999 Neets

I think that’s a fair point, and you’re not the first to raise. (My dad is convinced it’s all going to go pear shaped and we’ll be living in a shop doorway 😂) We’ve talked about it, and to be fair we’ve decided it’s ride or die. If it all goes to 💩 then we sell up (and take the hit if need be) and then rent. We may have regrets but I’d rather regret doing it than not. Moving North may be a good idea, I work for the Ambulance Service so could potentially move to a different trust

Yes, we realise that, both our folks think we’re crazy for giving up bricks and mortar but we’re 50 and certainly not going in with rose tinted glasses. We know it’ll be stressful, hard work, a lot of maintenance (thankfully my partner is great with engines, electrics, plumbing etc) and not the romantic lifestyle thst a lot of people assume it is.

Ah, sadly I wish that was possible! I’ve hankered after living on a boat for around 7-8 years after a couple of narrowboat holidays. My other half wasn’t so convinced until a) he saw wide beams and b) saw how much our mortgage renewal will be. So yes, we are selling our house to buy a boat, not a decision we have taken lightly. We know there will be a lot to learn, and won’t have the money to boat swap to try smaller ones first. We’ve seen a boat we love and ticks all the boxes and the bottom line is we don’t have the money to make mistakes or change our mind so am just trying to minimise risk.

I’ve not been on because I work for an emergency service and have been doing 14 hour shifts. My ‘reading’ hadn’t told me about the narrow canals - no, but I am aware about cc regulations, distances and timings. And it’s she. I get the impression that this is one of these forums that is dominated by a hardcore base of contributors who sneer at new boat owners and would rather ridicule than support. Thanks for being so welcoming 👍🏼

What else would you suggest? Did everyone on here have stacks of experience before buying their first boat?

But you could argue that someone has owned a boat for 30 years on a permanent mooring has boat experience but little experience moving one. Yes, we’ll be new to owning a boat , but if I don’t come to forums like this to learn, where else can I go? I have a couple of friends/colleagues who own wide beams, one cruises, one is moored. while I recognise their experience I know they’re not going to be experts in everything, hence coming here.

Thank you, that makes more sense. Yep, we’ve read and read and read! Like I said, we were ready to buy this boat but became a little concerned about lack of direct routes.

Who’s to say we don’t have boat knowledge? I’m asking for advice, the same as anyone would when they’re doing something they’ve not done before; buying a house, owning a dog, installing a bathroom. We’ve done a lot of research and looked at a lot of boats, I was just struggling trying to find a route from where this boat was moored. I think moving 1-2 miles every 2 weeks is vastly different from navigating the Severn Estuary, no? I’d be concerned if somebody didn’t ask questions.

So would a pilot actually drive your boat or would you follow them?

To be honest lifting out is looking more tempting, but I’m not going to be driving!! I really appreciate your advice, thank you.

Ah, that makes sense, thank you

No, I understand that was quite a vague statement! Yes, we’d be cruising the Thames and more likely K&A with me commuting to Swindon. This is the route Canal Plan gave, which seems crazy! But would you say it would be better for fairly newbie owners?

Hi there, we’re about to buy a wide beam boat in Gloucester and are planning to live aboard her as a constant cruise around the Swindon area where I’ll be working. I’m going to be quite limited with the time I can help my partner drive the boat ‘home’ so to speak and I’m struggling to find a route….one website says 12 days?! Is this our only option or is there a shorter route? Many thanks