers. I will likely be traveling the North Oxford but wouldn’t mind a comprehensive book of the network. Cheers Mick

I will not be actually buying a boat for another year or so, currently just getting a feel for what is available while enjoying a cruise at the same time. I am assuming that the areas where the boat yards are located also make for good cruising ground so might be an opportunity to get some inspiration while on the boat, serious boat hunting to follow later.

Thank you for all the comments and advice, I am narrowing my options and have come up with the following conclusions; My intention is to visit some boat sales yards on the trip so by hiring a boat around the Braunston area I would be able to comfortably navigate down to as far as Weedon to visit both Rugby and Whilton boat sales yards and then up past Norton to ABNB boat yard. From here I could backtrack to Braunston and up beyond Fradley To Glascot Boat yard before my return journey again to Braunston. From the information available on the internet I have calculated that this trip would be easy to complete within a fortnight consisting of approximately 115 miles with 74 locks with a couple of days to spare. Having only calculated this on paper can the members with actual experience tell me if this is correct and if I have chosen a reasonable route. Also are there any more reputable boat yards around these areas or other worthwhile attractions. Thanks again for your help. Cheers Mick

Also regarding route and location is there any canal routs that offers the best options for visiting marinas with boats for sale/viewing as this is also a long term goal after the holiday introduction. Thanks again.

Hi, I am just at the starting stage of arranging my first narrow boat holiday and would like some advice, Firstly which boat hire company’s would be recommended (or avoided) by form members? Preferred dates due to University holidays starting 1st September for a two week holiday My preferred location would be rural countryside with moderate to low number of locks accessible by trains from London. Apart from this I am open to suggestions of best routs. We are a family of 7, consisting of 3 generations and all novices apart from some sailing experience for myself. Also I note that Viking Boats has the same e mail and brochure as ABC boats, is this the same company? I these are very general questions but any pointers would be appreciated. Best Regards Mick

Congratulations, looks like a fine boat. Mick

The sum one has to invest in property /retirement should not give anyone the right to abuse their investment

thank you for clarifying that

Haven’t lived in UK for many years so would like to clarify would one only need to pay VAT on a new narrow boat or if I were to purchase a second hand vessel as a live aboard would I also need to pay?

Perhaps this is the posters intention but considering the coloring and lettering of the marmite and boat I find thy look very similar.

Thanks for all the feed back to my post, still a lot to learn and considering all of the pros and cons not to mention cost either a previously converted or good replica is sounding like the best solution

I hope I am not entering into antagonist territory here by promoting the conversion of another works or ex working boats into a live board but just wondering if this might be a viable option worth considering. I have seen such converted working boats for sale with traditional BMC engine rooms and vintage engines but either a bit tired looking or with unappealing layouts. If one were to purchase an ex works boat with a solid hull, BMC, engine room and engine with opened front cargo area and commission a reputable boatyard to install a good quality fitout with steel cabin extension including typical pigeon boxes, porthole’s hatches, heating, water tanks, kitchen appliances and joinery etc. to one’s own layout be a practical and economical option worth considering. Might there be any other considerations such as availability of boatyards capable of carrying out such works without being placed on a waiting list and last but not least could anyone ever guessestimate what such a fit out for a 70’ boat might be without a detailed layout plan or material/equipment specification. I am seeing ex work boats for sale in the region of 35-65K and ready converted boats in the region of say 75 to 85K and wondering if the budget of 30K (being the difference of the latter boats) would cover commissioning one’s own conversion to one’s own specifications? Apologies in advance to traditionalists who might find this idea as an affront to the cause. Cheers Mick

When I was a lad growing up in Irish country side we used to pick up the bottle and give it a shake to determine how full it was but having said that I guess this cannot be easily done with the confined gas lockers on your