We are in a bit of a quandary. Due to some unforeseen circumstances, we are moving from Suffolk to York. Before lockdown, we drove over to have a look at the surrounding options (I'm originally from Harrogate so know the area but not the canals) and we really liked Boroughbridge, especially because its so close to my parents. Anyway, our boats too big for that final lock, so that's out... unless we sell this boat and get something shorter... 58ft.
So we came home and put our boat on the market but having done this before, we appreciate that it may take some time to sell.
My husband has been offered work and its a big deal which would be perfect if only we had somewhere to live whilst this boat sold.
I'm now at a stage of thinking we need to just lorry our boat over to Hull and motor it up to York marina, who have said they can accommodate us. The only thing that worries me is the river Ouse. Last time I saw it, it was flooded and a real fast torrent with trees and stuff in it. Whilst I'm used to sailing on fairly high seas, I'm also used to having safe open water, a keel and not a flat bottomed boat. The only experience we have with locks is our huge shipping lock where we presently are. I know I'm nervous because our boat is our home and I appreciate that a canal boat needs a whole new skill set, which we have yet to learn.
In the yachting world its not unusual to get a crew to charter your boat from one place to another (a kind of hired boat delivery). Is there such a thing in the canal world?
My husbands not worried about motoring it along the Ouse but I'm scared witless! I just want a paid crew who know the locks on route and can get this boat safely to York.
Sorry that's all a bit rambled!