Noobasaurus Rex

Ok so have found a boat Have got some names from some searching on canal world, but any recommendations for marine engineers in London who do surveys? is it possible to have RCR come do their engine diagnostic pre-purchase? Thanks for the help so far!

Haven’t found anything yet. Saw an absolute corker, fairly new boat at a very good price and ticket every box but owner wanted a quick sale and would give preference to buyers not wanting a survey... so as a newbie will probably not pursue any longer... Out of interest, would an engine bay swimming in water and detritus be an instant no no or just something that would need addressing assuming the engine seemed to be sound? Also, does a hull need to be grit-blasted for a proper survey? Seems to be scratching off blacking and taking measurements could miss some serious pitting...?

So perhaps an owner fit-out would not be the worst thing! Thanks for all the responses, gonna keep an eye on it but perhaps only for chucking an embarrassingly low offer on it should there not be any major problems come up after more probing questions. As for living in a muddy ditch with very few possessions, I’m fortunate to have spent many years living in a van / out of one rucksack / on a bicycle, so I’m actually looking forward to that aspect of basically camping full time, it’s just boats and how they work that I’m a bit clueless on...

The rabbit holes are indeed very deep, although I do now have a much better understanding of the Transport Act 1962. And by a tad high, I mean a reduction of 25% would still seem to be on the steeper side of things...

Ok, well let's just say the asking price would appear to be a tad high in that case... Thanks though, this forum is a goldmine!

Not sure who did the original fitout, perhaps the original owner... Insulation is on the list to check as I have read about LB boats and poor insulation When you say never been painted, are you referring to the cabin bilge? Water tank is a large SS affair I think and thanks!

Thank you for replies so far, obviously this is all contingent on actually asking the questions I forgot to ask previously i.e. see the most recent survey / inspect cabin bilge etc. and get some solid answers. Let's say I wanted to gut the saloon / galley (but keep the appliances) and refit with lowish-end budget materials and a lick of paint... what sort of labour costs would I be looking at for the fitting? I suppose the question is how long would this take a professional to do, and is it something achievable by someone with a small but burgeoning DIY skillset.

Hello everyone, first post ever so be kind! Having decided to follow the masses and buy a narrowboat in this very buoyant market, I am going to be annoying and ask about boat valuations as a complete noob. Found one I like the look of in a marina so will remain cagey on name / precise location (it's up north) etc but details are as follows: 50' Liverpool Boat built in 1992, traditional stern, 10/6/4 with reported pitting<1mm in last survey (and yes I would be getting my own in the case of being serious about it). Regularly blacked and anoded, valid BSS. Beta Marine engine (can't remember which model) that started from cold immediately with the tiniest single whiff of smoke. Recently been used as a CC'er. Immaculate engine bay and gas locker. Outside paint job looks good. No obvious signs of water damage to any walls or panelling. Oven / fridge / stove / bathroom all look good, good amount of solar panelling on roof and batteries only about a year old. No inverter but that suits me fine! Decent sized SS water tank. Invoices and receipts available for recent electrical and plumbing work. Internal fixtures (cabinets and such) are... dated. Layout is mostly fine but would be looking to make it much more 'open plan,' keep the appliances but remove a large amount of cupboards and sofas / seating in the galley / saloon and do a lot of redecorating. I forgot to check the cabin bilge for water / corrosion, or indeed how the cabin is insulated (and that this insulation is actually installed everywhere!), make and age of gearbox or what state any water pumps were in. However the engine and other 'systems' looked to be extremely well maintained and I believe this to be the case across the whole boat, although of course I would look to confirm as much of this as humanly possible. My question is that if I believe the fundamentals of this boat to be solid (and they may not be, advice appreciated!) how much should I be budgeting to replace cabinets / fixed seating areas if I were to have a stab at doing it myself? Are the interiors of these things amenable to being removed if all the plumbing / electrics are solid? Is it ludicrously expensive if my DIY skills aren't up to installing cupboards? Also, million dollar question, based off the above (and that's all the info I can remember) what sort of price should I be looking at? Looking for ball-park / initial offer figures to begin any negotiation. EDIT: Looking for a liveaboard Many thanks in advance.