Narrowboat builders

[kats]

Hi,

 

As mentioned in a previous post we have been searching for our narrowboat for a couple of months now. We seem to have narrowed it down to 55-60foot, well maintained, semi-trad/cruiser, budget upto £70,000, don't mind layout, looking to DIY to maintain, but not wanting a big project e,g change kitchen or pull out floorboards (hopefully not). We seem to be drawn to Aqualine/Amber style boats and have heard/read positive things about them. We may have narrowed out search criteria a bit too early though. Can anyone recommend any other similar boat builders? Or offer any other helpful hints for searching for the first narrowboat?

 

Many Thanks 

[BoatinglifeupNorth]

Just do a search, the question has been asked before. Here’s one for you to look at:

 

[blackrose]

Despite increases in the price of used boats if you're spending £70k you really shouldn't be having to do any major refitting - unless you want to of course.

[LadyG]

16 hours ago, kats said:

Hi,

 

As mentioned in a previous post we have been searching for our narrowboat for a couple of months now. We seem to have narrowed it down to 55-60foot, well maintained, semi-trad/cruiser, budget upto £70,000, don't mind layout, looking to DIY to maintain, but not wanting a big project e,g change kitchen or pull out floorboards (hopefully not). We seem to be drawn to Aqualine/Amber style boats and have heard/read positive things about them. We may have narrowed out search criteria a bit too early though. Can anyone recommend any other similar boat builders? Or offer any other helpful hints for searching for the first narrowboat?

 

Many Thanks 

55-57 ft is go anywhere and may have a different price, to some extent to a 58-60ft.

Even though prices have risen last three year, I think you should get something decent.

I f you are in a marina it matters little whether it looks good or steers well . 

If you want to boat, for leisure then it depends where you are, if you are restrained length.

I would not have a square stern, I don't think they are suited to real boating, so assuming you might want to sell in next few years you are limiting your market 

 

 

 

[blackrose]

1 hour ago, LadyG said:

I would not have a square stern, I don't think they are suited to real boating

 

 

What is "real boating" exactly and how is it differentiated from "fake boating" presumably?

 

My 12ft widebeam has a tapered square stern and I've cruised more canals and rivers on the southern waterways than most people I meet on narrow boats with round sterns. I wouldn't choose a square stern again just for purely aesthetic reasons, but in practical terms it's never been a problem. 

[system 4-50]

I had a square stern but it wasn't a problem as I only did imaginary boating.  Or was it complex boating? I forget.

[MtB]

8 minutes ago, system 4-50 said:

I had a square stern but it wasn't a problem as I only did imaginary boating.  Or was it complex boating? I forget.

 

Ok, you may have had a square stern but what sort of stern did your boat have?

 

 

 

 

[BoatinglifeupNorth]

1 hour ago, blackrose said:

 

What is "real boating" exactly and how is it differentiated from "fake boating" presumably?

 Maybe real boating is where you do more mooring than moving, only moving a few hundred metres over the course of 1-2 month, often mooring on lock landings or sanitary stations???