Leap of faith

So correct me if I am wrong and have got the wrong end of the stick. It is not the end of the world if I cannot reach the gearbox so can I reach the selector where it goes in the gear box - or put a spanner on the plug"?

Thankyou so much! I will take a photo of the pics and see if I can borrow a spanner from someone at the marina and have a go.....

Hypothetically if I am unable to do the following "gearbox can I reach the selector where it goes in the gear box - can I put a spanner on the plug"? what impact will it have on the boat's potential purchase for me?

I am viewing it tomorrow in reference to the comment "gearbox can I reach the selector where it goes in the gear box - can I put a spanner on the plug"? To be honest I have to admit I understand the word you are typing but I do not know what a selector looks like and I would not know where the plug is!! I will have to see if anyone is about who may be able to show me this!! I have to say that the guy I spoke to on the phone to arrange the appointment did sound quiet miserable, maybe I caught him at the wrong moment... I will try my very best!! wish me luck...

I can always email them about them and ask " Is access to the gearbox easy/straightforward to do an oil change on the gear box and lip seal if it becomes an issue on the gearbox selector" do you think it is something the previous owner /s will no? As someone on here mentioned that it has a 2015 and 2019 survey on it which may mean 2 previous owners in the last 8 years or there about. I have never owned a plastic boat called "Leap of faith" ... I will have a look at the other boat on with ABNB but I suspect it is a higher price and out of my budget... Just looked at the ABNB boat its now Sale agreed...

It regards to Rufus price wise ...any opinions? Just wondered when you say "slightly better maintained" would you be able to elaborate on that a little? is it to do with the engine or interior? Also someone mentioned the gear box access might be "interesting" what does this mean? could it be an issue?

I think that is funny..."pretending to be vintage" ......

I have not looked at it yet..thanks for the information regarding part supplies and offer of a copy of the operators manual....the question I need to ask is as a complete novice engine wise apart from the basic looking at oil, water, coolant etc.. which of course I did on my previous boat which had A BMC 1.8. Is it a doable option for me? Also would canal and river trust be able to get it going if needed e.g would they have spares/parts?

Yes I know about the 2015/2019. I wondered why it has gone up for sell 3 times with no takers? Maybe the surveys show lots of work needs? Just wondered when you say "this will be the 3rd time it has gone up for sale" do you mean this year?

Yes it is Rufus....

It is a BD3 I would not say that I understand engines that much. I do not want to get into the situation where parts are very difficult/expensive to source. Is this the kind of engine that needs a lot of tinkering with?...Does it have a good reputation? Does it sound nice?

Hi all, Could anyone tell me please is the Beta tug a vintage engine?

This boat layout looks good to me. Does anyone know about the engine - Perkins. I think as it is a 91 boat may be a bit overpriced but having said that the fit out looks solid. The link is https://www.abcboatsales.com/boat-sales/long-john-alvechurch-marina/

What do you think to the second boat/linked?

Hi Just looked at the link sent https://narrowboats.apolloduck.com/boat/narrow-boats-traditional-for-sale/740992. Yes does look a nice boat it is 1976 but if well maintained maybe not a problem. I am just not very confident about buying privately though... Just seen this boat online looks nice, I know it has been painted to an inch of its life... I have sent them a message asking if it has a galvanic isolator and a survey - it changed ownership 6 years ago. https://newandusedboat.co.uk/used-boats-for-sale/2170