dizzypanic

Something else to consider. I looked at that boat with a similar view to yourselves. Take a look at the front starboard (right i think...) window. There were a couple of big cracks at the corners when I looked at her. That said, and as others have mantioned a survey is a good idea, good luck with your search. Dizzy Something else to consider. I looked at that boat with a similar view to yourselves. Take a look at the front starboard (right i think...) window. There were a couple of big cracks at the corners when I looked at her. That said, and as others have mantioned a survey is a good idea, good luck with your search. Dizzy

An update for anyone who's interested. I had 'The Duke' surveyed yesterday. The hull is in good condition, although it does exhibit some quality control issues. The fit-out is another matter however! Thanks for all the comments, they are always enlightening on this forum. Dizzy

Ray, that is one of the two boats I have seen with cracked sides. The other (i linked to the ad) is suffering from cracking near the windows in a similar manner to the one you've pictured. Dizzy

Hi Wrigglefingers, Ive been to have a look at it and it seems to be in good shape. The recessed panels are indeed recessed and the cabin roof has an attractive step...and a weird hump (which I quite like ) toward the rear. I think the paintjob is to blame, I couldnt see anything strange on my visit. If you know anything about the builder himself, id be most interested. Dizzy

Hi all, does anyone have any information concerning the boatbuilder Barry Jenkins. In particular, are his boats well thought of and are there any known fobiles I should be aware of?# Regards, Dizzy

Hi all, thanks for the feedback. I think ill probably disregard this boat, for those interested its advert is here; Advert As has been suggested, if a simple fairly low stress area such as this has failed, then the condition of the remainder of the steelwork is thrown into question. Back on with the search! Regards, Dizzy

Hi guys, thank for all the responses! Unfortunately I didn't take pictures, although I may go and see the boat again at the weekend and in that case will do so. To try to answer some of the questions; 1. A survey would certainly be arranged if I do decide to go for this boat. 2. Its definitely steel, and steel definitely does fatigue. 3.They are cracks, a penknife blade fits through to a depth of approx. 8mm (before the blade gets too thick). 4. Sorry for the MS paint, but this shows the location of the cracks in relation to the window. It is on the right hand side (from the steerers POV) and is on the foremost window. pic Regards, Dizzy

Hi, Im looking for a first boat and have found one which fits the bill. However, I have noticed that the cabin walls have crached in a couple of places. The boat is from 1977 and the superstructure is 4mm steel. The crack appears to propagate from the corner of one of the windows (De Havilland Comet anyone!!!) and is approx 8-10 inches in length. There is a similar crack at the opposite corner of the window. What I want to know is if this is acceptable for a boat of this age, and whether it can simply be welded shut. I have noticed similar fatigue cracks on other, similar boats in brokerages, so this isn't an isolated phenomenon. Any response will be much appreceiated, Regards, Dizzy.

Hi all, thanks for the fast replies! A bit more info as requested; I am looking to liveaboard and have been hunting a residential mooring for almost a year now. I do intend to do some cruising (otherwise I might as well get a flat by a river I suppose....) but will probably tend to stay in one area due to work etc. I have been looking at a lot of boats, but hadn't realised that a longer craft could be cheaper than a 57' job.....interesting. As you say Bottle and Churchward, I will have to do a certain amount of shall we say 'modernisation', this I am fully prepared for (fairly confident with most forms of DIYing that might be required on a narrowboat). The reason for my post was that I have started to look at boats in brokerages after some years of planning to get a boat and not being able due to Uni, other circumstances and suchlike...The first few places (no names) seemed quite overpriced for boats that would need a fair bit of work to be comfortable, lots of shoddy fit-outs and bilge-water slopping over the engine bearers (this was for boats quite out of my price range even!). Your posts have renewed my waning confidence! Regards, Dizzypanic

Hi everyone, first post!!!!! I am looking to buy a narrowboat to live on, how realistic is my aspiration for a narrowboat at least 57' in length for under £25,000? Thanks in advance for any advice. Regards, Dizzy