Buying a New Canal Boat

This is one of the biggest decisions next to buying a house, so don't let yourself get carried away. It is essential that you research your purchase and have a good idea of your essential requirments, before even asking for quotes. It is also a good idea if you have a rough idea of the layout you want and decide how you wish to use the limited space that you have on a boat. As a rough guide a 57foot narrowboat will have a cabin floor area of 42foot by 6foot.

 

 

Getting started

A fully- fitted new  narrowboat is not your only option. You can choose a second- hand craft, boat share or if you are a experienced craftsman, you can buy a 'sailaway' to fit out yourself. Though narrowboats are the most common, you could also choose a wide beam or dutch barge depending on the waterways you want to cruise.

whatever you settle for, you should always have hired a boat beforehand. You should also look for moorings early on, even if you don't take them up immediately.

• Make sure the boat you choose fit your requirments?
• Cheak your budget - Can you afford it?

Have you identified a mooring?

Boat design

You can choose a ready built or bespoke boat. With a off-the-peg boat, the build layout tent to be much simpler against a bespoke boat is built entirely to your requirements, be carefull not to be too individual as it may be harder to resell. Narrowboats prices are roughly proportional to length unless you are looking at a boat below 45 foot the cost  per foot will achually increase.

• Will the boat size fit the waterways you want to cruise?( some locks are around 58ft long)
• Will your design suit your cruising patterns?( would you resent assembling a bed every night)           

Choosing a builder

Look at more than one builder, visit a boat show to see what what kind of layout would suit you.Speak to other owners for advice. Visit the boatyards itself and meet the proprietors. Inspect at least one of their previous boats or a boat in build. If a builder offers you a boat at too good to be true price, it probably is.

• Does the builder have experience of your desired features?
• Have you researched the history of the company?

Dealing with a builder

The right contract is essential. You should use the standard British Marine Federation staged payment contract.

Agree the final boat design in writing at a face -to-face meeting, including the equipment to be fitted, materials to be used and a plan of the layout. Than sign up to an agreed price and a realistic completion date, including dates of staged payments, each to be made only after work is complete to the stage stated in the contract.

• Have you arranged finance?
• Does your contract avoid large deposits, advance payments, any payments in cash?
• Have you agreed transfer of ownership when a third party (e.g. shell-builder) is involved?
• Will you be able to visit regularly to cheak on progress - including at least once with out an appointment?

Accepting your new boat

The boat must be built to the requirements of the european Recreational Craft Directive, including full documentation. When you are ready to cruise, you will need a mooring, a licence and insurance.