Long term rental

[Redneck]

Evening all

 

Like so many other people on here, I have been considering 'living aboard' for a great many years. I almost bought a boat 11 years ago, but then my son came along so that was the end of that! Time hasn't dampened my enthusiasm and spending my weekends in Devizes has actually made me worse!

 

I live a comfortable life on my own, I earn well, and I don't owe anyone a penny but I'm bored rigid with the same old same old! I'm ex Army so I love the great outdoors and have a huge sense of adventure and I feel if I don't so something soon (I'm 43) then I never will. Before I take the plunge I need to know if the life is for me. I think it is but who knows?

 

So, does anyone know of an agency or private owner who would consider renting me a boat on a residential mooring for 3 - 6 months+ (over the winter) anywhere from Newbury along to Devizes? I like the idea of cruising but with working full time and studying for a diploma, it's simply not practical at the moment.

 

I suspect this is a non starter but I thought it was worth an ask.

 

Many thanks

Phil

[Ray T]

Lots of answers here:

 

http://www.canalworld.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=57525&hl=%2Brenting+%2Bnarrow+%2Bboat#entry1091082

 

and here:

 

http://www.canalworld.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=55204

Edited September 11, 2014 by Ray T

[Redneck]

Many thanks Ray.

 

After reading the links it looks like a duffer to me. Never mind!

Edited September 11, 2014 by Redneck

[Grace and Favour]

Welcome to the forum, Redneck.

 

As you say, you've asked a question oft asked.

 

In truth, there are few 'private' boats that are legal to lease, for the boats require a more stringent BSS (Safety) certificate, different (more expensive) insurance, and registration as an hire boat with the Canal and River Trust. Few, if any, private boat owners will do this.

 

However, you could approach any of the hire boat companies and ask if they'd offer a long term hire throught the winter (when they don't normally hire many craft out), or contact ETRR (Escape The Rat Race) - a narrowboat hire company that specialise in long term hire. (Though not inexpensive)

 

To make a 'private hire' may be beset with legal complications, not the least of which may be insurance and licence validity problems for the owner - though that's not to say that such arrangements don't exist.

[RLWP]

It isn't necessarily a duffer. It's just that you are unlikely to achieve this formally, through an agency for instance

 

Richard

Edited September 11, 2014 by RLWP

[Redneck]

Many thanks for all your honest replies.

 

Approaching a hire company and/or ETRR is a great idea and has to be worth a go. What's the worst they can say?

 

I think It's worthy of further investigation so perhaps I'll have a chat with the hire companies in Devizes at the weekend and test the water ('scuse the pun!)

 

Thanks again

Phil

[RLWP]

You need to find a way of talking to boat owners in the area you are interested in as well

 

Richard

[Redneck]

Richard

 

Good advice so I'll definitely do that as I often walk up and down the Caen Hill Flight admiring their boats. The vast majority are very friendly and some have even invited me aboard for a look around.

 

Thanks

Phil

[Arthur Brown]

http://www.canalworld.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=69764&hl=

 

Read this thread, see whether you want to be their off peak share owner.

[Redneck]

Thanks Arthur

 

More food for thought

[junior]

Evening all

 

Like so many other people on here, I have been considering 'living aboard' for a great many years. I almost bought a boat 11 years ago, but then my son came along so that was the end of that! Time hasn't dampened my enthusiasm and spending my weekends in Devizes has actually made me worse!

 

I live a comfortable life on my own, I earn well, and I don't owe anyone a penny but I'm bored rigid with the same old same old! I'm ex Army so I love the great outdoors and have a huge sense of adventure and I feel if I don't so something soon (I'm 43) then I never will. Before I take the plunge I need to know if the life is for me. I think it is but who knows?

 

So, does anyone know of an agency or private owner who would consider renting me a boat on a residential mooring for 3 - 6 months+ (over the winter) anywhere from Newbury along to Devizes? I like the idea of cruising but with working full time and studying for a diploma, it's simply not practical at the moment.

 

I suspect this is a non starter but I thought it was worth an ask.

 

Many thanks

Phil

I'm ex Forces, although a bit younger and only left last year. I bloody love it, I'm sure you will.

 

Don't bother renting, you might as well rip £50 notes up and smoke them. 6 months rent at £500pm is £3k. Buy yourself a £25k boat and if after 6 months you decide you don't like it, sell it again. You are unlikely to loose £3k on it in that short space of time.

[14skipper]

There was a black prince boat in diglis basin in worcester last winter on a long term hire about 4 months.,so they maybe worth a try.Seem to think that boat was going to be sold before the new "season " started.

 

14skipper

[junior]

There was a black prince boat in diglis basin in worcester last winter on a long term hire about 4 months.,so they maybe worth a try.Seem to think that boat was going to be sold before the new "season " started.

 

14skipper

Ditto for a Wyvern Shipping boat from Leighton Buzzard pottering about in London all last winter.