Beautifull Lady & Grumpy Guitarman seek advice ... :)

Tuscan · February 13, 2013

Tell it like it is Alan !!

cobaltcodd · February 13, 2013

Spot which one it would be as I go past lines of boats....

a boat

ooh, that's nice

a boat

hell, that's ugly

a boat

matty40s · February 13, 2013

Tell it like it is Alan !!

Glad it wasn't just me then.

I moved a dutch barge style narrowboat last year, was the worst boat I have moved (and it had a flat front deck so easier to rope up than this boat would be)

To get to the rear ropes, I either had to squeeze through a rubber flap system that allowed the tiller arm to move or clamber round the outside holding on for dear life to the rear to access the bollards. Coming to locks was difficult as I only had a narrow doorway to get through whilst stepping off.

The electrics (inc normal 240V sockets) were on the cabin roof facing upwards and wiring was strapped around the canopy struts meaning that the canopy could not be lowered. This was a big challenge through low bridges ....and then Braunston Tunnel finally won - although the lack of tunnel light may have also played a factor.

Zayna · February 13, 2013

I'm far from being an expert, and everything is down to individual preference, but I could not do without my bow doors, and I wouldn't like to be hemmed into a wheelhouse. The whole 'thing' for me is that you're 'outdoors' on the boat. If it's tipping down with rain, we moor up till it passes. Or put a brolly up. But then, we don't live aboard.

I love being able to nip off the bow to tie up, sometimes I just sit out front in the peace and quiet when we're cruising.

Nor could I live without a stove, 99% of the charm of having the boat is that you can sit by a roaring fire. The boat heats up really quickly as well, and we've never had any problems with damp.

I'm sure you will find the perfect boat once you start looking. I don't think you can tell from a brochure, you do need to get on and see how it 'feels'.

Very best wishes, I'm envious of the adventures heading your way!

alan_fincher · February 13, 2013

Tell it like it is Alan !!

I thought I had been quite restrained!

Bod · February 13, 2013

For me the question is, "Wheres the kitchen waste bin?"

On a well thought out boat, a cupboard door is opened, and there it is!

The same question asked on a show boat, often gets a blank look!

I've seen show boats with carrier bags hung on door knobs etc.

If the basics are correct, then there's more than a fair chance, the rest's not to bad.

Look around plenty of boats, they follow a well established pattern, because they work. Unusual boats often don't work well, yes they float, but can be very hard work.

A normal narrowboat, has an open to cabin foredeck, makes mooring up easy, a closed foredeck, still has to be moored up, the crew has to get from the stern to bow, along gunnels,over roof, along towpath,etc to reach the bow rope on the foredeck.

Whilst you are in the Crick area for the show, visit all the local yards. (get your Crick accommodation sorted now! if you haven't already done so.)

Bod

Gypsey_Kings · February 13, 2013

I’m still astonished by the amount of replies to our post. We were up until 3am reading them all! Some great tips and lots of support, we feel at home already.

DeanS: Your boat builder sounds reliable, thanks for the tip. We’ve experienced house builders who “do a runner” before the job is finished (luckily we had held back some money, so we didn’t lose out when we had the extension to our house built).

BoatyJo: Not really considering taking the boat to the continent. I do canals, not oceans? (Clive -> I'm the one that's done the sea. My father ran a fishing trawler, so from early age I've been steering boats...at 10years I was even taking it from the dock, out the harbour and down the coast...then the old man would take over and find the fish!! Afterwards he'd make me take it home again while he sat back with a cup o tea...I wonder if that was child labour?)

Higgs: Yup, we definitely want a stove. (Clive -> Electrical equipment is no problem for me, being a retired Electronic Engineer)

Gser - We've been looking at the boats on the internet, hundreds and hundreds of them...No decision made yet...But have some ideas towards our preferences...

Tafelberg: The inside of the boat was what attracted us in the first place – so if it’s odd looking (so are we).

Tuscan: I agree about the rose-tinted specs. At least we will have a “bolt-hole” at my daughter’s house if the going gets too tough! (Clive -> and guess who'll be left at the boat to sort it out..!!)

FadeToScarlet: Hmm the storage space seems to be a deal-breaker. For starters, I am going to have to get rid of 7 pairs of stiletto heels! (Clive >- and she is an ex-biker babe ...!!...) There is a hatch at the bow for access to the front and hopefully, Clive will become such a master at steering that we won’t bash anything? (Clive -> yeah right !!) I agree about Whilton, they seem to have a good selection.

Athy: Would like to know your reasons for not choosing, we're on a big learning curve here. I agree about ABNB as well, and Rugby. Both seem very reputable brokers. Since we’re going to be offering cash, we expect to be greeted with big smiles and a glass of champagne (hmm, don’t drink and drive). (Clive - Lady Muck wants the red carpet treatment and I want the best deal...methinks the light at the end of the tunnel is a train narrowboat coming the other way !!..!!)

Pquinn: I agree on the solid fuel stove, but didn’t know they made a generator that fits in a suitcase? (little lol ) (Clive -> This boat has a bolt-on generator on the engine.)

TheDogHouse: We do want a bedroom with a side hatch. The bedroom we actually like is the Canaltime style with side hatches on both sides at the foot of the bed. (Clive -> I maybe expect too much on this but I was hoping that the bow-thruster would make going to the bow less necessary?? ie bringing it in with bow-thruster and full lock tiller to move more or less sideways? I did manage to do a u-turn on a 45ft widebeam in the Reading canal (not the river) against the current without hitting anything. By the canal junction near the Copa pub, between the A329 bridge and London St bridge.)

Bargemast: We are hoping the tie up technique won’t be a problem

Alan_fincher: I agree about the wheelhouse, I think a pramcover would be better. The Basingstoke is one of many we’ve looked at, (and are still looking) so it’s not “set in stone”. I don’t mind about the looks, but functionality IS important.

Cobaltcodd: LOL!

a boat

ooh, that's nice

a boat

hell, that's ugly, Must be that Biker Babe and Grumpy Guitarman !! (Clive -> I don't understand the problem )

a boat

Matty40s: Hmmm, yes that wheelhouse up/down/up/down all the time seems to be a problem. So keep looking at the internet then.

Zayna: Since I’m probably going to be the one running up and down from bow to stern, I think easy access is going to be something to look at, But this will be no holiday boat it will have to be a liva-a-board thru winter too!!. Agree about the stove.

Alan_Fincher: Keep telling it like it is. We are old and ugly enough to take it with a smile and decide if it's relevant for us. Your and everyone else's experience, help and advice, good or bad helps us to make better decisions and hopefully side step some of the pitfalls others before us have encountered - so yes, we do very much appreciate ALL comments...

Bod: I LOVE gimmicks – like bins inside cupboard doors, fold-out ironing boards, wheel-out veggie racks and folding cupboard doors for corners Looking forward to the Crick show, accommodation sorted – daughter’s house, borrow daughter’s car, use daughter’s petrol? That reminds me, I must tell her that we’re coming! (Clive -> But seriously, that is a very good question for us to take to the Crick show...thank you)

Well everybody, this is the Year of the Snake – time to shed our old skin, de-clutter our lives, and set off on a brand new adventure. I can’t wait!

Cheers

Gwenyth (and Clive)

**Athy** · February 13, 2013

Athy: Would like to know your reasons for not choosing

I didn't list them because m'learned friends had already made most of the points which I would have made: inconvenient wheelhouse, tricky front deck access, no stove, plus the wheel steering (which I think somebody mentioned subsequent to my post) would be a big no-no for me. You may like it of course, but in my experience it is less positive.

Although many people happily exist without one, it's worth looking at boats which have a separate engine room. Besides accommodating the engine, this serves as a tool store, laundry drying area, coat-hanging space etc.

fudd · February 13, 2013

Hello.

We've been lurking around the forum and reading all interesting & useful posts and it's been fascinating (and very helpful). Now it looks like we're going to be regular visitors as we prepare for life on a narrowboat. We've retired early and are going to buy a narrowboat for continuous cruising, exploring all the canals that we can. Will moor up for the winter freeze. Looking forward to getting rid of years of accummulated "junk" down to the bare necessities. Since we're currently in Durban, South Africa, and we can't very well ship stuff across without breaking the bank. So, out it goes!

We do have a reasonable idea of the costs involved, and the change in lifestyle required. Total boating experience so far, is a one-day hire last year! But we are going to expand on that by renting a boat for a week or so later in May before visiting the Crick Boat Show. I'm originally from Stoke-on-Trent (Staffordshire),my daughter and son-in-law (and granddaughter) live near Basingstoke (so a permanent address is not a problem), my husband is from Durban, but with grandparents from Aberdeen.

Currently looking at this boat as a possible ..http://www.abnb.co.uk/boat_pages/2354web/2354abnb.php?BoatID=2354, anyone got comments or advice on whether this would be a good buy? Don't know engines, so does anyone think this is a good one? Also thinking about installing a pump-out toilet. Is this possible on a boat that's already fitted out? Would appreciate any and all help and advice.

cheers

Gwenyth & Clive

Got any pictures of your Gwenyth!! err I mean guitars? ?

February 13, 2013

(Clive -> I maybe expect too much on this but I was hoping that the bow-thruster would make going to the bow less necessary?? ie bringing it in with bow-thruster and full lock tiller to move more or less sideways? I did manage to do a u-turn on a 45ft widebeam in the Reading canal (not the river) against the current without hitting anything. By the canal junction near the Copa pub, between the A329 bridge and London St bridge.)

I think Clive does expect too much to be honest. Whilst a bowthruster is considered useful or even essential by some boaters (not me) you will still need to jump from the sharp end in some situations.

It wouldn't be so much of an issue if (like a lot of replica Dutch barges) you had nice wide side decks to negotiate to get from the stern to the bow.

Getting to the fore deck over your bed or on narrow gunwales every time you need to will be a pain in the rear.

As I said for that one reason alone I wouldn't buy that particular boat.

Gypsey_Kings · February 13, 2013

Although many people happily exist without one, it's worth looking at boats which have a separate engine room. Besides accommodating the engine, this serves as a tool store, laundry drying area, coat-hanging space etc.

We had written off separate engine rooms, but you bring up some valid points. We will have to start considering them. Thanks for the info..

Got any pictures of your Gwenyth!! err I mean guitars? ??

See avatar and

I think Clive does expect too much to be honest. Whilst a bowthruster is considered useful or even essential by some boaters (not me) you will still need to jump from the sharp end in some situations.

It wouldn't be so much of an issue if (like a lot of replica Dutch barges) you had nice wide side decks to negotiate to get from the stern to the bow.

Getting to the fore deck over your bed or on narrow gunwales every time you need to will be a pain in the rear.

As I said for that one reason alone I wouldn't buy that particular boat.

Ok... Going to have to be the bedroom with the two sidedoors at the foot of the bed....

cheers

Clive

February 13, 2013

Ok... Going to have to be the bedroom with the two sidedoors at the foot of the bed....

cheers

Clive

Not to everyone's taste but Stenson build a boat similar to what I am describing, only one hatch rather than one on either side.

http://www.stensonboats.co.uk/Emerald-Brochure-2011.pdf

**Athy** · February 13, 2013

Not to everyone's taste but Stenson build a boat similar to what I am describing, only one hatch rather than one on either side.

http://www.stensonboats.co.uk/Emerald-Brochure-2011.pdf

Well spotted Martin, that's pretty neat and makes quite good use of space: it would need a stove (easily fitted I'd think) but the access-to-front-deck problem remains.

The 55 foot version of the South West Durham Steelcraft boats as used by Canaltime are comparable - and have two side hatches near the bow as standard.

Skye · February 13, 2013

Not to everyone's taste but Stenson build a boat similar to what I am describing, only one hatch rather than one on either side.

http://www.stensonboats.co.uk/Emerald-Brochure-2011.pdf

That's a lovely layout, but knowing my luck the exit to the pub would be on the opposite side

Gypsey_Kings · February 13, 2013

Not to everyone's taste but Stenson build a boat similar to what I am describing, only one hatch rather than one on either side.

http://www.stensonboats.co.uk/Emerald-Brochure-2011.pdf

Wow that's freaky....this is the design we had put together for ourselves as our preference ...

we were looking at the South West Durham Steelcraft layouts....

Stenson's prices are a bit steep for us tho....

Clive

**Athy** · February 13, 2013

Yes, I thought they might be, I assumed that you would seek a second-hand one (if they ever come uo).

Incidentally, your "posted images" and avatar don't show, at least on this boy's computer.

February 13, 2013

Well spotted Martin, that's pretty neat and makes quite good use of space: it would need a stove (easily fitted I'd think) but the access-to-front-deck problem remains.

The 55 foot version of the South West Durham Steelcraft boats as used by Canaltime are comparable - and have two side hatches near the bow as standard.

We visited one of their boats at Crick built to the same layout which brought it to mind.

nebulae · February 13, 2013

This boat has so many individual features,it rather looks as if it was either built for an owner with lots of ideas but not much experience,or possibly for use on rivers and wide waterways.Anything that is very different from the norm can be very difficult to sell on.Maybe your needs will change and you might want to change,at some time.If you are going to continuous cruise your budget should be enough to buy a very nice boat.Look at lots before you commit.(Are you realy sure you want a pumpout loo?)

Gypsey_Kings · February 13, 2013

Yes, I thought they might be, I assumed that you would seek a second-hand one (if they ever come uo).

Incidentally, your "posted images" and avatar don't show, at least on this boy's computer.

As a test, if you can see our website http://www.studioBB.co.za you should be able to see all of the images posted here (they're on the same server in Germany). [EDIT TO ADD ->] If you can see the studio pic on the front page of the website, that will give some indication of the size of ONE room of our house,and just how big the space change is going to be! But we're ready for it...... I hope!

This boat has so many individual features,it rather looks as if it was either built for an owner with lots of ideas but not much experience,or possibly for use on rivers and wide waterways.Anything that is very different from the norm can be very difficult to sell on.Maybe your needs will change and you might want to change,at some time.If you are going to continuous cruise your budget should be enough to buy a very nice boat.Look at lots before you commit.(Are you realy sure you want a pumpout loo?)

Good point about selling on. We're still open to the kind of boat to buy, but really prefer a reverse layout. I know the toilet is an endless and much debated topic, we'll be hiring a boat in May, which I assume will have a casette toilet so we can try it out and make a decision then. Continuous cruising is our initial aim - we want to see and experience as much as possible of the waterways so we need a good balance of space and functionality. We haven't stopped looking - literally spend hours every day trawling (no pun intended) the internet to see what boats are available.

cheers for now (not staying up till 3am this time !!)

Gwenyth

Edited February 13, 2013 by Gypsey_Kings

bargemast · February 13, 2013

Wow that's freaky....this is the design we had put together for ourselves as our preference ...

we were looking at the South West Durham Steelcraft layouts....

Stenson's prices are a bit steep for us tho....

Clive

If you're lucky enough to find a boat that ticks all the boxes apart from the side doors, they can always be made, and fitted to your boat.

One of the forummembers is a specialist in making, and fitting them, his name is KEDIAN, you can read this too :

My link

Peter.

**Athy** · February 13, 2013

As a test, if you can see our website http://www.studioBB.co.za you should be able to see all of the images posted here Gwenyth

No, that web site is not available, it says.

Graham Davis · February 13, 2013

I know the toilet is an endless and much debated topic, we'll be hiring a boat in May, which I assume will have a casette toilet so we can try it out and make a decision then.

Gwenyth

Most unlikely, as most hire boats use pump-out toilets, since they are more similar to the house toilet hirers are used to.

Skye · February 13, 2013

No, that web site is not available, it says.

I can view it, and if you cut a narrow boat into four pieces it would fit in the one room!

Gwenyth you have some serious down sizing to do!

Good luck

pquinn · February 14, 2013

No, that web site is not available, it says.

cant see it here either.it says 404 forbidden.

Gypsey_Kings · February 14, 2013

If you're lucky enough to find a boat that ticks all the boxes apart from the side doors, they can always be made, and fitted to your boat.

One of the forummembers is a specialist in making, and fitting them, his name is KEDIAN, you can read this too :

My link

Peter.

Thanks for the link - Will make our choice of boat easier, knowing we can retro fit the hatches...

No, that web site is not available, it says.

Made changes should be working now...

Most unlikely, as most hire boats use pump-out toilets, since they are more similar to the house toilet hirers are used to.

oh yes...Looks like we will just have to come and visit all of you .....!!

I can view it, and if you cut a narrow boat into four pieces it would fit in the one room!

Gwenyth you have some serious down sizing to do!

Good luck

Downsizing could end up being easier for us....We will probably only be taking what we can take in the plane !!! EVERYTHING has to go...

cant see it here either.it says 404 forbidden.

Made changes should be working now...

cheers

Clive

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