Motorhoming v Narrowboating ?

[Blue Knight]

Funsters, I'll soon be able to offer up a review of the two as we've just bought our first narrowboat.

We had originally settled for a 63-footer but the owner of said boat happened to mess us about quite significantly so in the end we opted for a 57ft NB instead. TBH I think we dodged a bullet with the longer one as it would have been harder to park it outside a beer garden or one of the canal-based pubs

It'll do around 13mpg @ 3mph, locks dependent, so we won't be rushing anywhere - and the red diesel cost is only 69.9p/liter for now until the new white diesel rule kicks-in sometime next year.

Just be sure to keep an eye out for the local newspaper reports in 4-6 weeks from now for an article similiar to the following

"Newbie Narrowboaters Sink Boat on Maiden Voyage".

Can't wait.

 

[MisterB]

Bon voyage...

We had a cruiser on the Broads, used it once in 2 years !!! So we got rid and bought a MH !!! Canal boat though is totally different. Just make sure you actually use it !!

 

[Jimbohorlicks]

You won't be able to tow that very far.

 

[Landy Andy]

Keep the grey drain shut, or you will upset the motorbikes

 

[tonka]

My son's father in law used to build them. A few times he took us out for the day. We only ever went to the same place with a canal side pub and came back due to the speed and locks etc. Seemed an ideal day until I found I could get to the same place in the car in 30mins

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[Toady]

Lived on a canal boat in Tamworth for 2 years. Travelled extensively and loved it. Loads of great pubs beside the canal. Good luck and enjoy

 

[steve 6644]

Sounds like you have let yourself in for for a lot of joy, never had one but like the sound of the peace and quiet, if that still exists on narrow boats.

Try not to make the headlines with...

'Man tries to park motorhome on narrow boat in confused hobby conflict catastrophy'

 

[Carolyn and Kev]

Just before you get the questions regarding the A frame and towing...............


Kev Bon Voyage

 

[Blue Knight]

Bon voyage...

We had a cruiser on the Broads, used it once in 2 years !!! So we got rid and bought a MH !!! Canal boat though is totally different. Just make sure you actually use it !!

Thankfully we are permanently unemployed now so the aim is to toodle off for 6-8 weeks at a time.

We've also booked a lovely marina for the first year so at least we'll always have a home base to return to. It just keeps everything simple for the first year.

 

[Blue Knight]

Lived on a canal boat in Tamworth for 2 years. Travelled extensively and loved it. Loads of great pubs beside the canal. Good luck and enjoy

We've already had some fantastic times by the canals so long may they continue Toady.

The canals still have a few issues like anything else in life (lock repairs, canal closures, dredging etc), but the pace of life is wonderful.

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[Blue Knight]

View attachment 425865

Just before you get the questions regarding the A frame and towing...............


Kev Bon Voyage

Might get one of them for the dog, Kev.

Don't give me any ideas sir

 

[steve 6644]

That sounds spot on and sensible, what have you got to lose other than less important things that take your time. Good luck with it, I'm looking forward to hearing how it all goes.

 

[JockandRita]

We have a few friends who are/were narrow boaters. We once helped to crew a boat back from Oundle Marina to Peterborough Yacht Club, a journey I can do in the car in 15-20 minutes.
It took us the best part of 8 x hours to get this boat back to P/Boro. When it was suggested that Rita and I might become boat owners, I politely informed them that there was no fear of that happening, as the time it had taken to navigate our way back, could see Rita and I in Northern Germany, in our MH.

Good luck with your new venture.

Cheers,

Jock.

 

[Eggs]

I was a live aboard and loved it. You've done right going for 57' any longer and there are many parts of the system you can't navigate.

 

[Blue Knight]

'Man tries to park motorhome on narrow boat in confused hobby conflict catastrophy'

Thanks Steve,

Nicky and I have been quite confused for some time (Airstream and Morelo threads apply) so I'm just relieved that we've finally made a decision on something.

The boat has a 16 bottle wine rack so ideal for social sessions.

That said, I wonder what the law stipulates about drinking and boating at 2mph

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[Carolyn and Kev]

Just as a matter of interest ....Fradley Junction to Great Haywood Junction normally 5 to 6 hours by NB . This year .........9hrs and is becoming the " Norm " because of how many folks have now decided to holiday on a boat due to Covid!
The important bit is that you enjoy it regardless. You get where you want to "When ever you do" . Forget the time tables that they put in the "Nicholsons Guides"on how long it takes. At the present........It does not work!

Once you have done it...you will have the 'Boaty bug' for life.
We have lived on board for a number of years and enjoyed every bit of it. Miss it loads too



Kev

 

[MaidinDevon]

I shall follow this with great interest. I would love to spend the summer pootling about on the canals, and the winter in the motorhome, preferably somewhere warm.

I have been to view several. And watched loads of vlogs.

But I don't think I am confident enough to boat solo.

So it remains a dream for now.

Karen

 

[Blue Knight]

My son's father in law used to build them. A few times he took us out for the day. We only ever went to the same place with a canal side pub and came back due to the speed and locks etc. Seemed an ideal day until I found I could get to the same place in the car in 30mins

Crickey, Steve, our permanent mooring is only 50-miles away from you mate. I can jump in the boat and pop over and see you - It'll take about 10-days though - but why rush a good thing.

Pop down for a beer in your posh van.

 

[mike mcglynn]

I have seen so many different narrowboats since the Royal Albert Dock became part of National Waterways but one thing in common is the beautiful furniture and fittings in the living areas,

 

[Blue Knight]

Just as a matter of interest ....Fradley Junction to Great Haywood Junction normally 5 to 6 hours by NB . This year .........9hrs and is becoming the " Norm " because of how many folks have now decided to holiday on a boat due to Covid!

.........and that appears to be one of the drawbacks, i.e. hire & day boats contesting parts of the canals and in some cases causing a right pickle.

Nicky and I saw our first incident of narrowboat rage the other day when a rental boat cut up a regular boater and then crashed into a moored boat.

The hobby is not without its problems but the regular boaters are a very friendly bunch of folk.

I didn't know that you were a former liveaboard?

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[steve 6644]

Thanks Steve,

Nicky and I have been quite confused for some time (Airstream and Morelo threads apply) so I'm just relieved that we've finally made a decision on something.

The boat has a 16 bottle wine rack so ideal for social sessions.

That said, I wonder what the law stipulates about drinking and boating at 2mph

A 16 Rack is considered a good starting point, a beer butty is more thorough though

 

[Eggs]

I shall follow this with great interest. I would love to spend the summer pootling about on the canals, and the winter in the motorhome, preferably somewhere warm.

I have been to view several. And watched loads of vlogs.

But I don't think I am confident enough to boat solo.

So it remains a dream for now.

Karen

You'd be fine on your own once you got used to it, I met my ex missus when I had my boat she had never been on a narrowboat before, within the first week she could handle the boat and locks no problem, her reversing did take a lot to be desired though.

 

[Blue Knight]

I shall follow this with great interest. I would love to spend the summer pootling about on the canals, and the winter in the motorhome, preferably somewhere warm.

I have been to view several. And watched loads of vlogs.

But I don't think I am confident enough to boat solo.

So it remains a dream for now.

Karen

Karen,

All I'll say is the world has gone mad with regards to Narrowboats whereby the good ones are being sold within the first 4-8 hours of first going on the market.

We bought ours via a broker but in our case the boat had just come in to the marina and had not gone live on the internet.

There's a whole load of crap boats on the market so be very careful if you proceed further....

.........and don't think for one second that you'll get much support from the boat brokers as they are out for themselves only.

That said, the ABNB Brockerage at Crick is probably the best out there and the sales staff play a straight bat.

I reckon that boat sales will continue at this crazy fast pace for a good while yet.

Also, the boats are selling so quickly because people can no longer afford bricks and mortar and are forced onto the canals which, by comparison, is much cheaper.

Good luck with whatever you decide

All the best,

Andrew

 

[Blue Knight]

A 16 Rack is considered a good starting point, a beer butty is more thorough though

Now that's an idea. I saw my first butty only a few weeks ago and I've met one guy who actually pulls his gear in a towed butty. Crickey, he must be carrying some crap to need that!

 

[Blue Knight]

I have seen so many different narrowboats since the Royal Albert Dock became part of National Waterways but one thing in common is the beautiful furniture and fittings in the living areas,

Ah, but we've seen some right 'earthy' boats recently Mike.

Our boat has a very fresh and modern feel as I couldn't for the life of me go for a proper traditional set-up - just too old fashioned for me.

Also, some of the build quality of the internal fit-outs are fairly poor but they still sell surprisingly well.

That said, we saw a distinct connection between the build quality of the lower priced UK built NBs and that of any new motorhome; i.e. they are getting lighter, flimsier and poorer in build quality.

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[Carolyn and Kev]

Nicky and I saw our first incident of narrowboat rage the other day when a rental boat cut up a regular boater and then crashed into a moored boat.

The hobby is not without its problems but the regular boaters are a very friendly bunch of folk.

I didn't know that you were a former liveaboard?

Yes bud...On board from 1996 to 2009 . First boat (excuse the images ) NB Lyndon's lair. Became Mr Prickles and our home for 3 years. Came off that and moved onto a 70ft NB Cosy From Barry Hawkins yard Atherstone.(Pictures available if interested)
Moved off 'Cosy" on to a 70ft Tug 'Black Bart'.
Loved every minute of life on the cut.
Pictures of 'Mr Prickles' internally after spending a lot of time revamping it and having it painted by ourselves. The picture on the port side shows myself and Carolyn just after our wedding .
We were actually married in Lichfield and our reception was carried out on board the NB Milford Star.

 

[CazPaul]

Sounds a great lifestyle, enjoy Andrew, I can't comment as I've never even stepped foot on a boat.

 

[Carolyn and Kev]

I shall follow this with great interest. I would love to spend the summer pootling about on the canals, and the winter in the motorhome, preferably somewhere warm.

I have been to view several. And watched loads of vlogs.

But I don't think I am confident enough to boat solo.

So it remains a dream for now.

Karen

Hi Karen.

As Andrew has mentioned ..Abnb is possibly the best but look on Apollo Duck web site too. Look up boat builders and research as much as possible.

Kev

 

[Blue Knight]

I was a live aboard and loved it. You've done right going for 57' any longer and there are many parts of the system you can't navigate.

It's funny that you should say that as my initial search criteria was 100% set on a 57-footer; but then, by accident, a beautiful 63ft boat came along and we thought "sod it, we can still use it on a whole load of canals".

It was just by a number of unforseen circumstances that we ended up with a 57ft.

As you say though, I think we've done the right thing.

 

[Blue Knight]

Sounds a great lifestyle, enjoy Andrew, I can't comment as I've never even stepped foot on a boat.

I can get you free parking and EHU when you pop down Paul

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