Hi Alan, lots of things to consider. You laid it all out very well. This will give me a bit of structure so I don’t go blindly stumbling around like usual and miss all the important things. Thanks a lot 👍
Glad it was of help. I can't stress how important it is to get a survey done. I didn't mention it but the surveyor will do ultra sound checks on the thickness of the hull and advise on it's condition. Cheers
We all know that this is not the world's most exciting and gripping video - you even said this yourself in Part one, but my God these two videos are so packed with key information and guidance that absolutely every person even considering buying a narrowboat (or even a widebeam perhaps) should watch them and bookmark them for regular reference. As you point out, not everyone will have the same priorities as you but these two videos really give viewers the questions they need to ask themselves before even viewing boats, let alone opening a wallet. The importance of space in the various parts of the boat rather than just overall size is well noted. One key point I had not considered because I did not know there were differences is the height above waterline of the stern deck so that you can have a cover that you can keep up going through bridges. For a winter cruiser that seems to be something well worth noting. Thank you for these videos. I note they are from 3 years ago. Have you done any follow up to them taking into consideration your experience in the years since you made this video? I have now subscribed so that I will see new videos as they are released and so that I can find earlier ones too.
Greetings and welcome aboard. Thank you for your in depth comment, which is much appreciated, and for subscribing to my channel. Often an advantage will have a disadvantage. As my rear deck is 10" lower than the gunwales, it means my forward vision is substantially reduced but that doesn't bother me. It's a long while since I looked at these videos and I haven't done any specific follow ups but I touch on all manner of things in my videos and can't recall everything. I hope you will have the chance to look through my back catalogue, I tend to cover cruising, DIY, walks and talks, canal related repairs, other water related and heritage subjects. I also arrange some topics in playlists, especially the longer cruises, to assist the viewer. I hope you enjoy watching my channel, all the best Alan.
My husband and I started watching your videos and experienced so much joy. We hope to return to England to do some narrow boating when things calm down. Thank-you so much!
Hi Kelli, many thanks for getting in touch and for watching the channel, I'm pleased you've both found it of interest and hope you get back soon. Take care, all the best Alan
Excellent, a really comprehensive and useful guide for anyone considering buying a boat for the first time. This will certainly save some bad decisions being made and disappointment. Thank you for the effort you put in to help others.
For those that are looking to purchase a N/B Alan some very good points to look for (only wished they had come 12 months earlier)! I was looking at 30's but came across Misty J (40') and quickly realised I didn't have rearrange the lounge to a bedroom every night, plus also extra 10' storage/freedom to move area. Yes the old foot here and there would still be useful but we adapt. Handrail a must, far better for drainage of the roof (also advantage of no deadbry/slime building up) and for me a small focal point + my two centre lines are attached to the handrails. One thing you forgot to mention is the fact of health, mine has vastly improved mentally and physically, more at home (with inner self & nature). a large THUMBS UP for the content you put into this video.
I thought I had responded to you yesterday, sorry. We all have to adapt to what we have and you seem to have done so. I'm so pleased to hear about your health, it's a lovely life. All the best Alan
Holy moly!!! That's been an eye opener for a landlubbing South African intending to buy a boat.. So many choices... For me and the missus, definately no less than 55 ft.. Now comes the expenses... Thanks Alan, very informative.. Go well.. Till we meet!
Hi Lex. I’m glad you found it useful, have you watched Part One, if not, give it a go, as it’ll give you more to think about. 57/58ft is quite a common size to look out for. All the best, take care.
I've watching for a while these various RU-vid videos on narrow boating and yours are by far the best. I don't know if I will ever actually pull the trigger on buying one but your presentations are frankly, delightful and informative. Thanks from Texas.
A thorough and detailed explanation of everything and obviously well thought about based on your experience Alan.I was impressed with the meticulous attention to all areas regarding maintenance painting and stowage of equipment etc .As an ex Mariner I know these things are vital for a good safe vesssel Cheers from Canada ,stay safe
Hi Alan, that was really such a useful insight into owning a boat, it really should be used by the brokers as a “before you buy essential guide”..! I’m sure I read somewhere that it takes at least two boats before you find the right one, having lived with all of the prior imperfections before finding utopia. We bought what is our first boat very much on impulse, and I can honestly say that we fell lucky in so many respects, with little if anything that we would change with the benefit of hindsight. Juniper is 58’ and we’re really happy. You really make the viewer feel like they are receiving advice from an experienced friend...stay safe and thanks again for all of your hard work in producing high quality content..🍷🍷
Hi Steve, thank you very much for your comment, which is really appreciated. This type of video does involve a lot more work than the cruising ones. I tend to worry a bit about the length but I've had some nice comments, saying the time went quickly. Sounds as though you got it 'right first time'. I've come to the view that 52 to 57ft would be the right sort of size for me, not that I'm planning on changing. Cheers
Good day Alan. A very informative opinion on your boat. I suspect if you change her your off to 57 feet. Any second hand purchase is one of compromise. Boat building is done from standard templates which will not address inherent design flaws in the build. Those who have the money to have a boat built but have no knowledge will fall into standard traps. Colin and Shaun of Silver Fox went through their new boat build in a series of vlogs at different stages exercising a degree of control and supervision. They achieved a good level of quality more than most. But you cannot change basic boat build flaws in current designs. The biggest problem with previous owned boats is owners purchased on compromise and then alter what they bought. Making the boat potentially problematic to new owners. Always good to see you on our screens Alan. Keep safe and dry and virus free.
I'm not planning to change but I think if I did, it would be in that order of length. My boat is as built, it hasn't been changed at all and I manage fairly well as I'm on my own. Thanks for your comments. All the best Alan. Take care.
Lots of great points you brought up. I agree that top rail is essential as a single boater. It is much like a RV and what you must consider for floor plans and options👍🏻
Lots of good information Alan! I bet I know more about narrowboats than anyone in the mountains of North Carolina USA! Love the narrowboat lifestyle! Thanks for sharing!!
Great chat Alan. As a newby to these boating videos I really like the personal "no sell " chats . I m in the same boat as you , if you pardon the pun 🤣👍. I ve just retired and am thinking of doing the same by buying a boat ., so all these little tips are fantastic, keep them coming and one day we might be waving as we pass or stop for a pint , that s if we're allowed 🤔🤗
Many thanks for your kind words, I do hope whatever you decide comes together well for you and that you have many years of happy boating. I’m fairly well known now along the Leicester Section where I’m moored, so our paths could well cross. Cheers, all the best and good luck😀
Brilliantly informative video ! I can see now why so many of the boats on the network are 52 / 57 ft. Hope you can make the most of the eased lock down and the good weather. Best wishes.
Many thanks, glad you enjoyed it. Your remark on length has also become quite apparent to me. Being in the marina, the eased lockdown, won't have a significant effect, as we still have to return the same day (for the time being) if we go out. From tomorrow, continuous cruisers are under way again. All the best
Didn't find it particularly interesting, but hey, I'm never going to buy a narrowboat. It was just nice to see you there on the bench in the spring sunshine with the birds singing 🌞. Cheers Alan!
Hi Alan Yet another very good informative video you seem very happy with your boat All things have pros and cons but you seem to have it right for your needs Looking forward to the next video You take care and stay safe
Hi Alan another good vlog just thought I might say that the drain large drain holes that you have in the well deck are that size because they are safety steps to climb back into the boat should you fall in when in deep water this is part of the rules when building a boat if you look next time the boat is out of the water you will two steps welded to the back again part of the rules for boats from a certain year on older boats have the small drain holes before the rule change
Thankyou. These 2 in the series will become part of the Vlogs that will be a must see for all future narrowboat cruisers. We hope to see you one day and owe you a cup of tea.
Very enjoyable Alan, it shows what a very practical minded chap you are and I'm sure many potential boat owners would find this really useful information. take care.
Very concise, as usual, Alan. You should have been a trainer or teacher. I will say, no matter what narrowboat you buy, it seems there will always be things you like and dislike-unless, of course you pay extra for customization. Same with a house. You might have given up space in the interior for a wider “walkway” and the a non rail grab bar may look better and be less of a maintenance issue, but for safety reasons, your boat design is better. Your improvements and maintenance will definitely add to the resale value of your narrowboat should you want to sell at some point. “Bye for now.”
Hi Kay, many think I have a teaching background but one could say I have an explaining background. You never find everything you want, house, boat, even car, so have to make allowances somewhere. I certainly hope I am maintaining value in the boat. All the best Alan
Oh no I’ve just discovered your channel and it’s as addictive as Cruising the Cut! I can see days of my life disappearing as I catch up from the start...!
Hi Chris and welcome aboard. Thanks for the comparison with David's channel. To start at the beginning would show real dedication, perhaps you should be selective. Cheers
Many thanks Pascal, I'm pleased you've found it helpful. I suggest you look at similar videos from others, as there's so much to consider. All the best Alan.
What an amazing amount of information about your narrowboat and narrowboats in general! It is surprising how much of it all I remember and could understand. It must be put down to your presentation and clarity of descriptions. Ended up wondering if you were getting interested in buying a 57ft. one. Would guess there are compelling reasons on both sides of the question. Thank you for this video.
Hi Grace, thank you so much for your comment. In the two videos, I just gave details of my research and things to look out for. There is so much to know and I' m still learning, as I am still very new to it all. With what I know now I would probably have looked for a 57ft boat but I was working within my budget at that time. All the best.
Hi, l have only just come across your vlog and find it very interesting. With regard to your boats layout of which lm not fully aware l was wondering if the dinette could be modified whereby the backrest of the bench seat could be moved in the opposite direction, not unlike the old tram type seats so you face the other direction, in this way you could create more space in the lounge whilst maintaining the option of an additional berth, and perhaps removing the existing sofa. Just a thought, When one has a boat constructed the suggested all embracing length tends to be 57-6” so not far away from your optimum calculation. Good luck. John carr
Hi John, yes I agree 57ft does seem to be about the right length for better comfort and facilities. I understand what you're saying about the dinette but the stove backs directly onto it, which makes any form of change like that, rather awkward. The idea of tram seats on a boat is a goodun but not sure about the comfort level. All the best Alan.
A very good , down to earth, say it as it is , informative video as usual. It really does highlight how many different things there are to think about when buying a boat, apart from the obvious things to look at.
Thank you very much for this really useful video - both part 1 and part 2 - sharing your experience and thoughts is really helpful - seriously considering purchasing my own boat after a long time watching you tube videos - just need to think if i have the confidence to do it myself. thanks and will keep watching
Hi Helen, I've not looked at these for a long while but am so glad you found them of interest, thank you for letting me know. I think the first decision you need to make is the style of boat, and personally, I believe from the cruising aspect you'd probably feel much safer with a cruiser stern, as it has a larger deck. Length is also an important consideration. Whatever you decide, I hope you find the boat you're looking for and have many years of happy cruising.
Greetings !... I’m a new Sub... love your vlogs, I’m designing my own new boat, and your details have been very helpful indeed. Thank you for being so thorough. I look forward to viewing more of your work. Cheers
Hi Damienn and welcome aboard, thanks for supporting my channel. I try and provide a variety in my videos, usually with a water theme, so hope you enjoy looking through them. All the best Alan
As usual ..brilliant enjoyable and informative vlog.... useful things you need to consider when buying a boat that the inexperienced like myself wouldn't necessarily think of, well done Alan...keep em coming 😉
Ahh, some interesting discussions. Now, just a distraction for you after your comments about the Saloon area, the Pullman Dinette and the need for some extra berth space. There is an RV Van in the USA that has a fitted Murphy bed that when laid down will provide a better than Double bed. When up, Voila!, a fold-away mini-dinette will spread out and set itself up. So you CAN have your berth space for the rare time that you might need it AND you still have your Dinette space set up most of the time. I have forgotten the name of the RV but they ran this Dinette/Murphy bed design across several models and several model years so it shouldn't be too hard to find it. If I can I will track it down so you can see how nicely it resolves the problems you have espoused. Later: Oh yes, found the latest model and this video will show you exactly what can be achieved. You would need to talk to a good carpenter/fitter-out person but these are really not that difficult to make (I am drawing up the plans for one in my spare bedroom so as to make the space more productive) and look at how much better you can utilise the space! ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-BuxMqpXG2sU.html Now, watch right up to about the 3:00 minute part because he shows how to set the Dinette up for eating vs relaxing. Also nice it that you don't need to push everything off the Dinette table when you make it into a bed. So convenient and well within the capacity of a good chippie to provide for you. Good luck with that idea! PS: Look back through past years on that channel for the Wonder Murphy bed Model and you can see different ways they have utilised the space with similar outcomes.
Thanks for that, I have taken a look and it's quite ingenious, not heard of a Murphy bed before. Thanks for taking the trouble to bring it to my attention, very good of you. All the best, cheers Alan.
@@MyNarrowboatVentureglad to help Alan. Murphy beds have been around for many many years (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murphy_bed) and they can be a good solution in the right circumstances. I have been drawing one up for our spare bedroom but we won't be going ahead with it as it is a lot of expense for little gain in our situation. In your situation, I can see quite a bit of gain. Happy to support your research if you wish.
@@MyNarrowboatVenture I currently work in various hotels in an agency capacity and live in them and have a static caravan I use as a base so apart from the maintenance side which scares the hell out of me I would love it as long as I can get a bloke in lol
Are you thinking about getting a different boat? You have certainly improved your boat a lot. But I can also see where the added footage might be nice. Good luck in any future trips and stay well. Really enjoyed your vlog and it gives a lot to concider.
Many thanks Sheryl. Whilst I'm by myself, the boat is quite adequate, so I haven't got any thoughts of changing it, although I can't deny that wouldn't be nice. Cheers
Nice vlog Alan Sharon and I mainly Sharon we also had ideas what boat we wanted don't think in the end it mattered think you see a boat it feels just right for you we bought ours with no regrets
As informative as ever, keep it up. I agree with you about the tubular handrail being the most practical. I think an 8cm gunnel is sufficient and gives one maximum internal room.
Many thanks. We all have different thoughts on what we're looking for, I'm just trying to get people thinking about some of the different aspects. Cheers
Hi Alan, another informative and interesting video. It is cold and raining here in South Australia, so it was very nice to see you enjoying the sunshine. Regards Graham
The Aussie narrow/boater just down the mooring from me, said it was cold 23c, just like her winters! (it's nearly summer here)! too bloody hot for me, I also found Oslo and a small town within the Arctic Circle in Norway I used to deliver to, too warm this time of year as well, LOL 👌🙂
Hi Alan. What a brilliant informative vlog. Made me think a lot more of things to think about when we eventually get around to purchasing a boat. Thank you so much for taking the time and putting in all of the work needed to produce such vlogs. Would also be interested in seeing a vlog about your camper van and the good and bad points regarding this. Hope you are keeping well and safe as well as enjoying the weather.
Thanks Paul for your very appreciative comment. I'm glad you found it a worthwhile view, somewhat longer than usual. I may get round to doing something on the camper van, not really given it much thought. I'm keeping well thanks and hope you are. Take care
Enjoyed these videos, some good considerations for when buying a boat, so much to take into account before making the choice on a live aboard. It's certainly gave me a few things to think about, cheers ;)
Absolutely top drawer stuff Alan. We're all constantly thinking what if this, maybe I could change that and dam that thing is annoying. So what would you like to do with your boat in coming projects. Cheers
Great video...I love watching these videos, a beacon of light in an ever darkening social media world. Also....detritus is never used enough! Great word for a Sunday morning!!
Great vid Alan - as always! Exactly what I need to focus in on my criteria of needs.... and very interesting with regards to the length considerations... I had been thinking along the lines of 57’ or thereabouts - so your thoughts are valued as always. 😊 Stay well. M
Doesn't matter what the length the boat is, or how many bedrooms a house is. we could always do with extra foot or room for storage of things that in one/day/year might need! On a N/B the extra's (tools, clothes, books, records/cds, even kitchen utensils) have a fight for space, or do I/you really need them? CD's I kept, TV outed R/C model kept. one thing which Alan missed , was the fact as like me a single boat handler is the fact of extra weight the extra foot carries espaly when lauling the boat the boat in .
I think that if you did go for say a 57ft boat, after a while you would be thinking 'If only I had an extra foot here, and there ...". But I did think from watching some of your previous videos that the saloon looked a bit too cosy, knowing those fires chuck out a lot of heat, sitting that close to it is probably too hot. I wonder though if you could turn the saloon side seat of the dinet, so that could then become part of the saloon seating, to give you options for sitting more comfortably.
Hi Rob, I understand what you're suggesting but doing that would change the way the bed is made up and the seat would still be close to the fire. It's not easy to find a solution. I am sure 57ft would be more than enough for me! Cheers
I found that very informative, thanks. I'm not in the market for a narrowboat but if I was then you have given a lot of tips. Think you'll change at some point??
Nice one Alan I cud listen to you all day mate you tell it has it is and it’s informative that water tank in the wardrobe give you a good airing cupboard brilliant hope you are well I look forward to the next vlog cheers Alan 🙂✌️🦢
Thank you for another great video. Please let me know when you are ready to move up from 45' to over 50' as I am ready to move up from my current 26' NB.
@@MyNarrowboatVenture actually there is a smallish canal in Sydney that was set up many many years in the past to provide water to the City and possibly for the transport of goods. I have no idea if it was ever productive but it is just for stormwater now. www.abc.net.au/news/2018-06-21/what-happened-to-sydneys-grand-plans-for-a-system-of-canals/9859904?nw=0 Port Adelaide had about some canal dug but it never eventuated to go the full distance envisaged. www.abc.net.au/news/2018-11-02/was-there-ever-going-to-be-a-canal-on-port-road/10308100 I don't know about Melbourne or any other of our cities. I'm in Adelaide so have never seen the Sydney one other than through Google Maps.
@@MyNarrowboatVenture I wish I could have brought our canals to your attention, unfortunately, our history hasn't been good to the concept. I believe your country has managed to hang on to a very important part of your history and something that you and about 35,000 other boat owners have been able to take advantage of. I hope I get to see your canals one day instead of enjoying them through your eyes. Sigh.
Alan, do you find that Marinas in general, are accommodating for people who also have a MOTORHOME as their only vehicle. I have heard that they are generally frowned upon.
I seem to recall when I first researched marinas the issue of motorhomes did come up, as not all marinas are accommodating. I don't understand it, as interests in both boating and motorhoming are shared by many.
Alan, that was grate and given me a clear in-site, I have lots of info both ways, I am not sure if I have messenger of your, so I am off to see. john in NZ kaiora mi
Very educational. Does your calorifier use your wabaso heater to heat the water? Or is strictly heated by your engine or by the electrical immersion heater?
