thenortherner

All, Head ruled heart in the end and I cancelled the viewing yesterday evening. The reason being the maintenance costs. I know boating will always cost but with this particular boat I'd imagine I'd be having my pants pulled down a fair amount when it comes to structural work given its make up. And the other worry was, as pointed out above, it's only just meets the insurance requirements as it is meaning I'd be forced into more work sooner rather than later. Lastly, the stability issue mentioned worries me a bit especially in locks, as I'd be on my own on it. As a novice boater something that's rolling all over the place wouldn't be confidence inspiring. The search continues for something more conventional.

I spoke to Michael Clarke of Northern Star Marine earlier. He did the survey last September, just before it was put on the water and the pin holes were found... He's happy to survey the boat again but has advised nothing will likely change in terms of the outcome. He also said good things about the last welder to have worked on the boat, and that if the boat's been sat on the water since the pin hole leeks were sorted then they're sorted, else it'd have sunk by now. In terms of having it surveyed again, Michael advised if it's sat on chocks again then there'll still be areas he can't survey, but that'd be no different to any survey. I'll take a look at the readings on the last survey. He didn't mention any problems in terms of being able to get a reading.

I've managed to get an insurance quote which covers total loss for £170 with Euro Marine subject to an ultra sonic survey showing the plate is a minimum of 4mm.

Will keep the appointment. My intention was always to get a survey. Likely uninsurable otherwise. Speak of which I need to find somebody who'll insure it. And no, I don't see it as anything remotely close to being similar to a Sea Otter just because they're priced similarly, for all the reasons I'd given. No idea how you'd come to that conclusion. GRP would be the sensible choice but they don't appeal anywhere near as much as a narrow boat. Thank you. Makes more sense now. It'd likely be just me on board so hopefully the rocking won't be too much of a problem. Do wonder what it'd be like in a lock though, I'd have thought that's where it'd potentially be susceptible to a bit of rocking. The boat is 2 hours drive away so not the end of the world.

No base plate? I'm not following... Apologies I'm new to boating.. Sounds like my average hopeful maintenance spend of 2k a year is achievable then from the previous comments

I struggle with block bookings when it comes to taking leave from work. And I'm hoping to use it as a bolt hole at weekends even if I'm not planning to sail it anywhere.

To be honest I'm not wanting to pour money into something. It'll be for weekend use not heavy use. Sorted the mooring for under 1k and the licence is cheap enough due to size. Diesel and fuel aside I was hoping for an average of 2k a year for ongoing and unexpected maintenance. Given the boat basically has bugger all equipment or mod cons and a simple engine I hoped that'd be enough...

There's a 1998 Sea Otter at Venitian Marina with only 860 engine hours up for 24K before negotiation. So 10k difference.

Because aluminium won't require the same maintenance as steel. They're more expensive used than the equivalent steel boat but not ridiculously so especially when comparing the age of boats. If it's a stretch for me to spend 20k why would I look at 35k boats? The cheapest used Bentley I found is up for 26k so still out of reach unfortunately. Beetle not Bentley!

I think I've read enough and will cancel the viewing. I can't find many boats in decent mechanical and structural condition for 20K, especially with an interior which doesn't look to have an awful fit out. Just can't quite stretch to the cost of a 23ft Sea Otter which is what I was originally looking for but ended up going down other avenues due to budget. I'm starting to think that the higher initial outlay will be negated longer term with the comparatively lower running costs.

And successful with it too

In terms of it not selling at Braunston, the boat was priced at 24k whereas now it's 6k cheaper. It's a true heart vs head decision. Can't help but think I should play it safe and get a Midway or suchlike.

Hmm. Sounds like it's a potential headache and I might be better with something from at least this century! Shame, it looks fantastic.

Thanks Just for weekends away, often solo. It was originally iron but it's not clear if the plating or work done is iron or steel.

Thanks. Is the 6 year interval specific to older historic craft or something I'd have to do on say a 1990s boat?