Amara

Hi everyone, New to the forum- and new to the canal world in general as I am looking to buy my first liveaboard boat. I had not intended to purchase so fast (was planning on saving for a few more months yet), but found this whilst browsing and the interior/widebeam plus price seemed quite good. I’ll be getting a boat survey if I do go ahead. https://www.apolloduck.co.uk/boat/de-groot-palma-40-for-sale/674990 My concerns are - Is the V-shaped hull// size a big issue for continuous cruising? I know I’ll be restricted to canals that accommodate widebeams only, which works for me as I’d be planning to cruise the south England waterways for atleast the next year. But I’ve just thought about the bottom and wondered if this would be an issue. - Insulation looks poor. I’ve self-built a home office and insulated it last year so I reckon I can redo the interior if called for, if it works the same way, but this won’t be before the next winter. - 1970 make- is this too old? I’d be looking to get 5-10years out of it. - Anything else? I haven’t been able to find a bigger/better boat in canal boat form so I’d be keen to hear your thoughts. For context- I’m 23, F, Single. I’d be doing all of the legwork myself whilst working remotely and financing 70% using savings and the other using a personal/other loan. Unrelated question: I’ve started to think about wandering home at 9pm from work//a friends and navigating the dark country path to get to a boat…it’s concerning me! Do you have any tips for safety on the boat as a single F- or any thoughts on this? My dad’s biggest concern is safety which he thinks is < bricks motor house. Also, anyone know any real life communities (Midlands/London) where I can see/learn about boats- youtube and forums are currently all I have. Thanks for your help! Amara