kellyjllek

The sound I wake up too in the morning 🤣

Just thought of a possible mitigating solution. I bought some fender buoys online that a bit on the large size. If the water hit the buoy and then ran down I think it would significantly reduce the noise. . We're only about 1' apart though the boats move about a bit; to far to actually hit the boat, but I got the new finders because the in the occasional extreme windy conditions the current tiny ones aren't ' very affective. But the new huge buoy may do the trick. If it works I can buy them a set. 🤣. I'll test on my outlet this weekend.

Can't turn boat around.

The boat adjacent to me happens to have grey water outlets right next to my bed. So if they happen to have a shower early while I'm having a lie in, I'll be woken with five minutes of running water coming out of an outlet and dropping about 1' into the canal. I was wondering if there was some kind of ramp or diffuser that would reduce the noise? If I have music on I barely notice , but in the wee hours it's wakes me right up! The boaters are great but I have not broached the subject as I'd like to see if there's a solution? Maybe a hose connection that would run it right into the water? Or is there a device that helps with this while not affecting the outlet function?

Not sure it was worth another topic, but I need to wire up a couple of small bilge pumps. 1100 GPH, 3amp I figured out somewhere that 14 Gauge wire is the right size. But when I shop I just see amps and awg rating and mm numbers and it's too confusing! Most of the time they don't use the word "gauge". I think perhaps I need 14/3 awg? Most of the things on the boat, lights and other pumps, seem to use wire about thickness of thicker speaker wire whatever that may be. (I assume it's 14 gauge!) But I'd like to get the twined black and red in the black sheath as I'd be running it under the floor in the hull. 10m would be good for my purposes. . I plan to just two-wire them with a float switch, rather than use the automatic pumps with a switch and manual option. If ever my they fail I can easily access them and fix or trigger the switch. Everyone's requirements are a bit different of course. but I'm on a small narrowboat and don't have far to go and hopefully not much to pump! It's more as a failsafe. I just can't figure out what wire I need exactly? Obviously one draw back to buying online it not being able to see in person what you're purchasing!

Yeah looks like gjwdirect will, with very little hassle! And quite inexpensively too! But also someone recommend me to a small insurer who seem really on the ball. Their proposal has been in depth and they have communicated very well. And they are really friendly. I really want to go with them but fear their cost may be drastically more! I'm awaiting a quote form them now. Much appreciate the recommendations. It seems the citizenship thing is not a widespread issue.

Us specific: "the reason Navigators and General have an underwriting stance as a business on US Citizens is due to OFAC trade and economic sanctions (The Office of Foreign Assets Control is a financial intelligence and enforcement agency of the U.S. Treasury Department) applicable to all US citizens, even those outside of the USA. Because of some of the breaches that can arise for an insurer failing to comply with this correctly is the reason why we do not insure US Citizens"

Mini update. Survey is in (though I have yet to read!) And the surveyor kindly recommended someone to talk too; so awaiting a call back. Anyway, even though this isn't solved I'm happy for the options and feel confident I'll be able to work something out quickly .

Yeah all ready to do basic boat, but just want a couple others to get back to me first. If I get basic boat and then am able to get coverage elsewhere, any idea if I I forfeit the £75 pounds to or do they pro-rate what you don't use?

I think the current survey was 2015. The agreement was me; I didn't want to take over the boat without insurance. Her company said just to call them as we made the deal. We did, and they sent me something via email saying covered from 6pm Friday. It was whatever they send to people in this situation, so not sure of the legal definition, but I understood I was covered, though I'm assuming they had a ton of small print in there... 3 days later I was emailed and told I was turned down turned down due to citizenship. Yeah seller was great, but you're right, they have no concern in me having insurance. They've got the money, I have the boat. In retrospect I wish I'd worked something else out with them so that they maintained it in their name and coverage while I made sure of everything.

What I didn't get into too was that company was going to go with the old survey as I was doing a new survey at the same time. Now the new survey is done. I have not seen the report yet (may take a few more days). But the informal conversation with the surveyor said I'd have to get about £1000 worth of welding done on some part of the hull. . Naturally whatever the insurance situation is I want to get this done as soon as possible, but it may be weeks before it can be booked as I've yet to know exactly what is needed! Anyway, Craftinsure according to their policies, won't cover without any survey work being done, and I can't imagine anyone else will either! I'm going to try the one name mentioned as I can't imagine there aren't contingencies for these situations... Boat's change hands all the time and work needs to be done. I can't imagine it's impossible to get coverage? Whatever work is needed is not dire. Of course it has to be done, but it's not like the surveyor ways saying, "don't get on that boat!". Anyway, I'm just really disheartened because I tried to do my best to go about things the right way. I've spent upward of 10% of the purchase price on survey and drydocking, and I have a feeling that many at this price point don't bother with a survey. It's not an expensive boat, but it is to me!! Is there anyone that insures based on safety inspection or offer insurance on a contingency of the situation? Or hopefully I can at least get liability as someone mentioned? Much appreciate all the responses.

So just bought my boat, and agreement of sale was based on me having insurance, as I want to be covered owning a new boat, as anyone would with house or vehicle. So we arranged it all over the phone and they sent me like a writ of some kind saying coverage was starting from transfer, but of course subject to this and that.. The again did ask me, with my if I was from the US. I didn't explain that I had dual citizenship, but did assure her I was born here and have UK citizenship. Now come Monday they've written to tell me they can't insure me because I'm also a US citizen. It seems discriminatory to say the least! I am a UK citizen. Now I'm told I'm not covered and I would not have gone through with the sale or would have kept some contingency. So how do I get coverage right away?

Hi All, Survey came back pretty good, or at least better than I expected!. There is a lot of work to do and the most important or major thing is some welding on the bow; though on the whole the hull is in good condition with no pitting and seems have been constructed from one of the "thicker" batches of steel than some other Springers. The other major thing was the gearbox seems like it may have some issues. but there' also many many other things that I'll need to take care of! Oh and in general the whole boat could use a proper paint job, which there is no hurry though; but worth noting as if I don't do that myself it is a major expense too. The other liveable concern is the batteries are totally dead and as they aren't taking a charge the DC essentially does not work. Also the water pump and fan were not tested, etc... There are AC outlets, though and plugged it those do work. Plus there are some various leak issues around widows and ceiling fan, etc.. and many other little and perhaps not so little things. On the whole though the boat seems comfortable and I'd have no problem staying in it as it is, and working on it as I go. This was not an engine inspection. I just got a bit of personal feedback from the surveyor as he was on the boat when it sailed 50 yards to the drydock and back. The engine appears to hum along pretty good, but I'll need to get an inspection and tune up no doubt. Anyway, the project itself; well I have tons of questions and lots of things to do. So think I best post up a page perhaps? Or just post up things as I go? I much appreciate everyone's feedback, positive and otherwise! I'm now a canal boat owner! 😊

I appreciate the concerns and I know this is a risk. But I also feel this is a lot less of a risk than a £25K+ boat that will likely also have problems. The thing is, like it or not, hundreds if not thousands of springers are still going after 40+ years. Everyone loves to say how crap they are and yet they probably come out middle-of-the-road compared other boat companies. (pure guess). And certainly they have been a great way of introducing newbies, like me, to the boating world with less of an outlay than the norm. The seller in my deal only appears to be selling because they have started a family and have moved out of the country. They definitely spend a lot of time and love on this boat. I hope the survey comes back and says it's just fab! Really though I'm sure a lot will need tending too, but I'm hopeful the boat will have some good life yet. Where I live now rent in a room share for one year will run more than what I'm paying for the boat! It may be a tiny space, but that's all I'd get with a room somewhere. It it doesn't work out, I lose out, but I'm not wiped out. If it does work out, then great! At least this one appears to have a full length double door up the front 🤣

Thanks All. I have yet to suss anything out. I need to find the surveyor, insurance company, and talk to boat yard about availability. My concern is it may be a long while before needed repairs can be done. There may just be a slim chance of a catastrophic issue, nonetheless, I have to take it into consideration.

Hi All. I hope this is the proper place for this post. After casually looking for two years, watching hundreds of videos, and lurking away with the occasional post on the forums, I have agreed sale on a little Springer. I've read a fair bit about them and have an idea of what I'm getting into. The boat is in a leisure mooring that has possible access to a drydock or crane (not dead sure) . I have about a month before the owner is back in town so need to organize a survey and hopefully we'll beable to take it out, with surveyors availability, on the dates the seller is in town, if not where it's located than at another yard down the canal. Seller has been superb and up front about all known issues. We have an agreement and I've put 10% down in deposit with an escrow company. The seller wrote the agreement based on I think a somewhat standard script, and it all sounded fine to me. So I think the main concern I have now is from this old post: Someone had agreed sale, had it surveyed, and when the boat went back into the water, it sunk! My concern is if my boat "passes" survey or we agree on whatever repairs needed are reflected in the price, then that means we agree to the sale. But I don't think I can get it insured until fixes are done? So is there any "in between" coverage? What if the boat sinks after sale but before insured? I know it's a slim chance but this is an old springer, so I'm asking! Below is the boat. I actually only saw it for about 15min and was not able to see it running, (though seller did get a short video). It needs lots of TLC and no doubt will need some more serious work. But on the whole it looked really fab to me! https://photos.app.goo.gl/VhDPAbWYWCVbxQVD7 I'm no welder or mechanic, but I've remodelled a few kitchens and bathrooms over the years, and have woodwork experience. I'm pretty good with all the standard DIY. I feel the Springer will be a good starter boat for me, (as they have been for many before me!) Here's a few details. Appreciate your thoughts? A 28ft Springer (1981). BSS until Feb 2024. Last blacked with new anodes fitted July 2018 (so due for blacking this year, ideally). Currently moored in London though does not come with transferable mooring.Headroom is approximately 5'11.Good starter boat that has been loved.If I were keeping her, the following jobs would be recommendedNew domestic batteries x2 (she's currently on a mooring with mains power) - estimated cost £150-£200.Fit new wooden panelling above the kitchen area (rain water got in two winters ago when I didn't seal the chimney properly, some of the tongue and groove is rotten in that area). Estimated costs £100 - £1000 (the job is mostly labour, materials are cheap).Fit new bilge pump (new bilge pump is packaged up in the boat, just needs fitting).Replace lights with LED lights... (price variable...)Treat and spruce up the Kinver canopiesBlacking and anodes due as was last blacked in 2018. Estimated cost £700-£900.She could do with a repaint too, price is variable from a few hundred to a few thousand depending on if you DIY or have it professionally done.I also have a walk through video of the boat that I can send on request - it's too large to upload to the ad!SpecificationsVessel type:NarrowboatDesigner:SpringerBuilder:SpringerMake:SpringerModel:28 Cruiser SternFit Out:Tongue and GrooveConstructed:1981Registration:78203Berths:3No. of engines:1Engine model:BukhFuel type:DieselLength over all:28'Maximum draft:1' 6"Hull material:SteelHull type:Deep-V

Hi All. Maybe I'll start a new topic but wanted to let you know I've agreed sale on a relatively inexpensive Springer in London, subject to survey. Ove the past year or so I PM'ed a couple of members for some private advice and I really appreciate that; one in particular was of great help as I made this offer and decision. However the seller is away until August and we've got an agreement in place that if it is insurable and passes a survey with only "x" amount in repairs needed, than it'll go ahead. Obviously there is risks with everything, and defining what is "needed" for sure is is next to impossible. But the seller has been forthright with every issue they know about and I really bonded well with them. I know business is business but I think it does help that they appear friendly seem to be trying to work with me! . The boat has been sitting in a leisure mooring for a long while so hopefully it has not deteriorated too much over that time. I sense the seller is only selling now because they have moved out of the country, and probably should have done it a while ago but was sort of hoping not too. Anyway, the Springer is 1981. It's 28'. has a little diesel engine that appears to work. It will need a lot of TLC and as is notorious with springers I assume it will need hull work which hopefully will be doable. What I'm starting to do now is figure out what kind of insurance, which company to go with, and then arranging a surveyor for August, and hoping we can book the drydock (which is hopefully available at the leisure mooring site)... Anyway, lots to learn and figure out! The boat though seems overall in much better looking condition than most others I've seen around the same price. This does not look like a project boat at all, but I know in many ways it probably is! I plan this as a temporary boat to see if I can even handle boat life. I would hope to maintain and improve it a bit, and if things work out, upsize in the future.

Thanks Thanks Alan de Enfield, It's 28' and inboard engine. Can I still get it insured? I thought boats at to be 4mm minimum, but it seems this is not the case? I would like to be safe and like to be insured so if I had a dire circumstance I wouldn't lose all... I'd also like it insured right away, as ownership transferred. Not going through a brokerage means I have to figure out what to do properly. I assume I'll have to get a CC license pretty quick too. But that said, I found this old thread and it does make me feel a little better!

Hi All some quick questions., posting here as not sure it rates a new thread and it's somewhat related to this topic. I was looking at a springer yesterday and it looks in pretty good nic inside, but it's just been sitting leisure moored mostly since 2018. The engine fires up, there's obviously some issues. It's from 1981. so I think I'll make an offer on it subject to survey.. We're talking about the £10K. area. (I'll try to post some photos later) I just don't have any experience making an actual offer! It seems though that springers were made with either 4mm or less from the start? So won't it just need replating by default? The seller had a few things done when they got it, including like a new weekhatch construction. they were told at the time there was no real pitting. Essentially they did what they needed to do to stay on it and feel safe. It was blacked in 2018 and time to do again. .. Anyway, will it just all need a replate? Will the survey tell me that? Is a hull inspection separate? Do you have any advise on how I may move forward? I'd like to make an offer subject to survey, then if it comes back and needs a lot of repair, we'd get an rough estimate and I'd ask the seller to split the cost, (as long as it doesn't break my budget!). At least that is the plan! Anyway, seller seems very friendly and genuine and we got along very well. I know that doesn't mean much but it's better than the opposite! I'm trying to decide the best way to go about things. It seems like a good starter boat for me. It'll need work I'm sure, and have plenty of issues. And it could be a money pit! But at least this risk is on average 1/2 to 1/3 the cost/money pit of other used older options.. (I think!). Sorry for such a lack of info, but if you have thoughts, (or think I should run to the hills), please share!

Just spotted this if you can view Facebook. Total project but seems not impossible? I'm not sure on the fiberglass roof. And of course a few other things! https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1160220784397282/?ref=facebook_story_share Also this little one looks descent: https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/703772840525440/?ref=facebook_story_share

Yes I do see a few and they are of interest. I can handle anything cosmetic, but structural, replating, etc. it probably not doable. Nor is anything too technical. Physically may be doable but I'd need guidance. I fear though when someone else figures out they've bitten off more than they can chew, then will I be in the same boat? (pun intended?)

I'm simply comparing living in a small space with limited mod cons.

well mainly cause you all tump on about them! And really, I'm not dismissing them. Beggars can't be choosers. I'd much rather have a GRP that floats and is affordable than a tired steel nb that's at the end of it's life.

I'm sad to say the GRPs don't move me. I get they are a better option as this low price level, so I have to consider them. But I'm not inspired. I like the Springers; but seems the decent "older" ones start at around £15,000. In the long run I could end up in any scenario. I could be a cruiser in a GRP or Springer, all the way to be residentially moored in a wide beam. But my capital will likely be tied up for a well over a year while I'm likely to move in a couple months. I don't mind 'roughing' it and seeing if I can even stand boat life. I lived in a decrepit but comfortable van for 6months in the US so I have an idea of what I'm getting into. Actually, compared to the van a Springer would seem like a palace! My max budget could be 15K but not really as that leaves me with no emergency fund or backup plan. So really I'm looking at 10K. plus there will be selling fees and inspection and such... I'm certainly not limited to Springer. But I'm inclined initially toward smaller/cheaper boats. Interestingly an Italian friend, who has never been on a boat, said I should get a Sailaway! He said I should get a porta potty and a bed, and start with one room. Build one room to live in and then spend all the time needed to build up the rest of the boat. I must say the idea is intriguing to me. I used to be a handiman and I enjoy design. Having looked at boats for two years I do spot a lot of things I like and can see why people would want to put their own touches onto a boat. But I also see a lot of half-baked projects. Sometimes when I spot a boat that looks initially pretty good, I can also sense things have likely gone wrong! What do you all think of https://www.thefitoutpontoon.co.uk/? They look like they have a thorough website at least, and I was thinking if I ever did embark on a "project" I'd want to have some professional guidance.. (hence this forum). I did a an in-law suite and kitchen once, but had an electrician come to check my progress and make all the final connections, to ensure it was done properly. I'd want to see help form the start if I were to fix up a boat. Sorry for the tangent topics! Last question. Anyone have an idea of what it'd cost to transport a springer 150 miles?

Yeah gotta say, overall, they just don't move my needle. The little springers do, but they seem to mostly be over 3x the price and prob more risky of an investment and in just as much need of 'help'.