Looking To Buy First Time For Liveaboard

[peterboat]

4 hours ago, transplant said:

If you reverse the layout you're going to be sleeping in a greenhouse.

Bedroom is in the middle the bunks are at the stern

[Ally]

I am dying to hear how Dozee went on with his viewing, hope he returns to tell!

Edited November 5, 2020 by Ally

[Alan de Enfield]

7 minutes ago, Ally said:

I am dying to hear how Dozee went on with his viewing, hope he returns to tell!

He was on the forum 32 minutes ago.

[Dozee]

Ok so went and viewed, stepping on board i could not smell damp only that musty smell of being closed up, I checheck in cupboards and drawers and anyplace i could for damp bloom and could not find any. I actually felt comfortable with the boat as in wanting to be on it and doing the work.

The interior is tired, dated and needing a revamp, to me it does not to be a major hurdle by doing it in stages, and I could get the space i want and need from it, have pictures of engine bay ect if anyone wants to see and give an opinion

 

Dozee

[peterboat]

Just now, Dozee said:

Ok so went and viewed, stepping on board i could not smell damp only that musty smell of being closed up, I checheck in cupboards and drawers and anyplace i could for damp bloom and could not find any. I actually felt comfortable with the boat as in wanting to be on it and doing the work.

The interior is tired, dated and needing a revamp, to me it does not to be a major hurdle by doing it in stages, and I could get the space i want and need from it, have pictures of engine bay ect if anyone wants to see and give an opinion

 

Dozee

Yup pop them up but if it was like my boat which was same maker and fitter I know what I will see. The plastic wall covering was easy to clean and you could hoover the carpet on the lower walls ? I had a good 6 years with my boat and hope that you are as lucky

[Dozee]

Trying to add another of the engine bay but won't let me?

 

Dozee

[Dozee]

I will have to resize images

 

Dozee

[peterboat]

4 minutes ago, Dozee said:

Trying to add another of the engine bay but won't let me?

 

Dozee

Same 3 cylinder kubora as mine, it has no water cooled exhaust manifold which was never a problem very strong engine 

[Dozee]

i will try to resize the other photos  in the next day or 2, what questins should i be asking of the sales people, have to sleep now as up early, thanks all

 

Dozee

[LadyG]

You could ask if you get a discount if no survey, 

Have you found a surveyor

Is there evidence of a very recent survey.

Is there a rim of rust round the waterline.

Did you look hard for rust?

Are the wndows rotting or were they not

What time of day did you view, was it cold outsdide and perishing inside.

Had the engine been run just before you came?

Are you going to buy it .... No don't answer that.

Have you seen a Bill of Sale?

Let's not get excited, arrange another vewing this week, maybe try Whilton , you know about Whilton, you know you must use your own surveyor?SNUGONE looks OK but no stove.; £2000 

Keep looking ....

There's a boat on Ebay, it's cheap, could be anything, photos very amateur

There is also a tjalk too, bit pricey for you, but different, and has been a liveaboard for eight years. A widebeam makes a better home than a narrowboat, sparently.

Edited November 5, 2020 by LadyG

[MrsM]

On 04/11/2020 at 14:30, doratheexplorer said:

I fear your timescale is a bit tight.  You may be waiting 4 weeks just for the drydock to do the survey.  Then, when the survey throws up issues for haggling over, the seller may agree to do the remedy work before completion. 

 

For me, from offer accepted to moving on-board took over 2 months.

Our purchase took less than 2 weeks at the start of the summer. We were very lucky to get a lift-out, surveyor booked and blacking slot the week after our offer was accepted. However it did take us another 3-4 weeks to get essential jobs done before we could use the boat. Good luck with your purchase.

[Ally]

1 hour ago, Dozee said:

i will try to resize the other photos  in the next day or 2, what questins should i be asking of the sales people, have to sleep now as up early, thanks all

 

Dozee

(For when you're less tired)

Did you ask the suggested questions when you viewed? (Batteries, survey, insulation, servicing etc) Or manage to view anything else aswell? I sort of feel you have decided on this because it fits the wallet and is available.  There are worse reasons, but i am unaware if you have viewed other boats or not, so that you can at least gain comparisons at a similar price.

 

Its going to be harder now we are in lockdown,  though I'm sure its still possible, as, for you it is aiding "moving house " (home anyway) so long as you can find a working surveyor and open boat sales .

I understand you are in tight circumstances,  and there will certainly be worse boats around, but there will also be some better ones, and if you can, I would again urge you to look at a few more. Around the Braunston ish area there are a number of boat sales places where in one day, if organised, you could probably view a handful at least. If nothing else they might offer you ideas of what you want to aim for if you then went back to this one. Or you might just find a cracking one. Its a lot 9f money if its not the right boat.

In my experience,  suddenly exactly the right boat will come up for you, out of the blue. Your head and heart will know it. This may be that boat for you, only you can tell that.

As you haven't made an offer though, i wonder if you have reservations?  Listen to them if thats the case.

If you are thinking of an offer, make it lower than the number in your head, you can always go up if necessary.

Looks like a bit of maintenance to do round about the engine.

 

(A narrowboat is absolutely fine as a liveaboard.  Widebeams are more limiting. Thousands of us live on narrowboats) 

[peterboat]

16 minutes ago, Ally said:

(For when you're less tired)

Did you ask the suggested questions when you viewed? (Batteries, survey, insulation, servicing etc) Or manage to view anything else aswell? I sort of feel you have decided on this because it fits the wallet and is available.  There are worse reasons, but i am unaware if you have viewed other boats or not, so that you can at least gain comparisons at a similar price.

 

Its going to be harder now we are in lockdown,  though I'm sure its still possible, as, for you it is aiding "moving house " (home anyway) so long as you can find a working surveyor and open boat sales .

I understand you are in tight circumstances,  and there will certainly be worse boats around, but there will also be some better ones, and if you can, I would again urge you to look at a few more. Around the Braunston ish area there are a number of boat sales places where in one day, if organised, you could probably view a handful at least. If nothing else they might offer you ideas of what you want to aim for if you then went back to this one. Or you might just find a cracking one. Its a lot 9f money if its not the right boat.

In my experience,  suddenly exactly the right boat will come up for you, out of the blue. Your head and heart will know it. This may be that boat for you, only you can tell that.

As you haven't made an offer though, i wonder if you have reservations?  Listen to them if thats the case.

If you are thinking of an offer, make it lower than the number in your head, you can always go up if necessary.

Looks like a bit of maintenance to do round about the engine.

 

(A narrowboat is absolutely fine as a liveaboard.  Widebeams are more limiting. Thousands of us live on narrowboats) 

Never seen widebeams at his budget other than plastic boats, which I sort of think are better than steel ones. I have a broads cruiser that given the abuse its received over the years its amazing the condition it's in! A steel boat would have sunk long ago.

Are brokers essential? I would have thought like car dealers showrooms that they have to close?

As for widebeams being limiting, only on going north to south or Visa versa is that the case, in truth a widebeam is a joy to live on in comparison to a narrowboat, I have had both and would struggle to go back to a narrowboat 

Edited November 5, 2020 by peterboat

[Ally]

19 minutes ago, peterboat said:

Never seen widebeams at his budget other than plastic boats, which I sort of think are better than steel ones. I have a broads cruiser that given the abuse its received over the years its amazing the condition it's in! A steel boat would have sunk long ago.

Are brokers essential? I would have thought like car dealers showrooms that they have to close?

As for widebeams being limiting, only on going north to south or Visa versa is that the case, in truth a widebeam is a joy to live on in comparison to a narrowboat, I have had both and would struggle to go back to a narrowboat 

No, i doubt he's in the market for a widebeam, I was referring to a random comment made by LadyG, sorry should have quoted it. I'm unsure if brokers are open by appointment or not from today, I thought that way mainly because it offers the potential to quickly view a number of boats in one place. ?

[LadyG]

9 hours ago, Ally said:

No, i doubt he's in the market for a widebeam, I was referring to a random comment made by LadyG, sorry should have quoted it. I'm unsure if brokers are open by appointment or not from today, I thought that way mainly because it offers the potential to quickly view a number of boats in one place. ?

I was thinking about the tjalk, which is wide, rather than a narrowboat, I know OP said his budget was about £30K, but he must have a decent income if he can afford to live in a decent marina. Thinking about 'the haste', is it not possible to live in alternative accomodation, depending on job, he might get a long term motel room, even exchange his car for a good campervan, or rent a gclamp thing, I saw a pub with one, just one in the car park and a portable loo close by. There are Park Homes, and also unused Holiday Park accomodation,  the fact he needs a roof over his head makes all his associated travel essential, imho.

There must be other options rather than committing all cash in such a rush, and of course he may not have the cash on the date required, I remember sacking a solicitor 'cos she required that she kept my money for nine days , while presumably I slept on the beach! Caveat empetor applies to banks, solicitors, estate agents, brokers, surveyors, and anyone else who thinks they can make better use of your money than you can

Edited November 6, 2020 by LadyG

[mrsmelly]

14 hours ago, LadyG said:

You could ask if you get a discount if no survey, 

Have you found a surveyor

Is there evidence of a very recent survey.

Is there a rim of rust round the waterline.

Did you look hard for rust?

Are the wndows rotting or were they not

What time of day did you view, was it cold outsdide and perishing inside.

Had the engine been run just before you came?

Are you going to buy it .... No don't answer that.

Have you seen a Bill of Sale?

Let's not get excited, arrange another vewing this week, maybe try Whilton , you know about Whilton, you know you must use your own surveyor?SNUGONE looks OK but no stove.; £2000 

Keep looking ....

There's a boat on Ebay, it's cheap, could be anything, photos very amateur

There is also a tjalk too, bit pricey for you, but different, and has been a liveaboard for eight years. A widebeam makes a better home than a narrowboat, sparently.

There is no apparently!! Wide boats are vastly better to live on in just about every way imaginable. There is only one reason to live on a narrowbeam, well two actualy the main one being poxy narrow locks and the second they come much cheaper in good condition.

[Dozee]

Took Ally's advice and looked some more in the area suggested and went down the list of marinas looking at what they had and then saw snuggle lol, I like it a lot, it does have a stove in the listing and photos, have spoken to them and a visit is a no no, will be speaking to them again on sunday(fred), whats their reputation like?

https://www.whiltonmarina.co.uk/used-narrowboats/details/5394.aspx

 

Dozee

 

 

[Alan de Enfield]

5 minutes ago, Dozee said:

Took Ally's advice and looked some more in the area suggested and went down the list of marinas looking at what they had and then saw snuggle lol, I like it a lot, it does have a stove in the listing and photos, have spoken to them and a visit is a no no, will be speaking to them again on sunday(fred), whats their reputation like?

https://www.whiltonmarina.co.uk/used-narrowboats/details/5394.aspx

 

Dozee

 

 

 

It is a place to look at boats, but not a place to buy a boat from.

IF you do take a fancy to one there ensure :

 

a) The surveyors is chosen & employed by YOU (boats using Whilton's surveyor have been known to sink with a few miles of leaving the marina)

b) Get in writing the full terms and conditions for the refund of your deposit if faults are found with the boat.

 

Their reputation is lower than a snakes belly and they make secondhand car salesmen look like angels.

[Pete of Ebor]

In a different vein, the OP said he was 'looking at residential mooring in Thames Ditton' - Does  'looking at'  mean the same as 'got one' ? I'm no expert on moorings around London - other than what I read on this forum, but if he hasn't already got a permanent mooring, then having to CC and work and do it up all at the same time... Bit of a tall order, maybe ? Hope it all works out OK though.

On 03/11/2020 at 22:17, Dozee said:

Hi all

 

due to things iam looking a buying a nb as a home and project, here is what i am looking at, feedback very much appreciated and thoughts on price, also looking at residential mooring at Thames Ditton marina as closer to work.

https://www.tingdeneboatsales.net/boat-spec.php?Make=Narrowboat&Model=57-Pinder-Boats-Semi-Trad&BoatID=7637650

 

Dozee

 

 

Edited November 6, 2020 by Pete of Ebor
Multiple replies merged..

[Ally]

1 hour ago, Dozee said:

Took Ally's advice and looked some more in the area suggested and went down the list of marinas looking at what they had and then saw snuggle lol, I like it a lot, it does have a stove in the listing and photos, have spoken to them and a visit is a no no, will be speaking to them again on sunday(fred), whats their reputation like?

https://www.whiltonmarina.co.uk/used-narrowboats/details/5394.aspx

 

Dozee

 

 

OK, good move to keep options open. ?

 

Again, a good hull builder, ask about the fitout, is it a private owner fit out or an unnamed (or named but not noted)company do they know. Again, insulation? Good to see it has a stove already. An owner fit out isn't necessarily cause for alarm, some are excellent, some aren't, same as some company fitouts are excellent,  some aren't.

 

Whilton don't have a good reputation at all, except for usually having a good amount of boats for sale. "Other brokerages are available! " wise comment earlier about using your own surveyor and carefully checking all Ts & Cs. You could also look at Braunston Marina boat sales very close to Whilton, and ABNB sales, though they may be above your price range, worth checking though, also Rugby boat sales, all within a relatively small area. 

If you go to Whilton, (if/when) ring before you set off and specifically ask if the boat you want to view is still for sale and available to view, they have been known to advertise boats that sold long before, and book people to view just to get them there.

 

Perhaps also have a think about your options, so you don't put yourself under as much pressure to buy a boat within 4 weeks. Having the cash sitting ready might help an under price offer be more readily accepted too, plus you don't jump in head first without knowing its the right boat. And never be tempted to buy without seeing in person. Sounds daft eh? But one old forum member I know did just that, to find it was completely unsuitable,  didn't have enough headroom for him to stand up in, and was in serious dilapidation. 

 

 

[matty40s]

1 hour ago, Ally said:

OK, good move to keep options open. ?

 

 

 

Whilton don't have a good reputation at all, except for usually having a good amount of boats for sale. "Other brokerages are available! " wise comment earlier about using your own surveyor and carefully checking all Ts & Cs. You could also look at Braunston Marina boat sales very close to Whilton, and ABNB sales, though they may be above your price range, worth checking though, also Rugby boat sales, all within a relatively small area. 

If you go to Whilton, (if/when) ring before you set off and specifically ask if the boat you want to view is still for sale and available to view, they have been known to advertise boats that sold long before, and book people to view just to get them there.

 

 

 

 Check  viewing arrangements on relevant websites before setting off. Some will only allow appointments to view specific boats, others may be closed during lockdown completely ....I believe ABNB is moving to N Kilworth and several staff have finished today.

[LadyG]

4 hours ago, Dozee said:

Took Ally's advice and looked some more in the area suggested and went down the list of marinas looking at what they had and then saw snuggle lol, I like it a lot, it does have a stove in the listing and photos, have spoken to them and a visit is a no no, will be speaking to them again on sunday(fred), whats their reputation like?

https://www.whiltonmarina.co.uk/used-narrowboats/details/5394.aspx

 

Dozee

 

 

I don't know why you cqn't view it, ask them if they oen the boat themselves (legal reason, it's better for you).

Taking my courage in both hands, 

I would offer £30K  You will be asked for a 10 percent non return, but ring fenced deposit (others will comment/clarify). This assumes you have copies of the paperwork and have satisfied that you will get a Bill of Sale AND this ensures you are buying the boat free of encumbrsnces. See the RYA Biil of Sale proformer.

You must be sure you wikl have your £30K on the dot.

I think this boat loks like someone knew about boats, it has a good modern  engine and a Victron invertor, if it does not have a good solid fuel stove it will cost £2K and maybe a bit more to remedy.

A lot of people buy boats from Whilton with no problrms, some have had problems buying a lemon, not all Whilton boats are good boats, not all Whilton boats are lemons.

Edited November 6, 2020 by LadyG

[LadyG]

26 minutes ago, LadyG said:

I don't know why you cqn't view it, ask them if they own the boat themselves (legal reason, it's better for you).

Taking my courage in both hands, 

I would offer £30K  You will be asked for a 10 percent non return, but ring fenced, deposit (others will comment/clarify). This assumes you have copies of the paperwork and have satisfied that you will get a Bill of Sale AND this ensures you are buying the boat free of encumbrsnces. See the RYA Biil of Sale proformer.

You must be sure you will have your £30K on the dot and make sure you can wiggle if the money does not turn up on the day.

I think this boat looks like someone knew about boats when they had it fitted out, it has a good modern  engine and a Victron invertor, if it does not have a good solid fuel stove it will cost £2K and maybe a bit more to remedy.

A lot of people buy boats from Whilton with no problrms, some have had problems buying a lemon, not all Whilton boats are good boats, not many boats are lemons.

I seem to have quoted my own post in my excitement. This looks great, but Whilton are really good at photography.

If everything works as it should it looks a snip at the offer price, nevertheless if you are offering to buy without a survey, which may be the only way you are going to get a boat, then you need to make an offer.

Whilton normallly let viewers have keys to several boats, and the viewing is not escorted. If you only want to view one boat and you have a deadline, then try again, everything is negotiable, also the dreaded lockdown might end on 2nd Dec and this could fit with your plan.

Looking at the photo there appears to be a ring of waterline rust, which is offputing, and strange if it has been blacked relatively recently. Unless this happens to be the rare microbial orange bug which rots steel, then I would be Ok with this, it is a Colecraft, not a Collingwood, and a Colecraft are considered to be well built boats, others with more experience will comment.

 

Edited November 6, 2020 by LadyG

[bizzard]

I'd much rather have an Aqua-drive than a bow thruster.

[bizzard]

Someone mentioned Bill of Sale, who is he, is he famous in the Manchester area ?