Marinas / Mooring Sites that will allow me to rent my NB...

[DiamanteDog]

Hi, I am shortly moving abroad, and have a 70' narrowboat which I have lived on for the past few years. She is in great condition, recently repainted, etc, but because of the age of the hull (late 80s) and the typical broker's bleat about the resale market being at rock bottom right now, I'd like to rent her out ("houseboat" only type basis, so no cruising permitted). And at least I will still have my home if things don't work out for me overseas! I rented another boat out about 12 years ago, to a wonderful couple who really appreciated and looked after her, but unfortunately the agent who helped me to set everything up has sadly passed away.

 

My question is, does anyone know of anywhere that allows subletting to tennants (or will at least "turn a blind eye" to the fact that someone else is "looking after the boat" in my absence!!)? I was based in London, but although the marina I was in were quite happy to take the blind-eye approach to people living aboard, threw up objections when I raised the subject of letting. The boat is currently on brokerage, but I'm really not happy about the situation. I would prefer the boat to stay within striking / commuter distance of London if at all possible, but I'm open to other suggestions, and all suggestions will be gratefully recieved! Thanks in advance, folks :-)

[junior]

Have a read through the Pinned Topic 'boat hire'.

 

Whilst it won't give you the answer to your question I don't think, it will make you aware of some of your other responsibilities should you wish to rent your boat out.

[Lady Muck]

No CRT moorings will let you do it, most private moorings won't either. Although there are probably quite a few CRT moorings where it goes on, I reckon.

A friend of mine just came a cropper - shes on a private mooring and wanted to rent for two months. I told her i thought her moorings manager would say no, but she just assumed that they'd say yes and found a tenant. The moorings manager hit the roof and she ended up in a very tricky situation trying and failing to find somewhere for the tenant at the last minute.

BUT I'm told that Roydon marina in Essex will let you do it - a friend made enquiries and they said yes. You could try them? If its not on CRT water in a marina, then perhaps the usual requirements don't apply?

If you are on CRT water then requirements are quite strict.

If you just want to keep the boat while you are abroad can you just not store it on hardstanding somewhere? Cheaper and less hassle than renting it.

Edited January 25, 2014 by Lady Muck

[blackrose]

No CRT moorings will let you do it, most private moorings won't either.

 

Unless the moorings are residential of course. I know several people on CRT residential moorings who have rented. Our own Wanted (Rob) used to rent on a BW/CRT residential mooring at Brentford.

[Alan de Enfield]

The deciding question is will you be renting for 'money' or are you wanting a 'house sitter' ?

 

The answer will determine if you need to meet a big heap of regulations, or not.

[PaddingtonBear]

How are you going to prevent any tenant just sailing off, especially if you are abroad. It all sounds a bit fraught to me. Perhaps put your advert. on here and get some advice or even perhaps even a purchaser.

[Lady Muck]

Unless the moorings are residential of course. I know several people on CRT residential moorings who have rented. Our own Wanted (Rob) used to rent on a BW/CRT residential mooring at Brentford.

Are you sure about that?CRT mooring terms regarding subletting are same whether they're leisure or residential. it's general condition 3. Does depend on the moorings warden, though. i have sublet myself, but the mooring, not my boat and only for five months with wardens approval.

[Grace and Favour]

DiamanteDog - Please be very careful - and fully research what you are considering... here's two potential situations:-

 

If you wish to do the rental legally - I understand that your boat requires a (much stricter) annual BSS, you have to ensure full facilities such as waste disposal, water and power for your tenants, you will require a commerecial 'hirers' insurance policy, and you have to obtain a commercial business licence from CRT.

 

If you don't wish to do this rental legally, your insurance will be invalidated, and if your tenant damages, or disappears with, your boat, it will be much more difficult to recover it, your mooring arrangement may be invalidated, or CRT may refuse to issue your annual licence.

 

 

I think keeping the boat on a hard standing awaiting your return would be your best option

Edited January 25, 2014 by Grace & Favour
edited for spelllling

[blackrose]

Are you sure about that?CRT mooring terms regarding subletting are same whether they're leisure or residential. it's general condition 3. Does depend on the moorings warden, though. i have sublet myself, but the mooring, not my boat and only for five months with wardens approval.

 

No I'm not sure about CRT's mooring terms as I haven't looked into them, but I am sure that the boat Rob and others before him were renting, was let out with the full knowledge and official approval of BW/CRT (not just the moorings warden). I also know other people who've been officially renting boats on residential moorings.

 

Perhaps Rob can enlighten us further.

Edited January 25, 2014 by blackrose

[DiamanteDog]

Thanks everyone for taking the time to respond. Crikey, it sounds a complete minefield, although why am I not surprised in this wretched country? If they can tie us up in red tape, make us jump through hoops, and thwart us at every turn, it seems they will. Okay, rant over,promise!

 

Lady Muck, thank you for the heads up on Roydon. I will make some enquiries, and also have a chat to our boat safety guy to get the lowdown on the additional regs. I want to do things as ligit as possible, and I would be happy to pay the moorings manager a percentage of the rent just to keep an eye on things for me, but it seems from what you're all suggesting that this may be more trouble than its worth. :-( If anyone has any further ideas, I'm all ears! I don't really mind where in the country the boat ends up, so long as she's safe, and cared for.

 

As far as the hardstanding idea goes, it's a good one, and certainly another option I haven't though of, but I wouldn't know where to start, so again, if anyone can help, I'd be grateful. It would have to be pretty cheap, as my finances are going to be really tight for a while. :-)