emma1

I'm mid leap from flat based city living to life afloat and am considering 'boat sitting' over the winter to check things out before I shell out my hard-earned dosh. 60% of marina managers I've spoken to (Ok, I admit it I've only spoken to three) are against it - possibly an insurance problem... Any ideas of why it might not be possible? Has anyone ever 'boat sat' a NB, or had someone on your boat- naturally I'd be happy to come to some sort of financial arrangement to cover costs / contribute to mooring - Are there people out there who don't go near their boats for the winter? (Any offers Nottingham commute area PM me!!) Ta, Emma

Big thanks to all the responses - feel very inspired to get researching. (Made the mistake of reading some of the technical discussions on this site - What?! ... small steps). Why DO you paint a water tank - to make it pretty for the legionella? This has been a great intro to the genuine interest and support in the boating community. I'll be checking out the Radford show at the weekend and hopefully taking up some of the crew offers - watch this space...! see you on the canal.... Emma

I'm a single girl with fantasies about living on a canal / narrowboat but with no experience except a few holidays as a teenager. I live and work near Sawley in nottingham / leicestershire. I want to go in with my eyes open, and also do things properly - I'd hate to mess things up for myself or others through ignorance. Does anyone run courses on how to get started, from basic maintenance to paperwork (insurance, licence, safety certificates...?! ) and also, how to safely and respectfully live and travel on canals. (any good book recommendations?!) Is it possible to rent something for 6 months or so for me to gain some experience or knowledge to avoid buying something disappointing (and to check that I'm the right girl for the job!) Any other advice on how to get started? Many thanks in advance. Emma