81. How much does a Narrowboat cost ?

[@markkasprzak995]

You made the right decision with this boat. You know every brick,screw,board,pipe,wire and bulb. Your doing a great job. Crack on

[@jonathantaff3007]

James, the point missing was that this is an INVESTMENT and one which you could sell at a later point, paying rent is throwing money out of the window for someone else´s benefit. Good luck to you mate.

[@vanlifewithsookhiandpaul8342]

We’re currently living in a van we built over a year from an empty shell, and the daily experience of living in a space we built and created is simply priceless. Sookhi and Paul x

[@BoiledOctopus]

Beard. Led Zep T-shirt. Renovating a narrowboat. Subscribed!

[@cjstein2000]

Looking at you sitting in the bow, it looks the ideal place to chill out. Maybe you could keep your eyes open for a couple of nice port lights to give you a better view. A couple of bungs could give you some privacy.

[@mroconnell1775]

I like your honest no bollocks approach, subbed 👍

[@ianlindsay8557]

Great vlog James very informative and you haven't sugarcoated it at all.

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

Thanks Ian - There’s no point in sugar coating as these issues are real for most boats. Most budget or cost videos I’ve seen sometimes miss the common costs

[@quebot1111]

That’s great. This way you don’t have any surprises down the road. If you bought one for that outright,you wouldn’t know what’s underneath or behind the walls. I think you made the right choice

[@penneynoss9552]

It all adds up but will be worth it in the end. In the state's we havethrift shops like salvation army Goodwill places like that that you can get a wooden table for $25 it might be a little rough looking but basically decent shape. I wonder if you could save time and money by buying something like that and transforming it into your dinette or bedroom cupboard. Have a great day

[@JasperJanssen]

That sort of thing, you trade money for time. And don’t forget the cost of the gas to drive around to the thrift stores. In general, plywood delivered to the boat yard is much easier to use, much easier to order, and generally just as good quality (and in the seriously changeable interior conditions of a boat (humidity!), the fact that ply is dimensionally stable in those conditions helps a *lot*).

[@penneynoss9552]

Great information thank you

[@kieranokeeffe1363]

Excellent breakdown James, I wish you the best luck with everything as you are really working hard and clearly learning lots.

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

Basically living on a wharf has taught me soooo much

[@geodun]

@@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt You can always take in a boarder to defray costs. I am tidy and of sober habits, let me know when my cabin will be ready :)

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

@@geodun you won’t fit in too well on the cut round here with sober habits !!

[@kieranokeeffe1363]

Not keen on the Sober habits myself lol especially with this bloody lockdown

[@NarrowboatWill]

It's great you've done this. It's good because you've shone some light on the costs. They can run away. I have a massive bag full of every receipt but I haven't had the balls to count the cost yet.

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

Don’t do it mate. Toss the bag in the cut !!

[@sarkybugger5009]

@@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt That's littering! Use it for fire-lighting. ;o)

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

@@sarkybugger5009 of course I don’t condone chucking stuff in the canal 👍🏼

[@chevyimp5857]

That's a really good break down.. knowing "what you have",adds a huge amount of value in terms of reduced anxiety levels around typical boaty related issues . ( Especially in the long term) . For reference my total in 2007 came to around£45000 for materials including the hull.( Incidentally my engine ,gear box and stern gear came to approximately £7500)..But that doesn't include my solar set up which at the time was approximately£2100 for materials and also a Honda generater(£1000). These two really reduce non cruising engine hours.. .. Your doing really well .. I'm finding your journey very relatable.. thanks for taking the time to video this.

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

That’s great, you’re welcome

[@nooneswedish5142]

having sen your latest vlog i get the impression that you intend to live on the boat, I live in a cold country and heating technology is close to my heart. The multi fuel stove is typically designed to have a flu that transfers a lot of the heat produced to the heated space. Done wright this can seriously reduce you're coal usage, One easy way is to add fins to the flu pipe. But there are as many patents for heat reclaiming devices as for rat traps ;-) only do not under estimate the possible saving.

[@mooganoid]

Thank you for this James! I'll be moving into a boat once I have enough funds and the info was very helpful. FYI, you have a follower in NZ - a dear friend of mine - who put me onto your channel. :-D I look forward to watching/following your story.

[@matthewwoodward2738]

Superb video James, muchly appreciated. Sorely tempted

[@jonnyisgood]

Nice 1 James Makes sense. Really enjoying your journey.

[@cherylb.7598]

"We don't know if it floats yet, ...." - I feel so guilty for literally laughing out loud at this... but it was definitely in the spirit of laughing with you!! This was so helpful in being able to wrap my head around some of the details. Thanks!!

[@sarkybugger5009]

If it works for you, then it's a good idea. Paying a grand a month to live in a poxy bedsit in London is a scary thought. Narrowboat or camper van is the way to go, if you're single, and not tied to a particular area. Crack on.

[@rebeccadanaher1065]

I have heard that some marinas in London are charging a £1,000 a month for moorings and at some point CC will be limited within the busy areas. But as you say crack on and good look to James.

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

Yes marinas are expensive and CRT will make it harder and harder for CC in central London. But London is big - I can be in Rickmansworth or berkhamsted and be in London on 30 mins by train.

[@paulinegrace3215]

Thanks James for the overview, very interesting. Your sums certainly make me wonder about my own annual outgoings...😵 BTW love the t-shirt it's a classic

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

Literally the best t-shirt I’ve got

[@mranthonye]

Thank you for sharing James. Very interesting. Stay safe

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@russellesimonetta3835]

But,,, you own it! Four years down the road you can expect all the costs back!

[@foghornleghornish]

Always a pleasure to watch. I live near Cambridge where mooring fees are about £1k pa but there's a long waiting list. I suspect the closer to London the more expensive a permanent mooring becomes. A cruiser with occasional £10/night seems a good way to go.

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

A perm mooring in some parts in London are £1kpcm !! Yep seems to make sense to me 👍🏼

[@foghornleghornish]

Separate topic, are you using fixed panel solar. I watch Foxes Afloat and they have flexible. Can't track the sun so we'll but may look better!! Aesthetics, be damned 😂😂!

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

@@foghornleghornish I’m unsure about those flexi ones. It’s advantage is that you can walk on them but that just feels wrong

[@davidsedlickas8222]

£12k not cheap James for the shell. Springer's steel was used from the old gas tanks in towns and cities good British steel. If you paid £80k + for a boat the inherent design issues are still relevant they are NOT removed or improved.

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

I didn’t want cheap. I wanted value. I’d love to spend £80k on a NB !!

[@suecox2308]

Makes financial sense James--

[@forresta65]

in for a penny in for a pound as they say. You get to live in something that belongs to you free and clear. There you go.

[@michaelburns6197]

Something I considered when I was helping my daughter move her narrowboat was to get a small motorbike to use to retrieve the car. You can get a carrier, which usually includes a loading ramp, that fits on a towbar bracket. You could either load the bike onto your stern deck when required or rig something on the back of the boat that will accept the same carrier.

[@barringtonofmorpeth]

Thank you for sharing your "honest" appraisal of costs. Just a thought: insurance ? Is this 3rd party or FULL (which includes all goods, possessions inside the boat). Next would be HULL & ENGINE; all inside is purely coffee cosmetic taste accordingly. Lastly, I think you have not only worked extremely hard, but also a lot of "learning by doing". My best wishes for you.

[@musictube250]

If your boat does not float, I would be calling that surveyor back and asking for a refund of his fees !

[@papapete966]

I’m glad your getting there James, cost comparison is well in your favour. Good luck going forward , but I do feel waiting till later this year to get covering is gonna be hard exposure to your deck , no way getting it quicker???

[@chevyimp5857]

In absolute fiscal terms narrowboats are not a good investment but in quality of life dividends the returns are stratospheric.

[@dicantria]

Obviously after 3,4 or even 5 years, if you decide you want to do something else, you have a boat that you can sell. In your case, even if you only get £20,000 back it's still miles better than spending on rent for 3yrs. I used to rent. I bought my boat for £23,000. I was lucky because she was refitted 6yr before I bought her. The survey was good. The way I look at it is: my crt licence replaced my council tax, insurance replaced my water bill, I have solar so in a sense I don't have electric bill and I have a stove so I save on using gas for heating. However, if you just use coal it can be expensive. I've now lived on her for 4yrs, my rental cost for that period would have been £24,000. I've spent maybe, 2 or 3 grand on her. So she's pretty much paid for herself and if I was to sell her tomorrow, I'd have whatever she sells for. More importantly, it has to be a life style choice as well though. Especially when you are a constant cruiser. It's not easy during winter when the towpaths are muddy and you have a 20min walk just to get to a shop. Having to move when it's cold and raining. Not to mention the toilet emptying, which ever type you have. I've known people to sell within a year because it wasn't for them.

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

Totally - I couldn’t agree more. My difference with CC is that I work travelling every day by car so goods etc will be fine. Parking the car near the boat and moving the car and boat simultaneously will be the tricky bit at times in certain parts. Muddy towpaths and seeing my sh?t twice doesn’t worry me. But yeah the vibe, the views, the people and the pace are what I’m looking forward to

[@dicantria]

@@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt Made me laugh with the term "seeing my sh?t twice". Sad, but looking forward to seeing the simploo toilet and what you think, looking to get one this year.

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

@@dicantriaI know it’s a massive backwards step of basically shi77ing into a glorified bucket and hoping it all separates - but I reckon it’s the way to go

[@midwestconcertvideo]

I was absolutely shocked by how inexpensive the boatyard has been. £100 a month for all that they've done for you, including electrical for the heating, power tools and giving you access to the shop? Don't let them know, but they really could charge double that or even triple! You really lucked out finding this place.

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

I totally agree, but they are happy to be well priced. It’s the best place ever to fit out a boat

[@midwestconcertvideo]

@@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt The cost that shocked me was the cost of the stern gland. I take it these are custom fabricated for every boat, although it is easy to imagine how they could be made flexible enough to fit a wide variety. But then it is the single most vulnerable point on a boat, so would be insane to scrimp in that place. By the way, I thought you got some solar panels with the boat?

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

@@midwestconcertvideo I did get some solar with the boat, but like 99% of the stuff that came with the boat, it’s not good enough. They are 100w Chinese panels. The stern gland is insane given what it is - but it is custom made. Also I’m going for a omni directional one - well not quite but it moves a bit and significantly reduces vibrations and wear

[@claire4486]

You have a boat that you know has all been treated properly so will last. It's built to your standard and your lay out, and you know where all plumbing wiring is etc and that you can drink the water out your water tank :) . Apart from shell is all brand new and under 30k I'd call that a bargain with peace of mind with it.

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

That’s exactly where my head is. 👍🏼

[@gillgregory6327]

Interesting vlog. You don’t have a budget for repainting the outside - or have I missed it? Well done for taking this on. You’re going to have a great boat when it’s done.

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

Yes I budgeted £500 for painting the outside

[@AndyJenkins999]

I didn’t realise she was 1971 a classic and just slightly older than me although I think your boat is in much better condition!! Good video thanks

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

You and both mate

[@jolietjake4705]

You can't really compare it to 20-25k rent in the London area because a lot of those costs on your list are things you would also have to still pay for in London. The cost of living in London therefore would more than likely be 30-40k a year or more. The boat pretty much pays for itself after 12-18 months.

[@christinegibbins6105]

Interesting James, you have not included your time and travelling / living costs? When we bought our touring caravan, I bought the bedding, utensils, cutlery, plates towels etc, this would be an extra, say £300 or so, plus a rug or two and a sofa!!. You may already have them, of course. Take care.

[@alanwilkinson2708]

You perhaps don't want to hear this, but Facebook market place there is a think its 55ft 1989 Liverpool boat asking 35 grand its in Ramsey marina near Peterborough same marina as myself its in first class condition, what offer they would take I don't know but less than that I would have thought. its says it at Huntingdon.

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

I’ve also seen a similar boat in London for £15 - the thing is I can only really build one boat at a time 🤣

[@alanwilkinson2708]

The one I am talking about does not need rebuilding at all its near perfect.

[@theworth123]

Great vid again James, glad it all works for you I mean financially too. What about a small caravan would the compound let you stay in one free of charge while you build or is that a great expense too?

[@peterbettell1361]

James I have a narrowboat I’ve been cc for 6 years and I tell you what , I have dealt with rcr and it was a very expensive experience with them , I’ve also heard other boaters saying the same thing . Anyway I just wanted to ask around about this lot see what others say . All the best mate

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

I have also heard the same, but I’ve also heard people swear by them. Until a better alternative arises, I’ll probably go with RCR

[@susiecruises]

I had RCR cover for only 1 year because it was reassuring to know I had it. But going forward, when you need things fixing/servicing get contact numbers for good local boat engineers by word of mouth.

[@raew5263]

Definitely useful/ informative. Just wondering, did you want to fix one up or could you not find one w/in that price range? We’re all rooting for you. Should be very cozy when all done. 👍

[@narrowboatfreya5623]

Hi James hope you are well, just a quick message to say I'm enjoying the progress I'm at similar points myself in my build, what model lister have you got? I'm taking a punt at an sr2? I have manuals for most of the lister range and will happily run you a copy off if that's of interest to you? They are good engines to get your hands dirty and fettle!, Keep up the good work 😃

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

OMG that would be amazing - yes it’s an SR2. Paul here knows his stuff but me, not at all. My mate was going to look for a Haynes manual style thing

[@narrowboatfreya5623]

@@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt no problem at all got a good range of books for the SR range would you prefer paper copies or scanned and emailed? If you let me know what suits and how to get it to you I will get it sorted for you have got marine books that cover the mechanical gearbox too 😃

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

@@narrowboatfreya5623 well if you’d be so kind to put them in the post - I’d be so grateful. I’m at north kilworth wharf, station road, north kilworth Leicestershire le176jb- thank you soo much. Or email to [e-mail]

[@narrowboatfreya5623]

@@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt will get you something in the post in the next few days then 😃

[@rotinkerbell]

Good afternoon, I am just wondering if all is well with you? I look forward to your daily briefing. Are you now back at work - so the daily video will now be weekly? Whatever is the answer, I hope that you are hale and hearty. Sending best wishes. Ro

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

Hey! Alls good. A day off doing solar etc maths. I’m on the boat today building the dinette. Video to come out tonight - sorry to worry you lol 😂 Hope you’re very well 👍🏼

[@annclark5082]

@@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt I was beginning to panic too! I hope you enjoyed your well deserved day off.

[@rotinkerbell]

@@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt Thank you - it was more reaching out to ask how you are than worry. It is a strange thing this connection by KZbin. So the checking in with you is to let you know that you are missed. I noticed you were quiet, and that is ok. Please hear the concern rather than a pressure to produce another video. Just my reaching out. Stay well. Glad you are ok.

[@MsBluemoth]

Thank you James. This has been very informative. I am hoping to purchase a boat for similar reasons and saving like mad. You costs breakdown is very useful. I hope that all goes well with your continuing work. Just a quick question about your boats name? This is the first video of yours that I have seen so apologies if you have touched on this before! Take care Tara

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

Hi Tara Glad the vids are useful for you. Yes the boat has a name but only a very small handful know it so far. You’ll find out soon

[@MsBluemoth]

@@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt oh that is good! Can't wait to find out. I did carry on watching more of your videos and then started from the beginning. I have always admired the Springer make and have been keeping an eye on those when they come up. It is wonderful to see the progress that you have made. I wish I was as handy. I have been tempted by a few if the 'project' boats but sadly I lack the know how although with time I would love to learn! Often worked with both of my grandfathers in their workshops growing up. Definitely learned a few things from you already! Many thanks for sharing your experience! Oh and I hope that your finger is healing well too!

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

@@MsBluemoth you’ll be amazed at how straightforward most boat renovations are. If the structure is sound then it’s just effort, a bucket load of cash and a few favours from good people !! Glad you’re liking the videos about the Springer - they are lovely boats. Keep your eyes out - they’re always popping up. There is a Springer group on FB too - worth being on that 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@MsBluemoth]

@@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt that is good to know. I think that with some instruction I could do it. It's the bucket load of cash that I am working on just now! Aren't we all! But I will give it some thought and thank you for the Springer fb group tip, I will definitely check it out! I've heard that they often need over plating?!? Oh and I am in complete agreement about the compost loo choice, the pump out has been my previous experience and it can definitely tie you down and is costly. The cassette just sounds messy! I thought that your ruling out rundown was good. You fire place tiles are lovely. Thanks again for your insight. I don't have any tools to send but I make a pretty decent scone to go with your tea!

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

@@MsBluemoth mmmmm scones 😊

[@davecolston582]

Hi James How will the new Covid restrictions affect your plans? All the best

[@chrisrogers6502]

Hi James In terms of power consumption,how does that strip lightning stack up against something like LED or Halogen lighting?Thanks Chris R

[@richardharvey4013]

What you didn’t mention is that you also own the boat, not forking out rent for something you dont ownplus probably utility bills

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

Well yes I own the boat too. The surveyor put the value fitted as 38500 which is a bit to high I reckon, more like 30-35k I reckon

[@philneale3358]

What about the engine cost ?

[@martinworrall5888]

How much of your budget have you got left?

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

I’ve spent all I’ve spent and I’ve still got what I need to spend. Other than that, some of the items like oven I can buy in a few pay checks time

[@paulpells921]

Nice t shirt

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

Classic. My best t shirt I think

[@TairnKA]

I thought you had made provisions off camera to prevent rain going into the hole in your roof until a proper cap could be installed? Obviously your excitement at the accomplishment distracted you from the next "crucial" step. Deal with a hole in your roof. ;-)

[@pocketchange1951]

👍👌🇨🇦❤,

[@theverylovelymjj]

You won't spend anywhere near that amount of money on diesel, even if you are Cc'ing. As long as you have enough solar panels you'll only need to run your engine for propulsion every 14 days.

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

That’s good to hear, thanks Jo

[@chriscurrie5597]

Did you have any apprehension on buying a springer.. They seem a bit like marmite.. Love/hate,

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

Nah not at all. For those in the know, springers were the victim of bad PR put out in 1970’s and 1980’s as they offered boats a lot cheaper than the other builders. The R was put out by the other boat builders and it’s stuck. They get a bit of abuse about sqaurey appearance and stern - but I like the shape of the stern