newbird

Hi all, this really is my last day as a landy. Move on to boat tomorrow! Ive changed the name and I'm now definitely calling it Spikeybelle. My grandad has always been known as spike and my mamma is called Bella, and maybe Spikeybelle says a bit about me as well!!lol. Yes I will use my local library and really I should have thought about that, having an MA in Library and Information Studies and was a Librarian for a few years (gave it up, got bored and the money was crap - but libraries are great!). So thanks all again and I hope to say hi again before I'm in some sort of crisis and need all your advise!! Cheerio. xxx

I thought I might just let the brokers paint it on for free (or should I say in the price??) and then get drunk? . I'm down there tomorrow to look at sign writing samples! Good luck to her - pontoon c you say? x

Very true matey!!! Sorry all, been on 3 12 hour day shifts after signing the deal on Monday!!! The survey was good and everthing that was recommended that needed doing is being done by the brokers plus I managed to get a new cooker in with the price! I'm so glad I had the survey done as there were lots of niggly things that I wouldn't have been aware of (external gas leak/slight fuel leak/no gauze over water tank etc) I'm getting new toilet, shower, sink, shower tray, stern and cratch covers plus lots of other bits - oh new stove.I'm very very happy and should move in in a few weeks. I'm calling it Yesnaby if you see me around - its a set of breathtaking cliffs in Orkney if any of you have been?? Once I'm aboard I won't have a computer but will try and save for a laptop. I'm so excited but slightly worried I'm cold at home with the heating on. lol!! Thanks again for all your interest. xxxxx

Survey report should be in post on Fri but spoke with the surveyor and its basically a sound boat with lots of little problems (most of which I'm aware of) so fingers crossed I can get it for the right price.

Hi, thanks for this. I have just recently discovered these details myself - quite reassuring it does have a history! Its nice to think your all looking out for me! xx Just an update everyone, and thanks for all your advice. I decided to go with a full survey even though the hull seems sound, for peace of mind really. So survey booked for Monday! Deposit paid subject to survey and moorings guaranteed. Fingers crossed xxxx I was advised by 2 people not to say its for a boat. Something to do with sailing off with the money/change of address etc (my banking/postal address will remain at my parents)

Sorry, the first line of that last post should have been in quote - oops!

i have no debts other than the proposed loan for the car, i mean boat. You sound exactly like me!! I have just taken loan out for "car" I have seen my boat and am asking lots of questions on this forum - see topic "10days to decide." I'm single too, know very little about boats but have friends who do and want to give the peaceful, cold and hardworking life of living on a boat a go. Good luck! x

I'm not sure what you will all make of this - 1988 Built by Nichols of York (?American?) It was a 6/5/?? boat (cant remember what he said on the phone), I'm aware that newer boats are built to something like 10/8/?? but is this the end of the world? it is now as follows: Base plate 5.25-5.7 mm Swim plate 5.9mm Side plate 4.75mm

Thanks that means a lot to me. Just one question - once I've seen the survey and see it was dated a few weeks ago and am happy with whats written in it, would it be worth me getting another one done or am I wasting my money if the same man is going to tell me the same thing without even looking over the boat again? Basically am I ok to go with whats in this survey? Or not? Also, sorry. Engines. I haven't the foggiest. BS 1.5 I think, on 44ft built 1988. Mean anything to you??

Thanks for all the advice everyone. I've been to the bank and have the money. My friend who has lived on a boat for nearly two years has seen this one and said he would sell his and buy this so thats a good start in my eyes. The brokers have a ssured me of a new BSC licence valid for 4yrs. They had a survey done a couple of weeks ago before it came to the marina and said they are happy to for me look at this survey but if I want to pay to get another one done no problem (again, the bloke who did this survey did my friends). They are throwing in new cratch covers, re paint, battery charger, new shower, toilet and sink etc etc - although I am aware these are superficial. I am going tomorrow to finalise details and taking my dad with me to ask a few more techincal questions, look over the survey and finalise a price. . . . . . any final words of wisdom?? xx

Not sure I've done this quote thing right - Oct next year?? So a year then! Hows that do you think? How long do they last? 3 or 4 yrs?

Ok all. I have seen a boat and so has my friend who lives on one (he approves of this particular vessel). This is what I know (theres lots I don't). Its semi trad - loads of space either end. 44ft long(bigger than I ever expected! ooer mrs). At the marina I want to be in. Un named (imagination going wild). Needs 240v system putting in and a water heater but the bonus is the people at the marina will do this for me and its being re painted, having a new stove and I can basically pick out a few features I would like, i.e bedroom sectioning off, units ripping out, tiles behind stove - all cosmetic I know. It did have a survey when it came to the marina but I presume will need another (can be re blackened at same time apparantly?) Has BSC - safety thing until sometimes next year. Is bang on what the bank will lend (oh its a car i'm buying by the way!!) which leaves me with all my savings to play with. Its the 2nd boat I've seen (both today!) but at the place I want to be and I'm just concerned people say shop around and I don't want to. Built 1988 I think. Opinions welcome..........

Cheeky!!

Thanks for all the advice. I've been looking into the personal loan side of things - looks like I could get £20000 over 5yrs at approx £400 per month - thats with no payment protection. Its a bit risky but I have a pretty secure job (Amulance Control) and am generally fit and healthy. I've actually seen a boat for £25,995 - maybe a bit of haggling could be done - but that leaves me with nothing! Is this wise - of course not. I'm under the impression that I would have to buy from the marina I want to moor at if I am to secure moorings - is the always the case??? Whats the difference between a cruiser stern and a traditional stern? How long should I spend looking before I buy? Cos I just want to buy now!!!

Hi all, you seem like a friendly bunch and your help and expertise would be appreciated! I'm 31 and living with parents. I have £5000 saved and am thinking I'd like to buy a narrowboat. I work full time. Whats the loan/finance situation out there?? I have been on a narrowboat holiday, I also have friend who owns a narrowboat and another who lives on one. It is something that has always appealed to me and what withn the housing market, it seems like an option. I would be looking to moor at Nottigham Marina and am going to pop down tomorrow. Any helpful tips/hints/advice of what I should be looking out for/cautious of?? Please tell me this can be reality!! Thankyou. Newbird xx