We’re looking to buy our first narrowboat, we’re seriously considering a 1989 45ft Cruiser stern Springer. We have a hull survey from Sept last year which concludes
‘This craft has been well maintained in previous ownership and repairs have been undertaken as and when necessary.
Further repairs as outlined in this report have been completed professionally to a high standard and the hull is in an insurable condition.’
The survey also states that no signs of galvanic or microbial corrosion were noted to the hull. We have receipts for the repairs mentioned which included a 6mm doubler plate to the starboard side, some pad welding of some isolated pits and replacing of the rudder stock. It was also blacked and anodes replaced. It has a galvanic isolator.
The engine is a keel cooled Mitsubishi k4d marinised by Thornycroft. Last oil and filter change was Jan this year. Recent drive belt, water pump and drive plate.
The rest of the boat is very similar to others we have viewed (similar lengths/ages/ inverters, solar panels etc) although surveys for some of the other boats that are comparable price wise (£30/35k) have been less positive (including widespread pitting, hulls that would not be be insurable, multiple layers of overplating etc) so this boat appears to us to be a good option. The price is £28k - does this seem like a reasonable purchase? We are doing as much research as we can online but would really appreciate the views of some seasoned boaters ?
Many thanks for your time and input!