Rory 2

This is not a site for the narrowminded or those easily offended, I have experienced canal life under canvas with a petrol pumped stove for twelve mouths. I didn’t die. I have experienced the high end and found I didn’t even need to use the jacuzzi. I’m confused how those who are obviously more Wi-fi dependent than me judge me to be obsessed with wi fi coverage! Sadly it is a technology that one is forced to buy into or you pay more, you can’t pay bills, can’t park in town, travel to a country that demands a visa, or learn something on an open forum. . I thank everyone for pointing me away from what was perhaps a foolish and ill conceived vision of a magnificent new build, whilst still encouraging me to have a go, now, and learn what suits me by finding out first hand what doesn’t. Hugely helpful. Without wishing to put the mockers on the treasure of our inland waterways, I have a sinking feeling that as we ‘chat’, developers are busy working out what canalside jetty’s or mooring areas they can grab, exploit for the easy profits their investments in property gave them at the cost of everyone who ever tried to rent or buy a flat in almost any town. I hope the peace and tranquility I have experienced canal side, continues to be the norm. But I sense many feel their way of life is being threatened and ‘hostility’ , overt or poorly disguised is a natural human response to the fear of change. I will now go boldly or even boldly go, on my way both better informed and much the wiser. Thanks again. Rory 2.

Thankyou , everyone, for a fast response and lots of avenues to investigate. It seems to me unless you really want to get on and make a lifestyle change it requires a lot of commitment, research and probably taking risks, but my few experiences of staying on a boat , despite poor TV connection and iPhone cold spots ( iTunes is even more disturbing Mad Dog ) I feel it is what I need and worth the effort.

Navigating ‘canalworld.net’ is difficult enough, then you learn that there are many obstacles , asking a question without being ridiculed or mocked is a problem for ‘newbies’ I’ve noticed amongst the useful and practical advice. I’m after commissioning a new build, a visit to Northampton wasn’t helped by my navigational aid, an iPhone that couldn’t get a signal in Northampton. A wasted day. Most boatyards that offer narrowboat new builds appear to be far from London. I’m told newbuilds require a certain amount of breaking in. It seems systems are prone to be dysfunctional and returning for repairs is common. Makes me think Thames boat or GUCanal yards would be better for me. Anyone out there commissioned a new build narrowboat from a yard within ‘easy reach’ from London. Why don’t I google it. I have, it doesn’t seem to understand ‘narrowboat’ and offers up ‘boat yards’ or boat builders who don’t do narrowboats. Any suggestions welcomed.

Clearly not if the Kennet and Avon are so frightened of a joke. I found it a pleasant and friendly place. No threats, no underhand insinuation that I would be liable to Police action if I were to move through there. Judging by the concrete WW2 pillboxes that dot the canal bank, I would be better off with bullet proofing rather than camouflage . theres nothing like a warm welcome!!

The reason for new is I expect to pass it on and want robust, lowest maintenance and longevity. A dodgy right arm makes the thought of running a 58’ narrowboat, mooring, coping with locks, pushing off from running aground .... makes me think a few ‘extras’, might be practical. A hydraulic crane to carry mini bike / coal and friends, many of whom are , or who look likely to become legless in the near future. I don’t need a jacuzzi, thunderbird style solar panels that sprout at the touch of a button. Open plan, woodburner, simple small galley, bedroom would be storage + bedroom for visitors or flu attacks.

Thanks for the advice, I’ve been on a couple of trips and have thought about what I need. i know the enormous savings on second hand and it’s good advice, I’m so cautious advice like this would mean I never leave my basement. I don’t need a depth sounder but I have decided that traditional paintwork should be replaced by WW✌️1 Naval camouflage. Zebra stripes, submarine attacks are an increasing menace on the Kennet and Avon run.

Planning on exploring waterways on new build narrow boat. What publication would be the best to inform me of trade fairs/exhibitions that would allow me to see what’s on offer and it’s cost