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[bottle]

Hi Mate

Thanks for the reply.I bet you are looking forward to owning your own boat,is it live aboard,if so how expensive is it to live on the waterways theese days,i've heard that it's getting more & more expensive?

 

Charlie.

 

Hi Charlie

 

Yes it will be liveaboard, as to how expensive, lots of discussion on hear to actual cost.

 

Basics are licence (depends on size of boat), insurance, maintenance, mooring (unless a Continuous Cruiser) and fuel.

 

I always tell people it is as expensive, if not more, than running a house.

[charlie 3001]

Hi Charlie

 

Yes it will be liveaboard, as to how expensive, lots of discussion on hear to actual cost.

 

Basics are licence (depends on size of boat), insurance, maintenance, mooring (unless a Continuous Cruiser) and fuel.

 

I always tell people it is as expensive, if not more, than running a house.

 

 

Hi Mate

What do you mean by continuous cruising?

Also I notice you are in Gloucestershire,anywhere nice?I'm not far myself

[bottle]

We will not have a 'home' mooring and will be engaged on a continuous journey round the greater part of the whole system, staying for a maximum of 14 days in anyone place unless a sign says otherwise.

 

That is a paraphrase of the 'regulations'

 

We are in a house, on the outskirts of city at the moment, will be moving in the next few months to lodge with daughter until boat is ready.

[thornhill]

hello we are new to boating,we are having a 60ft x 10ft widebeam built that is when we find a reputable builder,this is a life changing descision we have made,we have been on my neices narrowboat quite a few times,and had the priveledge of being able to learn about steering,maintaining ,but we,felt we needed something bigger due to my disability,and would love to hear from other disabled people who own and live on a canal boat,we would like to know about how you find living afloat,,,,and about any companies who specialize in ramps,platforms for exit and entry onto the boat,do you know of anyone who has had adaptions made to accomadate a disabled person on a widebeam boat,or narrow boat for that matter,

we would greatly appreciate any advice ,information and any info on these and any other topics concerning life afloat,

we have sold our home and look to commisioning a boat in the next few weeks after our holiday in suffolk,we will be glad of the rest after moving home,into rented accomodation,hope to hear from you boaties out there,regards Thornhill

[Gary Peacock]

hello we are new to boating,we are having a 60ft x 10ft widebeam built that is when we find a reputable builder,this is a life changing descision we have made,we have been on my neices narrowboat quite a few times,and had the priveledge of being able to learn about steering,maintaining ,but we,felt we needed something bigger due to my disability,and would love to hear from other disabled people who own and live on a canal boat,we would like to know about how you find living afloat,,,,and about any companies who specialize in ramps,platforms for exit and entry onto the boat,do you know of anyone who has had adaptions made to accomadate a disabled person on a widebeam boat,or narrow boat for that matter,

we would greatly appreciate any advice ,information and any info on these and any other topics concerning life afloat,

we have sold our home and look to commisioning a boat in the next few weeks after our holiday in suffolk,we will be glad of the rest after moving home,into rented accomodation,hope to hear from you boaties out there,regards Thornhill

 

Thats the kind of thing we specialise in if you would like some more information give us a bell.

 

 

A bit of general information HERE.

 

We are building a boat at the moment for a wheelchair user that you can look at HERE.

 

And these boats HERE are also disabilty friendly.

 

If certain criteria are met the boat could normally be supplied zero VAT rated.

Edited July 28, 2008 by Gary Peacock

[Alan Byrne]

Hi everyone,

I'm Alan, I've been interested in boating all my life, but only about 5 years ago did I actually see some action. I first rented a narrowboat on the Shannon in Ireland and then "upgraded" to a big plastic cruiser for the next few years, but I always missed the romanticism and honesty of the narrowboat (plus it had a bath!).

 

Anyways, now I live in Amsterdam and for the past couple of years had a little ski-boat for cruising the canals, but a few weeks back I bought a 30ft fibreglass lifeboat. It's a bit ugly, but with a bit of love and TLC I hope to make her prettier.

 

Initially I just plan to use it for day-trips in an around the Amsterdam area, but I will build a cabin on to maybe take her further afield, we'll see.

 

I've already gleaned loads of interesting information from the forums about reversing, safety, electrics, lighting, etc so thanks very much for all your help so far!

 

 

Alan.

[Bullfrog]

Welcome, enjoy your membership of the forum.

 

BTW hope you didn't actually ski on the canal

 

regards

 

david

[Grace and Favour]

Welcome, enjoy your membership of the forum.

 

BTW hope you didn't actually ski on the canal

 

regards

 

david

 

 

Don't be silly - -- you simply cannot ski on the Amsterdam Canals - - - everyone knows they're plumb level!!!!

[Smelly]

Hi

I'm Charlie,I'm new to the Forum.

I am contemplating my 1st Narrowboat holiday around the Worcester area and wondered if anyone had any reccomendations or tips on what & who to go with?

 

Thanks in advance.

 

Charlie.

 

Aroound Worcester nearly all the major hire fleets have a base, Black Prince, Viking, Anglo Welsh and Alvechurch certainly. Ring round, see a few.

 

Edit to say enjoy your trip.

Edited August 8, 2008 by Smelly

[Alan Byrne]

Welcome, enjoy your membership of the forum.

 

BTW hope you didn't actually ski on the canal

 

regards

 

david

 

LOL, no skiing don't worry!

 

We did take it up to full speed on a stretch the Amsterdamserijnkanaal, which is about 80m wide and pretty deserted most of the time. I certainly can see the attraction of speed-boating once in a while.

 

But in general I'm more of a relaxed putt-putt-putt tootler.

[thornhill]

Are you a newbie to boating?

 

Well introduce your selves right here!!

 

 

And everyone will get to now you!!!

HELLO BOATERS OUR NAMES ARE MARLENE AND BILL AND ARE NEWBIES TO BOATING ,WE GET OUR FIRST BOAT IN A FEW WEEKS TIME,AND WELCOME ANY HINTS AND TIPS ANYONE CAN GIVE US FOR THE LIFE CHANGING MOVE TO OUR BOAT,AFTER LIVING ON DRY AND FOR 37 YEARS AND CHILDREN NOW FLOWN THE NEST,HOW DO YOU FILL YOUR TIME,????,WE WILL WLECOME ANY TIPS,HINTS,OR SUGGESTIONS M & B

[pete the gooner]

HELLO BOATERS OUR NAMES ARE MARLENE AND BILL AND ARE NEWBIES TO BOATING ,WE GET OUR FIRST BOAT IN A FEW WEEKS TIME,AND WELCOME ANY HINTS AND TIPS ANYONE CAN GIVE US FOR THE LIFE CHANGING MOVE TO OUR BOAT,AFTER LIVING ON DRY AND FOR 37 YEARS AND CHILDREN NOW FLOWN THE NEST,HOW DO YOU FILL YOUR TIME,????,WE WILL WLECOME ANY TIPS,HINTS,OR SUGGESTIONS M & B

 

Hi Marlene and Bill,

 

I think as well as you two guys are seeking help and info etc from established narrowboaters etc, I think you may be in a good position to help me and my wife. You probably have just gone through the stage we are at at the moment.

 

We are at the stage of seriously thinking about living on a narrow boat. I am so glad I came across this site as I just did not know where and how to start. I am now retired(on health grounds) and my wife is shortly due to retire. We just want to sell up and start a new life. The problem now is what do we do now.

 

If it is possible could you let me have a sort of 'resume' of how you went about things etc. I have just been spending my time on the internet looking at what is for sale and at what price etc.

 

Any help, guidance etc would be warmyly appreciated.

 

regards,

 

Pete

[christopherjd]

Yes,.... I am new to boating and have recently bought a Norman 23 and as it's all new and just a bit scary I keep thinking the dam thing is going to sink.. (I'm sure it won't). Like many people here I really want a narrowboat, I mean REALLY want a narrow boat but finances etc blah etc...

 

Anyway this looks like a good site and I'm sure there will be many questions I can ask in the near future..

[hat 'n huck]

Hi all

 

Just joined forum. Looks great1

It was less than two years today when my wife (Elaine) suggested this life-style. I thought she was nuts! I was suffering ill health, the endownments were'nt performing and our three sons were on the verge of leaving home. (With a slight kick) Our initial plan was to downsize but the regular canal walks got us thinking. After six months of looking at various boats and research, we ordered our wide beam narrow boat. (contradiction?) 'No Regrets' went on the water last September. Regrets? Not in the least.... well maybe one or two in the early stages.

Like good, responsible boaters, we had taken a Helmsmanship's Course. Being at Glasson, we have six locks to negotiate before we join the Lancaster canal. Then there are forty six miles of canal to cruise - lock free! Training definitely helps!

 

So hello to all. Looking forward to plenty of inter-action from other Canal World members!

Anybody want any hints and tips, I'm happy to share, but don't hold me responsible.

One thing about this life... it sometimes feels like we are on holiday, FULL TIME!

 

Cheers for now (and that's another thing)

 

 

Barry

[sueb]

HELLO BOATERS OUR NAMES ARE MARLENE AND BILL AND ARE NEWBIES TO BOATING ,WE GET OUR FIRST BOAT IN A FEW WEEKS TIME,AND WELCOME ANY HINTS AND TIPS ANYONE CAN GIVE US FOR THE LIFE CHANGING MOVE TO OUR BOAT,AFTER LIVING ON DRY AND FOR 37 YEARS AND CHILDREN NOW FLOWN THE NEST,HOW DO YOU FILL YOUR TIME,????,WE WILL WLECOME ANY TIPS,HINTS,OR SUGGESTIONS M & B

To fill your time join a user group and get really involved. And yes you can do this and cruise.

Sue

[BlueStringPudding]

Hi all

 

Just joined forum. Looks great1

It was less than two years today when my wife (Elaine) suggested this life-style. I thought she was nuts! I was suffering ill health, the endownments were'nt performing and our three sons were on the verge of leaving home. (With a slight kick) Our initial plan was to downsize but the regular canal walks got us thinking. After six months of looking at various boats and research, we ordered our wide beam narrow boat. (contradiction?) 'No Regrets' went on the water last September. Regrets? Not in the least.... well maybe one or two in the early stages.

Like good, responsible boaters, we had taken a Helmsmanship's Course. Being at Glasson, we have six locks to negotiate before we join the Lancaster canal. Then there are forty six miles of canal to cruise - lock free! Training definitely helps!

 

So hello to all. Looking forward to plenty of inter-action from other Canal World members!

Anybody want any hints and tips, I'm happy to share, but don't hold me responsible.

One thing about this life... it sometimes feels like we are on holiday, FULL TIME!

 

Cheers for now (and that's another thing)

 

 

Barry

 

Ouch! I get spam e-mails offering treatment for that kinda thing.

 

Welcome to the forum Barry!

[pete the gooner]

Hi all

 

Just joined forum. Looks great1

It was less than two years today when my wife (Elaine) suggested this life-style. I thought she was nuts! I was suffering ill health, the endownments were'nt performing and our three sons were on the verge of leaving home. (With a slight kick) Our initial plan was to downsize but the regular canal walks got us thinking. After six months of looking at various boats and research, we ordered our wide beam narrow boat. (contradiction?) 'No Regrets' went on the water last September. Regrets? Not in the least.... well maybe one or two in the early stages.

Like good, responsible boaters, we had taken a Helmsmanship's Course. Being at Glasson, we have six locks to negotiate before we join the Lancaster canal. Then there are forty six miles of canal to cruise - lock free! Training definitely helps!

 

So hello to all. Looking forward to plenty of inter-action from other Canal World members!

Anybody want any hints and tips, I'm happy to share, but don't hold me responsible.

One thing about this life... it sometimes feels like we are on holiday, FULL TIME!

 

Cheers for now (and that's another thing)

 

 

Barry

 

Hi Barry,

 

Like Marlene and Bill you have gone through all the stages that my wife and I are soon to venture on. I am sure that you will have a lot to share to guys like myself and my wife. We are just trying to get our heads round everything-- daunting task.

 

Firstly we have to sell our house. What a shame that all this economy downturn stuff has happened at the wrong time for us.

 

Barry, you mentioned that you had one or two regrets in the early stages- would you be able to expand on that if it is not too personal.

 

My life has been riddled with bad decisions and would like , as near as poss, to somehow get off on the right foot.

 

If you could keep us up to speed as to how you are getting on then I am sure it would be of immense help to many of us.

 

regards,

 

Pete

[hat 'n huck]

Hi Barry,

 

Like Marlene and Bill you have gone through all the stages that my wife and I are soon to venture on. I am sure that you will have a lot to share to guys like myself and my wife. We are just trying to get our heads round everything-- daunting task.

 

Firstly we have to sell our house. What a shame that all this economy downturn stuff has happened at the wrong time for us.

 

Barry, you mentioned that you had one or two regrets in the early stages- would you be able to expand on that if it is not too personal.

 

My life has been riddled with bad decisions and would like , as near as poss, to somehow get off on the right foot.

 

If you could keep us up to speed as to how you are getting on then I am sure it would be of immense help to many of us.

 

regards,

 

Pete

 

Hi Pete

 

Yes, it was all a bit daunting:

Giving up bricks and mortar for steel and oak, no flush toilet. no space for the accumulations of life, topping up the water etc etc. The upside? New HD wide screen TV with surround sound, Hi Fi, washer drier, microwave, a cosy Morso Squirrel to warm your parts on a cold day. To change the view from your window whenever you please. The great new friends you will make who are so helpful!!

Regrets? Yes there were, initially. This was a new build. Just like moving into a new house, there were teething problems with plumbing, electrics etc. And that's why it's important to do your research. Builders' reputation etc. No names yet but our builder has been second to none. Their quick response built our confidence before doubts set in.

Just go for it! There'll be times whilst you are cruising and you'll pinch yourself. You will be living a dream!

 

Barry

[Franglais]

Hi, one and all.

 

It's so good to find a forum that covers so many subjects.

 

I've had my little cruiser for about 7 weeks and have spent 4 days on her so far.

 

I live with my wife, Maggie, in La Charente-France. We moved here nearly 6 years ago to get away from it all and we succeeded so well that we got a little bored. Luckily for us, there are some very big lakes near us, (Lake Vassiviere-1000 Hectares) as well as the midi canal.

We want to try the canal next year but I need to take an exam 1st

 

In answer to the most asked question, NO, we have no intension of moving back to England permanently.

 

Pete

[sueb]

Hi Barry,

 

Like Marlene and Bill you have gone through all the stages that my wife and I are soon to venture on. I am sure that you will have a lot to share to guys like myself and my wife. We are just trying to get our heads round everything-- daunting task.

 

Firstly we have to sell our house. What a shame that all this economy downturn stuff has happened at the wrong time for us.

 

Barry, you mentioned that you had one or two regrets in the early stages- would you be able to expand on that if it is not too personal.

 

My life has been riddled with bad decisions and would like , as near as poss, to somehow get off on the right foot.

 

If you could keep us up to speed as to how you are getting on then I am sure it would be of immense help to many of us.

 

regards,

 

Pete

First bad decision, selling the house? We have enjoyed the income from our house for the last twenty years and still have the house. I have known husbands die and leave their wives alone on a boat and vica versa, although the men seem to get on better. Old age is the biggest unknown and good health isn't guaranteed

[Moonbeam]

Hiya, I'm new to the forum; I'm currently seperated and in the process of saving up for a widebeam or a Dutch Barge as a liveaboard. I've lived in a lot of varied lifestyles, and the idea of being on something I can move regularly quite appeals to me, though I'm also aware of the rather difficult issue of getting to work as well as continuously cruising.

 

I've got time to do my research and will be spending the time between saving up for a deposit on taking various courses on navigation, seamanship, fixing equipment, and picking the brains of anything I can find.

 

Cheers

[pete the gooner]

First bad decision, selling the house? We have enjoyed the income from our house for the last twenty years and still have the house. I have known husbands die and leave their wives alone on a boat and vica versa, although the men seem to get on better. Old age is the biggest unknown and good health isn't guaranteed

I am afraid that we have no alternative but to sell the house. Hindsight is such a wonderful thing. It is far too personal for me to let you into all the reasons why.

 

Anyway-- what is done is done and we have to move on to the future. Good health is not guranteed as you say, and how right you are. I am in remission from cancer and feel as though I have a second chance- what do I do? Sit down and start to regret evry bad decision I have made, of which there are many-- or just get up and go and live life!

 

regards,

 

Pete

[sueb]

I am afraid that we have no alternative but to sell the house. Hindsight is such a wonderful thing. It is far too personal for me to let you into all the reasons why.

 

Anyway-- what is done is done and we have to move on to the future. Good health is not guranteed as you say, and how right you are. I am in remission from cancer and feel as though I have a second chance- what do I do? Sit down and start to regret evry bad decision I have made, of which there are many-- or just get up and go and live life!

 

regards,

 

Pete

Live life every time. Our first liveaboard friends moved onto a boat when the husband had cancer. They had many years happily afloat. They eventually were given a council bungalow. If you have bad health you will be looked after.

Sue

[bottle]

Pete

 

We to have sold the house, shock horror, no way back but we are still doing it.

 

A few years ago a work colleague said, " If you wish to do something, do it because if you don't there will be a time that you regret it."

 

I too have retired due to ill health, not cancer thankfully, we only have one life.

 

So my thought is go for it but if it all goes belly up I will deny everything.

[paddy r]

Hello, we are Ruth and Richard (Paddy - don't ask it's a long story)with youngest son Ryan (16).

The house is on the market, just, and the search has begun for a live aboard narrowboat. We have become disillusioned with our current work lifestyles and fancied a complete change! Both our Dads had boats so we've sort of had it in the background, so now it came to the crunch when Ryan got his GCSE results and we realised that we did not have to do the 'normal' things anymore. Richard's attitude was 'one life , live it', mine 'what about all our stuff, my job, getting Ryan to College', etc etc.

So are we mad or doing what we should be doing at 40 something?

We have researched as much as humanly possible but if we have missed something, I think we'll find the answer here. Very interesting forum, thank you Ruth and Richard