SarahSails

Not only did the survey come back really suspect, it wasn't complete..... and then it looks nearly 4 months of hounding to get my deposit back. There was some kind of scam happening I suspect with to dealer and they surveyor.... so here I am, looking for more guidance before I select a boat to spend money on a survey on!

thank you! that is super helpful!

So, I guess im looking to help for all the parts leading up to the survey, sifting through advertising, engine specs etc etc. Surveys are expensive so I'd rather just do one, on the boat I am buying! Amazing! I'll get in touch and maybe he can advise who might be able to help!

Hi Everyone, Bit of a strange question, but after hiring for a long time, Im looking to buy a boat. There are loads of brokers and surveyors out there - but Im looking for someone who might be happy to act as a consultant to help me put an offer in on the right boat. I've googled high and low, but can't seem to find anyone out there ... perhaps someone on this forum might have some ideas, or contacts who could help? I also just want to add, its a paid gig - and I'd be open to help from anyone with a lot of experience with Narrowboats!

I have both!

Yes, I have a washer/dryer on board!

That is excellent advice! Thank you so much! Okay Roger! Ive been trying to decode the stoppages list, but its all so meaningless to try and decipher not knowing the canals so well!

I was thinking I'd like to travel for 3-5 hours per day??

Hi Everyone! I'm picking up a boat in Oxford this October for two months, and would love all your suggestions for a two month trip considering the winter stoppages. Leaving Oxford and returning the the start of the Napton Locks. It's a bit of a complex puzzle so would love everyones ideas!

Hello Narrowboaters! I am SURE this topic has been asked over and over, but its hard to find a definitive answer. For the next few years, I plan on living aboard and continuously cruising through Summer and Autumn. Unfortunately, I still need to work — but its all on my own time. I do however need good wifi once a week to teach online via Zoom. My plan is to, obviously plan ahead — and try and get to an area of good reception a day ahead of my teaching day, to allow for any change of plan and the need to continue on to find better signal. I travel most of the time, and usually just buy a SIM card for a spare Phone, and teather to this to get internet on my laptop. On this forum, Im finding two methods, 1. buying and antenna and a router and a proper boat set up, 2. A SIM card on a phone. Given my situation, which would you suggest to get as much sweet wifi as possible and not go to mad to find it! And which company etc. would you recommend going through for the installation if the built in solution seems to be best? Im not to concerned about cost, mainly concerned about ease of use, and also ease of install!

Thank's everyone for helping so much, all that incredible information and history! It seems like the inland waterways community is the same as all the others I have experienced, kind and generous .. and very knowledgeable! I have put in an offer on "Rattler" aka "Bethany Bear" and It was accepted! Now to survey and hopefully to cruising come June. I hope to see you out there, please stop and say hi if you see this boat! Two more questions if I might! Does anyone have any suggestions as to the prettiest canals? I work from home and don't need to be near any towns etc. I just hope to explore the English Countryside, cruise onward every few days, take a lot of walks and hunt for peace and quiet. I expect some canals are far busier than others due to their proximity to things ... and secondly, any recommendations for good boat repainters, she's lovely on the inside but Id love to give her a shiny new look on the exterior! Very excited to hunt for the love heart cut out on the rudder! What a beautiful touch!

So, for me ... I'd like to buy one to live in for the next few years, explore the country ... I work for myself, from home — and I love boats, and the English countryside. It seems like a good fit! Just need to navigate this buying process!

Oh Dear!!!!! Im sorry to hear that!! Thank you for the heads up! Im just so curious as to why this boat has been on the market for so long ..... It does not seem like a good sign, even through the boat is exactly what I am after!

Thanks everyone, all that info is very helpful! I wonder what is wrong with it? I did find a post nearly 7 months ago regarding this boat. The boat buying process is frustrating. Does anyone have any advice on where to best check weekly or daily for new sales? Right now Im dancing between 100's of broker tabs!

Hello! Im hoping to look at this boat too, but wondering why its been on the market for so long! Do you have any advice or info as to why you passed on it?

Hello All! Moving from the sailing world into the much calmer waters of the UK canals — and, looking to purchase my first narrowboat. I was wondering if anyone out there might have some time on their hands to give advice and guide. I am looking at this boat: https://www.lakelandleisureboatsales.co.uk/properties/view/rattler And would love some guidance as to what to offer. The price seems high, however it's a boat I like. Does anyone have a keen eye for these things and have an eye for what might be reasonable? Thank you so much for your time! Your expertise is so much appreciated.