Andy N

Hi everyone, I've been considering the idea of a narrowboat (wide beam probably) for some months now, and have been browsing the forums here for weeks, so thought I would at long last say Hello! and ask for some specific advice. I'm considering a new build widebeam, realistically looking at next summer for placing an order and mid-2009 for actually getting afloat. However, I've only ever sailed in coastal waters and have never been on board a narrowboat! I was therefore wondering if anyone knows what would be the cheapest way of spending a couple of months on a narrowboat? Ideally I would like to spend a bit of time on a non-commercial boat i.e. something that isn't fitted out for 1-week holiday groups. I know there are a couple of companies providing long lets on boats, but at £2000 for 3 months I would rather just buy a small GRP cruiser to see how I like the inland waterways. Is there anywhere I should be looking for people who need their boat 'looked after' for a couple of months this winter (preferably in Oxford, Birmingham or Windsor area)? Any info on the legality/BW rules on short lets would also be appreciated! Thanks, Andy