scrappapertiger Posted July 11, 2015 Report Share Posted July 11, 2015 (edited) Hi everyone, we are new to the community and new to boating, so looking for some advice on a boat we are considering buying (for a small business with commercial mooring; not live aboard). Before viewing the boat we were advised (by boating friends, sadly not local so couldn't come along) to look out for rust on the waterline and in the bilge. There seems to be rust in both areas (see pics), though we're unsure how superficial. The owner unfortunately has not had a survey done, though it has been out for reblacking about three years ago and he says should be slightly overdue another three coats now (Comastic). It's a 55ft 1999 narrowboat which will also be needing a new engine. Obviously we'd be looking to get a full survey done before commiting anything, but my question is, based on these issues, is it worth it at all or would it be better (particularly given our inexperience) to walk away (or possibly try to haggle down substantially)? We're not shy of doing the work, but would like to pay a fair price and know what we might be walking into. Perhaps estimated price ranges (for boat or work) would also be useful, though I know this might not really be enough info to go on. Thanks in advance! Attached are some pics we took of the rusty areas: Edited July 11, 2015 by scrappapertiger Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Southern Star Posted July 11, 2015 Report Share Posted July 11, 2015 You really cannot tell how bad the corrosion is from photos, or even by looking at it, only an out-of-water survey using ultrasound equipment can tell you this. If it needs a new engine then you really need to factor in anything up to £5,000 for this. My gut instinct would be to walk away, there are plenty of boats out there for sale. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RLWP Posted July 11, 2015 Report Share Posted July 11, 2015 (edited) How can it need a new engine in just sixteen years? Richard MORE: because it hasn't got one! Edited July 11, 2015 by RLWP Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Southern Star Posted July 11, 2015 Report Share Posted July 11, 2015 Looks like it hasn't had an engine for quite a while, normally the little drips and drops of oil here and there help with the rustproofing. Doesn't appear to have an engine bund either, I may be wrong but I thought boats had to have one? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scrappapertiger Posted July 11, 2015 Author Report Share Posted July 11, 2015 I guess the big thing making us look more is that the mooring, business prospects and interior of the boat itself are all somewhat unique and very well suited to us. It's the structural integrity (how much fixing) and related asking price that's a concern - weighing up the two is the big issue. The current engine apparently blew out after a botched job fixing a kinked cooling pipe about four years ago and has been having overheating issues since, despite a rebuild... The owner is recommending selling it on and getting a new one (though given he hasn't been able to figure out the exact cause of the overheating, the resale price doesn't feel like something we can count on). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DHutch Posted July 11, 2015 Report Share Posted July 11, 2015 Sounds like a minefield, but at the right price anything can be a good price. Are you sure the mooring rights are transferable, and included in the sale? They might well be but sometimes even if the current wants to pass them on they can be non-transferable. Daniel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scrappapertiger Posted July 11, 2015 Author Report Share Posted July 11, 2015 Yup, seen the last transfer docs and will be calling Scottish canals to confirm, but that bit all looks fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard10002 Posted July 11, 2015 Report Share Posted July 11, 2015 After 3.5 years since the last survey and blacking, my boat came out of the water in May. Lots of superficial rust on the hull which wire brushed off with a bit of effort. Lots of superficial surface rust where I can see into the bilges, but no big deal. If it hasn't been blacked/out of the water for 3 years, it will be rusty. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scrappapertiger Posted July 21, 2015 Author Report Share Posted July 21, 2015 Thanks for the helpful comments. I forgot my login so haven't got back in to comment for a few days We're going back to having a serious think about this... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Athy Posted July 21, 2015 Report Share Posted July 21, 2015 What is the nature of the business, and what makes this boat particularly suitable for it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matty40s Posted July 21, 2015 Report Share Posted July 21, 2015 (edited) Comastic , properly prepared, does NOT strip along the waterline like that has. It gets knocked off during bashes under and above water but areas of non contact remain true. This also seems to be the 2nd query about the same boat?? Edited July 21, 2015 by matty40s Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
haggis Posted July 21, 2015 Report Share Posted July 21, 2015 Make sure you check and get a reply in writing from Scottish canals re transfer of moorings. I gather that there are new "procedures" in this area and things are probably not as they were the last time the boat changed hands. haggis Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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