Purchase of first boat

[goingforit]

https://share.google/tlP9RZnzEu4RQmDrs  Hi all

Has been a while. Still looking for my first boat. Am I being unrealistic to think I'm going to find one that I fall in love with 😊 ? 

I may arrange to see 'pumpkin' have entered link (I think) to get  people's opinions that have more experience than me 😊 thank you beforehand x

 

[Hudds Lad]

Lined with OSB? Ok if you're into the industrial aesthetic, not my cup of tea. I'd be wondering where else they've cut corners and budget.

[David Mack]

8 minutes ago, Hudds Lad said:

Lined with OSB? Ok if you're into the industrial aesthetic, not my cup of tea. I'd be wondering where else they've cut corners and budget.

I can't see a regular boatbuilder using osb, which suggests this may be an owner fitout.

New gas water heater and cooker in 2023. Was this built as a gas free boat with gas added later?

It has a compost loo. Is the OP aware that the output from this cannot simply be dumped in CRT rubbish bins? 

[MtB]

16 minutes ago, Hudds Lad said:

Lined with OSB?

 

Is it? 

 

Are you seeing that in a photo (as the term does not appear in the advert text AFAICS)?

 

But I'd find it hard to fall in love with any widebeam, to address one of the OP's points. They are just not like proper boats.

 

<Tin hat on!> 

 

 

 

[BoatingLifeUpNorth2]

26 minutes ago, David Mack said:

I can't see a regular boatbuilder using osb, which suggests this may be an owner fitout.

New gas water heater and cooker in 2023. Was this built as a gas free boat with gas added later?

It has a compost loo. Is the OP aware that the output from this cannot simply be dumped in CRT rubbish bins? 

I thought owner self fit, but says built by Semington Dock, doesn’t look quality fitout more cheap “on a budget” fitout.

https://www.semingtondock.co.uk/iphone/index.html

 

Edited July 1 by BoatingLifeUpNorth2

[booke23]

OSB has absolutely no place on a boat. Overpriced for what looks like a fairly low rent amateur fitout even if it was done by a boat yard. To illustrate that point here's a boat that recently sold in the same area for similar money - https://www.devizesmarinaboatsales.com/bumper. It's in a different league. 

Edited July 1 by booke23

[MtB]

16 minutes ago, MtB said:

Is it? 

 

Are you seeing that in a photo (as the term does not appear in the advert text AFAICS)?

 

 

Ok I've looked at the photos now and I see it all!! 

 

 

But while it is possibly even cheaper than chipboard, I can't imagine it causing too much of a problem in a floating flat like this.

 

 

[Gybe Ho]

19 minutes ago, MtB said:

 

Is it? 

 

Are you seeing that in a photo (as the term does not appear in the advert text AFAICS)?

 

 

Zoom in on the porthole surrounds and then below gunnel height in the forward facing saloon photo. Looks like varnished OSB to me.

 

I don't think OSB would be a complete disaster as a side lining on a inland waterway boat, its used everywhere in the building trade as a structural element in complicated upperfloor bits like dorma windows. The floor looks like some MDF click-lock type board, that would worry me.

 

This boat is going to sell to someone under 60 looking for the city converted warehouse apartment style.  Cutsie holiday rental cottage kitchen style of the other Devizes boat has been conceived to appeal to a very different customer. Plenty to critque in that (now sold) example. Looks like a plastic Amtico floor, the crown cut veneer on the bedroom wardrobe doors would be me vertigo.

[Kingdom Isambard Brunel]

I have used OSB as a structural board, its far better than chipboard or MDF, even cheap ply is poor. For flooring I think it is to be preferred.

With a 4mm veneered overlay it makes great bulkheads. 

As a finished lining board its a bit off the wall ( pardon the pun ) but why not? Different is not just wrong per say.

[Tony Brooks]

I bet that exposed OSB in the heads goes all bumpy with damp, even if it is sealed/varnished.

 

I also wonder if the OSB rectangular panel around the porthole in the heads is hiding water leak damage.

Edited July 1 by Tony Brooks

[Kingdom Isambard Brunel]

1 minute ago, Tony Brooks said:

I bet that exposed OSB in the heads goes all bumpy with damp, even if it is sealed/varnished.

No it doesn't in my experience. I have built sheds with it, two coats of oil based varnish or paint and it survives outside. I used it in a stable and it has been fine for 13 years, protected of course where the animals are.

[Tony Brooks]

Just now, Kingdom Isambard Brunel said:

No it doesn't in my experience. I have built sheds with it, two coats of oil based varnish or paint and it survives outside. I used it in a stable and it has been fine for 13 years, protected of course where the animals are.

 

Stable yes, damp RESISTANT yes, but the stuff I built two sheds out of have all gone bumpy where the wood slivers seem to have swelled. OSB3 used.

[beerbeerbeerbeerbeer]

Maybe the OP should take this as a pointer and it’ll be the first thing to enquire about?

What grade of board…is it treated…is it sealed etc 

 

not to my taste but it all appears well done at a first glance,

 

I wonder what the floor’s done in ?

 

and why do sellers rarely post a photo of the engine  ??

 

 

[goingforit]

Thank you all for your opinions. I was actually thinking the same. Also, I am thinking now it is overpriced  compared to the one shown in replies. I will ask seller more questions. I want everyone to know I really appreciate and value all your replies 😊

[goingforit]

Hi all

Can I have opinions on this narrowboat please. 

I hope this is still OK to ask this as I keep asking the same thing for different boats lol 😊 I will add the boat has a recent post construction  assessment completed by a surveyor in order to get a declaration of conformity in order to sell. Also engine has 5800 milage stated clean and well maintained. That may all sound like I know what I'm talking about but I just copied information from message lol

Thank you 😊 

 

http://New arrival at Mercia we have Two Can a 57ft 2018 Trad Reverse Layout by Victory Narrowboats with a very modern painted interior fitted by the one owner from new. Large sliding hatch at rear gives a semi-trad feel and gives easier access into the Galley at the rear. 4 berths with Cross bed and Sofa bed, Webasto heating and Multifuel stove, 3 x 130ah Lithium batteries, 2 x 300w solar panels, Victron 3000 combi inverter/charger, washing machine, walkthrough bathroom has quadrant shower & composting toilet, for sale at £78,950 and available to view at Mercia now.

[TID Tug Tony]

Hi,

 

Your link didn't work for me, this should be ok:   https://newandusedboat.co.uk/used-boats-for-sale/2679

 

 

[goingforit]

Thank you. 😊 

[Peanut]

While tasts vary, and it might be your kind of thing, but the owner fitout, looks like London White on steroids.

Personally, it has a far too busy interior to be relaxing for me, a party boat, concived by an interior design student. Not to mention the use of click flooring and wallpaper.

Otherwise, a nice size, and a recent 2018 hull and engine, which must be a plus. If it suites, you could, "go for it."

Victory Narrowboats, traded from 2013 to 2023.

Edited July 6 by Peanut
if it suites

[goingforit]

🤣 that made me giggle. Thank you for your reply. I'm not even sure what my thing is anymore to be honest lol. I thought I did. It is rather busy though and probably would drive me mad lol 😊

Sorry previous link is not correct 

https://newandusedboat.co.uk/used-boats-for-sale/2679

 

Sorry this link was meant to go into main conversations 

[Peanut]

Im glad you took it in good humour, I didn't want to come over too harsh. It is a newish boat, and that has to be a good thing. Unlike the worn out boats with a quick interior makeover, being flipped in London.

 

I have no idea whether Viking made their own shells, or bought them in to be fitted out. That would save on the investment of, a shed, plant and wages, to do all the dirty work of construction.

 

This one was home finished, hence the need for a PCA, to sell on.

 

DIY fitouts, are a bit marmalaid, they may have odd layouts , and be of variable qualiy. You learn from your mistakes as you go, and pass them on when you sell.

 

My boat is such, and though done to a high standard, with professional plumbing and electrics, I find anoying issues, why the heck did he do it  like that? Whereas hopefully, a pro fitter will have ironed these things out beforehand.

[blackrose]

On 01/07/2025 at 17:56, goingforit said:

 Am I being unrealistic to think I'm going to find one that I fall in love with 😊 

 

No you're not being unrealistic but your approach is all wrong. It's very easy to fall in love with a boat that you've viewed but you need to resist that temptation until after you've had a positive survey done and agreed the price with the vendor. If you fall in love with a boat before that point your heart may lead your head which can result in all sorts of problems.

[NB Saturn]

1 hour ago, Peanut said:

Im glad you took it in good humour, I didn't want to come over too harsh. It is a newish boat, and that has to be a good thing. Unlike the worn out boats with a quick interior makeover, being flipped in London.

 

I have no idea whether Viking made their own shells, or bought them in to be fitted out. That would save on the investment of, a shed, plant and wages, to do all the dirty work of construction.

 

This one was home finished, hence the need for a PCA, to sell on.

 

DIY fitouts, are a bit marmalaid, they may have odd layouts , and be of variable qualiy. You learn from your mistakes as you go, and pass them on when you sell.

 

My boat is such, and though done to a high standard, with professional plumbing and electrics, I find anoying issues, why the heck did he do it  like that? Whereas hopefully, a pro fitter will have ironed these things out beforehand.

 

Hmm - glad you said hopefully - seen plenty of thing done by “a pro fitter” that I’d not consider acceptable myself. Think theres good and bad in both the prop and owner fitout catagories.

[Peanut]

3 hours ago, NB Saturn said:

 

Hmm - glad you said hopefully - seen plenty of thing done by “a pro fitter” that I’d not consider acceptable myself. Think theres good and bad in both the prop and owner fitout catagories.

 Yes, there are good and not so good in all trades, maybe we should have a system of guilds. It would mean you would have to undertake training and keep to some basic standards though.

No flipping burgers today, boat fitter tomorrow. Unfortunatly, those in power see that as a restriction of trade and opportunity. A tradesman would be respected for there skills, and properly remunerated.

Even a shop worker in Germany has to pass exams, merchandising, stock control, customer relations, and the like. You can do as you like over here. Imagine if skilled tradesman regained the status they once had.

Powerfull Guilds, Oh no, the government and employers wouldn't like that.

 

[goingforit]

Absolutely agree 👍 

[system 4-50]

28 minutes ago, Peanut said:

Powerfull Guilds, Oh no, the government and ………..  wouldn't like that.

Except Lawyers, of course.