Todays assignment was to carry out an Insurance Survey and some Ultrasonic Thickness Measurements on this steel Narrowboat at Brooms Boats, on the South Broads. It is owned by a young couple who will be using it as a live aboard.
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So you've decided to take the plunge and buy a boat to live on? Here's my advice on what to get and things to watch out for:
Narrowboats are a natural choice for many people living aboard. They are relatively inexpensive and can travel virtually anywhere inland (a 57ft long narrowboat is the largest inland craft that will fit down every waterway). The construction is usually steel which is robust and easy to maintain, although when the boat gets old it will need plates welding on which can be expensive. Most second hand narrowboats are suitable for living aboard, although the internal layout may need changing, especially if it was previously used as a hire boat (lots of bunks at the expense of living space). However, if you want a light, spacious feel then a narrowboat is not for you. They are only 6ft 10' wide and so even a full 70ft long narrowboat will still 'feel' small. The width makes it difficult to fit normal sofas and furnishings.
If you want a narrowboat that make best use of cabin space, go for a 'traditional' type. This has a minimal amount of deck space, so that only one person can stand at the back. This makes it hard to take guests out for a cruise because they have to stay inside or clamber onto the roof. However, a major plus is that most trad boats have the engine inside the rear cabin and so you can work on the engine without freezing your hands or getting soaked.
A 'cruiser' type narrowboat is one that has a large, open rear deck, perfect for taking guests out for a cruise but at the expense of cabin space. The engine will be below the deck and you'll have to work on it in the open.
A compromise is reached with 'semi trad' narrowboats. These look like a trad boat in profile but have a medium sized rear deck that can be covered with a large hatch or tarpaulin for keeping the weather out while you work on the engine.
A major disadvantage with narrowboats is that they are unsuitable for mooring on tidal berths where they take a grounding every day. You can beach a narrowboat if the ground is completely flat and soft, but if you beach on rocks, pebbles, rubbish or undulating ground then you run the risk of distorting or folding the hull. This plus the general unseaworthiness of narrowboats makes them unsuitable if you're thinking of mooring in an estuary or on the coast.
Thinking of Buying a Boat and Need Help? I will assist you to make an informed decision. Contact me for a detailed and comprehensive report at: steventruss1@aol.com
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| 90 HP Gardner engine, a real classic diesel... |
So you've decided to take the plunge and buy a boat to live on? Here's my advice on what to get and things to watch out for:
Narrowboats are a natural choice for many people living aboard. They are relatively inexpensive and can travel virtually anywhere inland (a 57ft long narrowboat is the largest inland craft that will fit down every waterway). The construction is usually steel which is robust and easy to maintain, although when the boat gets old it will need plates welding on which can be expensive. Most second hand narrowboats are suitable for living aboard, although the internal layout may need changing, especially if it was previously used as a hire boat (lots of bunks at the expense of living space). However, if you want a light, spacious feel then a narrowboat is not for you. They are only 6ft 10' wide and so even a full 70ft long narrowboat will still 'feel' small. The width makes it difficult to fit normal sofas and furnishings.
If you want a narrowboat that make best use of cabin space, go for a 'traditional' type. This has a minimal amount of deck space, so that only one person can stand at the back. This makes it hard to take guests out for a cruise because they have to stay inside or clamber onto the roof. However, a major plus is that most trad boats have the engine inside the rear cabin and so you can work on the engine without freezing your hands or getting soaked.
A 'cruiser' type narrowboat is one that has a large, open rear deck, perfect for taking guests out for a cruise but at the expense of cabin space. The engine will be below the deck and you'll have to work on it in the open.
A compromise is reached with 'semi trad' narrowboats. These look like a trad boat in profile but have a medium sized rear deck that can be covered with a large hatch or tarpaulin for keeping the weather out while you work on the engine.
A major disadvantage with narrowboats is that they are unsuitable for mooring on tidal berths where they take a grounding every day. You can beach a narrowboat if the ground is completely flat and soft, but if you beach on rocks, pebbles, rubbish or undulating ground then you run the risk of distorting or folding the hull. This plus the general unseaworthiness of narrowboats makes them unsuitable if you're thinking of mooring in an estuary or on the coast.
Thinking of Buying a Boat and Need Help? I will assist you to make an informed decision. Contact me for a detailed and comprehensive report at: steventruss1@aol.com
