Stewart

A general thank you once again to all the kind people bothering to impart their knowledge and wisdom to a clueless newbie. I have time this week to finally look into the idea properly, and I feel rather keen to go ahead. I wonder how much money people make sponsoring a boat; that's an interesting proposition - speaking as someone who tends to like the lazy option... Stewart

Thanks for that, both gentlemen. Is it possible to rent a mooring near a repair outfit? Are there such things?....

Hi Brian, that is all stuff I would have to learn. Breakdowns would probably be the most worrying as I would be unlikely to be near the boat - live in Scottish Borders. What is the procedure if someone breaks down? It's not like at the roadside where you can just call AA etc I guess?... I envisage understandably irate guests stranded and bored for a day while I drive down...

I most sincerely thank everyone for their helpful comments; as well as being helpful, it conveys a likeable sense of community among canal boat owners. It looks like the best thing would be to buy one that is already kitted out for hiring, though the rules and regs don't seem unreasonable/too onerous, but maybe I'm being naive...

I'm keen to buy a canal boat but I know nothing about them. Can I just buy one in, say, London which is where many seem to be for sale, and move it to, say Chesire? And are there Council fees and water authorities to pay? I am aware it will cost me to move it. I want to use it with my family, but I am not rich (alas...) and would like to rent it too for holildays. Does that require lots of paperwork/license/fussing with Council etc?... Many thanks for any advice - all very welcome.