Residential marina: Nene, Great Ouse, Witham, Middle Levels.

[CloudOwl]

Good afternoon.

 

It's been quite a few years since my last post and my circumstances have changed somewhat. I'm now seriously looking to purchase a Narrowboat to live on. It's always been a dream of mine to live on the waterways and now an opportunity has arisen. I'm currently staying in Devon for work, but ideally would like to be within 40 miles of Spalding, as this is where my kids live and I can work remotely. This restricts me to the above waterways. As it will be my first time living aboard, I would ideally like the security of a home residential marina. I am however, finding that most marinas in this area do not offer residential status (i.e. permanent with a postal address etc). I was wondering if anybody knew of anywhere on these waterways that could accomodate me or potential alternative solutions. I'm actively seeking a 40-50ft live-aboard narrowboat.

 

Look forward to hearing your suggestions.

 

Many thanks

 

Steve.

Edited July 29, 2024 by Genefreak

[GUMPY]

Blackthorn Marina Ringstead.

You will have to spend sometime out boating but not a lot.

[CloudOwl]

I would love to be a continuous cruiser! I've rented a few NBs in my time and there's nothing like it. But as a live-aboard, two main things would concern me. 

 

1. Requiring constant access to my car. I understand some people move their vehicles after a walk/jog/cycle back down the towpath, but I'd be worried I'd never find a parking spot close enough - especially on the Fens.

2. Security: I would need to be in Exeter once a month and would also spend a bit of time away from the boat at weekends to be with my children. The idea of leaving a boat on an open towpath scares me a little as I've had experiences in the past of idiots setting boats adrift.

 

Maybe I'm being overly paranoid?

[hider]

There were/are moorings for sale at Prickwick.

[CloudOwl]

Where is this? 

 

Thanks.

[hider]

1 minute ago, Genefreak said:

Where is this? 

 

Thanks.

Little Ouse?

[Bargebuilder]

You might try Bill Fen, but I'm not sure if they are taking official liveaboards at the moment. Cheap though!

 

Bill Fen Marina, Factory Bank, Mill Drove, Ramsey, PE26 2RD

 01487 813621

[Quattrodave]

3 hours ago, hider said:

Little Ouse?

Prickwick doesnt ring any bells, I know a Prickwillow but thats on the River Lark...?

[hider]

1 minute ago, Quattrodave said:

Prickwick doesnt ring any bells, I know a Prickwillow but thats on the River Lark...?

My error, Prickwillow it was.

[CloudOwl]

Thought so. Had a few laughs asking people though! lol!

53 minutes ago, Bargebuilder said:

You might try Bill Fen, but I'm not sure if they are taking official liveaboards at the moment. Cheap though!

 

Bill Fen Marina, Factory Bank, Mill Drove, Ramsey, PE26 2RD

 01487 813621

Thanks yes. I emailed them a few days ago, but haven't had a response yet.

[Bargebuilder]

9 minutes ago, Genefreak said:

Thought so. Had a few laughs asking people though! lol!

Thanks yes. I emailed them a few days ago, but haven't had a response yet.

You will have a lot more success going there and speaking to them in person: it will help no end if they like you!

 

Actually, the same applies to approaching any marina when it comes to living aboard.

[CloudOwl]

2 hours ago, Bargebuilder said:

You will have a lot more success going there and speaking to them in person: it will help no end if they like you!

 

Actually, the same applies to approaching any marina when it comes to living aboard.

That sounds like a good piece of advice. It's quite hard when I'm based in Devon, but I visit the Fens every few weeks or so so should drive round and see them.

[Bargebuilder]

I also know of people who live on their narrowboat in Fox Marina in March. They have a 10 month rule, but they may not enforce the rule very vigorously. Visit them and wander onto the pontoons and have a chat with some boat owners to see what you can get away with. 

 

This place used to have liveaboard narrowboat's on the old River Nene at Floods Ferry: it used to be called Floods Ferry Marina Park.

 

 https://www.knightsbridgecaravanandmarinapark.com/  

 

They have recently changed hands and hugely put the prices up, but it is very nice and very secure. Might be worth a try if your narrowboat isn't too long.

[CloudOwl]

1 hour ago, Bargebuilder said:

I also know of people who live on their narrowboat in Fox Marina in March. They have a 10 month rule, but they may not enforce the rule very vigorously. Visit them and wander onto the pontoons and have a chat with some boat owners to see what you can get away with. 

 

This place used to have liveaboard narrowboat's on the old River Nene at Floods Ferry: it used to be called Floods Ferry Marina Park.

 

 https://www.knightsbridgecaravanandmarinapark.com/  

 

They have recently changed hands and hugely put the prices up, but it is very nice and very secure. Might be worth a try if your narrowboat isn't too long.

Yes. I had considered Fox. I wouldn't be averse to spending 2 months of the year as a continuous cruiser! I'd just be worried I wouldn't have a place to come back to though. I believe they have a waiting list at the moment, but like a previous poster above said, I'd probably have a lot more luck if I visit these places in person rather than rely on relatively anonymous email. It's a tricky one.... a chicken and egg situation... do I secure a mooring before getting a boat or do I buy a boat first! (reading about proof of ownership at the moment - and making myself even more paranoid! lol )

3 minutes ago, Genefreak said:

Yes. I had considered Fox. I wouldn't be averse to spending 2 months of the year as a continuous cruiser! I'd just be worried I wouldn't have a place to come back to though. I believe they have a waiting list at the moment, but like a previous poster above said, I'd probably have a lot more luck if I visit these places in person rather than rely on relatively anonymous email. It's a tricky one.... a chicken and egg situation... do I secure a mooring before getting a boat or do I buy a boat first! (reading about proof of ownership at the moment - and making myself even more paranoid! lol )

Doh! - Just realised the 'above poster' was yourself... It's late and I'm tired!

[Bargebuilder]

24 minutes ago, Genefreak said:

I'd just be worried I wouldn't have a place to come back to

I suspect that you pay Fox for 12 months and the berth is waiting for you when you return.

 

Usually, a marina wants you to be absent for a total of 2 months, but this can be split into short trips away from your berth, so long as they add up to 8 weeks over a year. Some marinas don't require the boat to be absent, just so long as it's not occupied, so your two week holiday in Spain may count towards the two months. Have a chat with them to find out.

 

Finding an official liveaboard berth can be difficult, finding an unofficial one less so. If you are very specific with your requirements and location, it might be as well to check that a berth will be available before you buy a boat.

[LadyG]

I would pick up on the boat OP mentions 40 to 50 ft, a 40ft NB is cramped compared to 52 to 57, OK for weekending.

If not restricted to narrow canals then plenty of other options

[CloudOwl]

2 hours ago, LadyG said:

I would pick up on the boat OP mentions 40 to 50 ft, a 40ft NB is cramped compared to 52 to 57, OK for weekending.

If not restricted to narrow canals then plenty of other options

A very good point. Thanks.

 

I'm still in my investigation phase. I need to visit a few before I make a final decision.

 

I know that living aboard will be extremely different to hiring for a week, but 60ft comfortably housed 4 of us, and I'll be on my own this time.

 

Regarding width, I do hope to explore the network when my kids have grown up (who incidentally will only be visiting one at a time.. their sibling rivalry in such a cramped space would be unbearable! 😂)

[LadyG]

1 hour ago, Genefreak said:

A very good point. Thanks.

 

I'm still in my investigation phase. I need to visit a few before I make a final decision.

 

I know that living aboard will be extremely different to hiring for a week, but 60ft comfortably housed 4 of us, and I'll be on my own this time.

 

Regarding width, I do hope to explore the network when my kids have grown up (who incidentally will only be visiting one at a time.. their sibling rivalry in such a cramped space would be unbearable! 😂)

Just buy the boat that you like and  check that you can take your boat plenty of places without restriction, and unless you are absolutely.determined to do a Minimal List type journey,  then I would look at other options.  I dont know  that area, but, by choice, I would rather live on a wider and more seaworthy boat than a NB, . provided it was kitted out for all year round comfort.

I had done a .lot of offshore racing and cruising ,  but the NB had me a bit  twitchy when I eventually left the Marina! 

Have a few days looking around the area and see what boats are suitable.

Edited July 30, 2024 by LadyG

[Bargebuilder]

10 minutes ago, LadyG said:

Just buy the boat that you like and  check that you can take your boat plenty of places without restriction, and unless you are absolutely.determined to do a Minimal List type journey,  then I would look at other options.  I dont know  that area, but, by choice, I would rather live on a wider and more seaworthy boat than a NB, . provided it was kitted out for all year round comfort.

I had done a .lot of offshore racing and cruising ,  but the NB had me a bit  twitchy when I eventually left the Marina! 

Narrowboat's, with the appropriate preparation can be very capable vessels. We have done a 5 hour crossing of The Wash and been under the Severn Bridge on the tidal Severn and thoroughly enjoyed both trips. Only a narrow boat will have full access to the canal network, especially one of under 60 feet as the OP wants.

 

 

[MrsM]

Hi OP. Lincoln Brayford marina is on the Witham. It has the advantage of being in the middle of this lovely city (I'm partisan because I live here). It is a few minutes walk from the train station which would make getting to Spalding very easy - direct train less than 50 minutes. The marina seems to be rather relaxed in terms of rules so living aboard pretty much full time shouldn't be too tricky. The only downside is you are restricted by Torksey lock opening hours for accessing the Trent. The Trent itself is absolutely beautiful. The Fossdyke is a day's cruising from Torksey. There is tons to do with children in the city if your kids come and stay with you on the boat. I agree with ladyG that you would be more comfortable with a longer boat. Ours was 58' and had loads of storage. Don't kid yourself that a shorter boat would necessarily be easier to handle - ours was very easy to handle (I did most of the steering while hubby worked). Happy hunting and good luck for your exciting new future. 

Edited July 30, 2024 by MrsM

[CloudOwl]

On 30/07/2024 at 11:21, MrsM said:

Hi OP. Lincoln Brayford marina is on the Witham. It has the advantage of being in the middle of this lovely city (I'm partisan because I live here). It is a few minutes walk from the train station which would make getting to Spalding very easy - direct train less than 50 minutes. The marina seems to be rather relaxed in terms of rules so living aboard pretty much full time shouldn't be too tricky. The only downside is you are restricted by Torksey lock opening hours for accessing the Trent. The Trent itself is absolutely beautiful. The Fossdyke is a day's cruising from Torksey. There is tons to do with children in the city if your kids come and stay with you on the boat. I agree with ladyG that you would be more comfortable with a longer boat. Ours was 58' and had loads of storage. Don't kid yourself that a shorter boat would necessarily be easier to handle - ours was very easy to handle (I did most of the steering while hubby worked). Happy hunting and good luck for your exciting new future. 

I'll definitely give Lincoln a look. Having lived myself in Spalding for nearly 20 years, I've been to Lincoln a few times and love the riverside area. What's it like for car-parking? I've handled 60+ footer's before and had no issues with the handling. Ideally a 50 would be right for me, but I'm trying to weigh up condition/age/length in both my capital and regular budget. I'm not one of these people just looking for a cheap alternative to a house or flat.. It's always been a dream of mine and now is the time! 🙂

[MrsM]

1 minute ago, Genefreak said:

I'll definitely give Lincoln a look. Having lived myself in Spalding for nearly 20 years, I've been to Lincoln a few times and love the riverside area. What's it like for car-parking? I've handled 60+ footer's before and had no issues with the handling. Ideally a 50 would be right for me, but I'm trying to weigh up condition/age/length in both my capital and regular budget. I'm not one of these people just looking for a cheap alternative to a house or flat.. It's always been a dream of mine and now is the time! 🙂

I believe residential moorers have an allocated car parking space. Not sure about leisure. Might be worth getting yourself on a few waiting lists ASAP while you look for your boat. I agree with the others that nothing beats visiting in person. You are much more likely to get up the waiting list more quickly if your face fits. 

[CloudOwl]

Just now, MrsM said:

I believe residential moorers have an allocated car parking space. Not sure about leisure. Might be worth getting yourself on a few waiting lists ASAP while you look for your boat. I agree with the others that nothing beats visiting in person. You are much more likely to get up the waiting list more quickly if your face fits. 

It would be residential I'm after - although I'm still undecided if I should brave being a continuous cruiser in my first year! - Any idea how long waiting lists usually are? Piece of string?

[blackrose]

On 29/07/2024 at 12:47, Genefreak said:

I would love to be a continuous cruiser! I've rented a few NBs in my time and there's nothing like it. But as a live-aboard, two main things would concern me. 

 

1. Requiring constant access to my car. I understand some people move their vehicles after a walk/jog/cycle back down the towpath, but I'd be worried I'd never find a parking spot close enough - especially on the Fens.

2. Security: I would need to be in Exeter once a month and would also spend a bit of time away from the boat at weekends to be with my children. The idea of leaving a boat on an open towpath scares me a little as I've had experiences in the past of idiots setting boats adrift.

 

Maybe I'm being overly paranoid?

 

It seems to me you're vacillating between two ends of the liveaboard spectrum. In your first post you talk about your desire for a residential mooring and then in your next post you talk about continuous cruising.

 

There is a middle ground. Find a long-term mooring at a marina where they tolerate liveaboards, but don't expect proper residential status. Keep your head down, don't make a nuisance of yourself, don't use the marina as your residential or postal address and you'll be fine. 

 

There are even some marinas who will let you use their postal address. 

 

You just need to be discreet when you enquire about whether they allow liveaboards, unless you already know. Just remember it's a grey area, so avoid talking about your boat as your home, etc. If in doubt you're a long term moorer but you don't live on the boat.

 

On 31/07/2024 at 15:32, Genefreak said:

It would be residential I'm after -  Any idea how long waiting lists usually are? Piece of string?

 

Residential moorings are like

Edited August 1, 2024 by blackrose

[Lily Rose]

 

Possibly too far away for your liking (62 or 68 miles by road, depending on the route you choose, according to Bing Maps) but Sawley Marina includes 186 residential moorings according to Aquavista.

 

You can also stay up to 100 nights per year in other marinas in the group. They have 29.

 

https://www.aquavista.com/find-a-marina/sawley-waterside-marina