Pet

OK point taken

Thank you - looking now

True and I have looked at others today which are more expensive short term but seem to lack the character - I have a few days to think as SHilton isn't going anywhere fast - I just didn't want to see it go to the knackers yard OK great will do There is a bilge on board and yes it is working Thank you will do - it is never too late OK will do - I only take chances on things I know will work or I am prepared to work hard to make work

Hi Reg Great movie - they also told me I would never walk straight, live past a certain age, never amount to anything, or do any of the things I have done - it hasn't been easy - but I never gave up LOL Well if it helps - it is a big leap for me too - I have been listing pros /cons/ costs/ at the end of the day - my money, my risk and I have never had it easy - but at the end of the day - you have to do what makes you happy

Thank you I will consider it Hi young enough/fit enough and enough resources and will get the engineers to use bitumen thank you

Hi I know - well hopefully the money won't run out and I can pass it on at a later date or maybe set up a charity to keep them going Petrina Hi I will stick with this one and not take on anything above my budgert.

Hi Yes - it will be good stress relief too - nothing really fazes me - whatever it thows up - I will find a solution

Hi and thank you - I will take photos , videos and hopefully more people will take a chance and save another :) HI I don't love it (yet) I will love it the day Shilton is restored - ATM it is scary - but I will learn fast and act in her best interest - money is replaceable - if a old boat goesit doesn't return - I have no idea why but I know I just have to go for it :)

Thank you for the advice and once she is completed everyone is welcome to visit - this is not about being practical - profit - bodge - it's about saving a bit of history and enjoying it - much to my boyfriends (one day husband - apparetnly he has this in mind) raise eyebrow. The thing is - it iwas either this or a very large motorbike - as I miss my bikes - my logic is it is safer and it's lovely - it scares me - but it's a challenge and it's old, it's lovely, it has character, Shilton needs help or she will be scrapped for sure where she is or turned into someones gun palace for a couple of years then ditched or as a water based London oom with a view. I have shown my son - he likes her and he has just got his first job after uni - off to do engineering along side his job , most of my friends are engineers in all fields some retired and none know about this project yet and will be shocked. The main thing is - I have had the best advice today, I have made notes and I will follow all advice (apart from walking away - unless it is totally unsavable) 1)Get her to a dry dock and let the water go slowly: *Acess *Advice *Act (repairs if needed - which i am sure there are) 2)Once everything belw is secure:Above the water - same again - professional advice and act to save the boat 3)Start restoration In between that - find out as much history as I can and make up a file on her journey. Petrina

Hi Alan I did read all the comments - hence before I part with any money I will get a full inspection, if I have to I will walk away - but it would be nice to give a tired old lady (boat not me) one last chance.. OK I will bear that in mind thank you

Hi I was only going to lift imedietly so I could have her worked on and since reading the comments I realise that is unwise and no I am not going to live on her. I have made a offer and I will have a inspection done this week prior to making payment - as yes there are other boats if they find something serious and I don't shop at Wicks - there seems to be a good yard that restores boats professionaly in Herts.

Hi Alan I have made a offer - making the arrangements on Wednesday.

Thank you everyone, sorry for late reply but I drove straight into the marina on the way back to look for myself and take more photos. My experience is non regarding a narrow boat - my first boat was a risk also in the shape of a Black Prince - Shetland witha V8 which everyone told me not to buy - but after I had it restored - it was the best boat at the marina. I only sold her because I was leaving for another country to do business, so she which went on to a great couple who love her, who have other Shetlands. However - I always wanted a narrow boat or barge and was offered one in 1986 for 10K and always regret not buying it (barge) How I came about Shilton; I was on my local marina talking to a welder about a much smaller narrow boat when he mentioned Shilton - 20 minutes later and some photos - I had made up my mind - providing she wasn't going to sink there and then and I could get the repairs done and completed within 1 - 2 years - then I would buy her. The first words out of my mouth as I climbed down into the basin and opend the doors - never have being on a narrow boat before or seen a Lister engine was "Oh my good God" Yes it wasn't the prettiest of sights - it then I used to work in maintenance years ago annd it had nothing on some of the properties we have attended. I used to be an artist in a past life as well as other trades and now help businesses - so being self employed has it's flexibility on time. Regaring being two boats - it is just one, with the origional Lister engine in good working order.Not sure who butchered it inside, but it does have some origional cupboards inside and art work. gut instinct is - she is a nice boat - it would be nice to find out her history, where she has been on adventures and find a mooring to suit.

Hi I am looking at buying a traditional, historic narrowboat with a lister engine The boat name seems to be Shilton but not sure until I see the paperwork if this is correct. Apparently it was moored in London /it has some origonal features inside and the engine works OK. Am I wasting money buying it /plan to restore it and use daily. I would immediately want it lifted and repaired.