Buying a narrowboat: ALL you need to know (2019)

[@stevemusgrave2000]

Girls.......spot on. Anyone wanting to dip their toe in the water, so to speak, and start the hunt for a boat, should watch this vid, then start. Zoe, is one of the best, it has to be said. I've talked and met her a few times, before eventually buying my boat, she just takes the worry and weight off your shoulders about the whole process. Sterling job, looking forward to the next one. xx

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Thank you, it means a lot to us that experienced boaters (like yourself) found our tips helpful. We found Zoe to be so open and down to earth too.

[@2KXMKR]

I used to visit Venetian way back when. It's probably the very place I was bitten by the boat bug and where I decided I'd like to try boat life. Even back then, probably 10 years now, they were so laid back about viewings. Anyone could jump on the boats and, let's be honest, have a play about. They seem to still have that 'come and have a look' attitude which is a major plus in my book.

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Yes you can view any of the boats and take your time.

[@pastle2007]

I clicked on this video cause I love you two, living in inland Australia, buying a boat is just not feasible. Just love your videos.

[@bobcarter5223]

Such perfect timing in our life. Between you two, David, Jono, minimal List Et al, bothering to share your experiences not only is very informative and entertaining but will probably save us loads of time and money.... Thanks!

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Happy to help

[@bobcarter5223]

@@TheNarrowboatExperience I still can't believe some people have the cheek to ask how much you paid for your boat. I have seen this request on other sites as well. As a group you all share enough detail for us wannabe boat owners without Joe Public having to know more.

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

So true. When it's a personal question about our personal money we are hesitant. But when people want to genuinely know how to save to get on the waterways we are happy to help.

[@colinracheljustpootling7468]

Great advice ladies. I looked around for almost a year at many brokerages. Ended up buying privately as I could get a lot more for my money and newer. Pays to take your time 👍

[@MichaelsMustang]

Hi girls, great vlog, I have dealt with Zoe by email only at this stage so interesting to put a face to the name, I am still at the stage where I am working what I want in a boat and she has been very helpful.

[@duncanmccloud5012]

Good advice no matter what type or boat you are buying. No narrowboats here on the Chesapeake but the advice still stands for trawlers, rag-baggers or whatever you decide to put between you and the water. Cheers Ladies.

[@KarrierBag]

I rushed into buying my second boat, i made a few mistakes and trusted the seller, found out i was lied to about a few things, i learnt a lot for that ezperiance, i am very happy on it and 18 months later, i know i still got a bargain by buying on Jan 3rd when its not really boat buying time of the year.

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

It is a learning experience.

[@sonicindustries227]

Great vlog girls - very interesting. Might be useful to do one on some figures - i.e what you paid for the new boat, did you need to sell the previous one first, finance options, running costs... Cruising the Cut did a similar vlog but be interested on your take..

[@malcolm4672]

You may find that some people are reluctant to reveal details of price paid.

[@darrenspeak1785]

Wow, that was like a proper documentary you’d see on bbc 2. Very interesting even for people like me who won’t be buying a boat. You have a nice interview style Anna, and the lady from the boat yard seemed very comfortable talking to you, you two must have put her at ease with your easy going personalties.

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

So glad you liked it even if you won't buy a boat.

[@OliverWoodphotography]

This was quite helpful. I'm considering a return to canal life after a hiatus of more than 30yrs! I'm considering the possibility of funding the canal life by letting my home or even doing an equity release to purchase boat and then let house if possible. That's how much I am craving a return to this interesting lifestyle!

[@qiajenaehamilton6638]

U gals always make fun, interesting, & informative vlogs that don't overwhelm folks, but do give the details! Many thanks!

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Thank you. Kind of you to say.

[@chloeellis4117]

Very helpful.... Looking to do a year's research before I swap my life for an adventure....this is a great place to start... Thank you.. X

[@gregbolitho9775]

Good stuff m8s, nice work! Not buying a Narrowboat, no real place to drive it or moor, down here the Barwon or the Murray . But its good watching the scenery roll by. You an the cats stay safe an well eh!

[@sylviapage8572]

Very useful. I wouldn’t want to buy without a broker. The thought of transferring £££ to someone I don’t know frightens me! Thanks for sharing.

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Same.

[@johnmehaffey9953]

I clicked on because I recognised you from cruising the cut and you both seemed knowledgeable and enthusiastic

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Excellent, welcome aboard

[@57629589]

Interesting video. Can't say it applies here in Arkansas where the biggest boat you might buy is a bass fishing boat or a party barge .😎 But really good stuff for those who wish to be canal dwellers and judging by the comments you are spot on.!

[@gonegoozling9034]

Totally brilliant ladies. Many thanks for your honest information!

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Thank you for watching

[@mjallenuk]

This is smashing ... I really did learn a thing or two and I've been paying attention for a good while despite what my wife may or may not suggest! Looking forward to the next instalment in this series.

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

I’m so glad.

[@trueblue2124]

Wow -Venetion Marine have come on a ton I must say -I have to be honest and say this wasn't my experience - so its really good to see they have moved forward - - this lady sounded very genuine and organised -

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Glad to hear it.

[@ianjames1179]

Simply love you and your channel. Discovered it by accident 2 weeks ago and subscribed, slowly going through all your vlogs. Your two lovely fun girls. Best wishes. !!

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Welcome aboard.

[@EscapeToTheCut]

Another great video guys :) we spent every weekend at Venetian when looking, really friendly helpfull staff and the ability to just look at your leisure was really helpfull in us finding what we wanted and didn't want.

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Yes, we saw some of your footage, and totally agree. It's nice to just sit on a boat. It's so much money and you don't want to be rushed.

[@mrc1539]

Darn, I. Have looked and looked on the left coast of the U.S.A. and can’t find a single brokerage that has narrow boats, lol 😂 ! So I guess I will just have to depend you guys to take me along every Sunday . Thanks so much .

[@JCDiamond]

Just what we needed! Look forward to more in this ‘series’...

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Thank you

[@theindieprojects]

Great video guys!

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Thanks you three.x

[@jamielescot]

Brilliant! This answers soooo many questions! Great vlog!

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Glad to help

[@bassetmadness3625]

Brilliant loved it.. that's the must informative video I've seen on KZbin. Thank you girls.

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Thank you.

[@jamesmowthorpe9614]

Hi ladies, had a shock this morning, spotting you in Tenby! I didn't like to stop u to say hello, because u had company. Keep up the great video s.

[@ianharris7741]

Thank you so much ladies, absolutely brilliant and explained lots and lots .... helped me to focus on all the right aspects .. keep up the good work :)

[@LUPUS1970]

Very useful information , its true that you can never have enough information or advice on the process of buying a secondhand boat . In the new year I expect to be facing the same situation hopefully when I sell my property and take the plunge , thanks for the low down !!

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Best of luck with it.

[@rdyfhi]

Very good work with some added details not heard after viewing many other vlogs that also were very informative. Well done...

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Happy to help

[@davidsmith1620]

Good video! I suspect non-boat people don't know what a marine survey is, or what would constitute a "good" survey. That might be a subject worth covering or explaining in a little more detail.

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Thanks for that.

[@urbanimage]

@@TheNarrowboatExperience Talking to or interviewing a couple of boat surveyors might make an interesting video.

[@michaelchartres]

Thank you both. I am searching for a boat at the moment and found the video very useful. Regards Michael

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Glad it helped

[@lorithorpe3502]

Great video , there's so much to think about when buying a boat or barge , it's so different to cars . Thanks for sharing .

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

There is a bit to think about when buying a boat, and most of us grow up knowing a little bit about cars, so we are happy to help

[@FiddlingwithmyWhistle]

Thanks, great video...

[@richardbergmark6722]

Fantastic job you two! Brilliant as always.

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Thank you

[@garyabc]

Thanks for posting the buying info. It would be interesting for potential buyers to understand the operating costs. We follow your travels around the canals but have no idea what this costs. If you are looking for ideas for future videos, I, for one, would be interested to know things like heating cost, maintenance costs such as blacking, engine service, repairs. How often things need to be replaced, painted, etc.? Are there any mold or rust issues? Prop damage or towing expenses? Just a thought. Thanks for producing and sharing your excellent content.

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Operating costs varies on the operator, just like a car operating varies. But we could come up with something if enough people are interested. Thank you for the suggestion.

[@johninokla2635]

Be patient take your time look at everything no matter where it is and be 100% sure you are happy with the boat you are buying. Is that about it or did I miss something? It doesn't matter as we don't have narrowboats where I live and I seriously doubt if I will ever buy one. lol

[@dbd2191]

When I win the lottery lol I'll join you guys and girls on the cut.

[@stevenvanes2928]

db d , that sounds like a great idea.

[@martinward6066]

Interesting and informative wish I had the cash allways a fun watch

[@stephenlittle7534]

Wow. That was Very Good of you girls to make this episode on buying a Canal Boat. And it was Very Informative and a Great way of showing the prospects of which one to get and the Time Factor. P. S. Love your paintings be hide. And on your website.

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Thank you

[@ncplantdoctor]

Right Kath. I look at brokerage web sites occasionally, despite never having been in or plan to be in England, and I do see some which look to have been created in html or an early editor. It appears that not everyone has a web savvy person working there.

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

I think they were web savvy at the time that they made them. But in some cases there’s little reason for them to update.

[@cherylburton3430]

Hi ladies pretty sure we passed you this morning moored at Gailey.

[@FromThePrairies]

Very interesting. I'd be interested in learning how to go about hiring a boat. I've been thinking of taking a sabbatical next year and a couple of months on a narrowboat sounds very appealing (one of the reasons I watch your channel). Purchasing a boat for this would be silly and your comments on the limited on-line presence of the narrowboat world explains why my research has come up with some rather pricy options....or that could just be the going rate.

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Hiring can be equally tricky with many companies using older websites because they just don't seem to have to advertise. However, there are some companies with good online presence. We moored near Anglo Welsh on the Llangollen and we have also hired through Kate boats. Hope that helps a little bit.

[@littleknitcrocheting]

Hi from littlekniteve, thank you for your run down. Very helpful, we have had piglet boat for 2 years, like you we need help, looking we are Lucky we haven’t had any problems with piglet Boat.🐖🐖🐖🐖🐖🐖🐖🐖🐖🐖🐖🐖 We are in Reedley marina burnley, so nice, have a great week, great picture, by the way.

[@willsgetoff1157]

Thanks for a great informative vlog.

[@michaelhiggins7365]

Lots of good and useful info here Ladies. Thanks !

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Thanks

[@ae-ribae6426]

Very informative, girls. Thanks. I like the look of Venetian Marina. Lots there.

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

We liked it too

[@Kopite68]

Thank you very helpful. Can I ask if sound insulation is an issue? Neighbours snoring or talking etc?

[@Renovator26]

You two are priceless Well done again. Too bad you're happy just narrowboating as you'd make a superb sales team! John, Ontario, Canada.

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Kind of you to say. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@jameshblack]

Would love to give it a try but would need help with locks ,fuels , food, water , etc etc

[@terrykunst3883]

This was terrific. Thank you.

[@SAM-zt2uy]

Just sold my car you don’t actually need to post the V5 Logbook now you can process it on the day of sale online so in theory at least the car is out of your ownership on the spot so if the new owner gets points at least there’s an online time and day when it swapped hands

[@diegohr1]

Hi Anna and Kath, lovely channel. I want to buy a narrowboat and I would like to know the best way to check that it's not stolen. I mean, si there a website or someplace to check it before buy it? Thanks.

[@jjlousvet6294]

Lovely vlog ladies, you work so well together presenting and good advice for anyone looking to buy a boat. Don't want to be rude but ....... missed Alice and Munchy 😞

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

We tried to get them to sit with us but they weren't interested today, sorry.

[@ianofsjkartwork]

Very useful information...thanks for sharing

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

You’re welcome

[@the2012fad]

Thank you for the great advice! It is very much appreciated.

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

You're welcome

[@tomas5376]

Gooooooood info! Perhaps there’s a new revenue stream for you as you optimize the online presence of brokerages. Maybe start something like Carfax for canal boats! Buena suerte!👍✌️😊🙏🏼

[@colleenhunter7657]

Yes sounds fantastic😊

[@steveland810]

Hi, love you’re videos. Can you offer some advice ? We have never been on a Narrowboat,but are going to hire one next year.We so want to go over an aqueduct. Is the Llangollen canal a good place to start ? We have found a hire company in crick

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Check closures on the Llangollen with the hire company before you book. There’s also a hire company at Trevor basin.

[@steveland810]

The Narrowboat Experience but ok for first timers to cruise ?

[@pootle2768]

Fantastic! So informative x

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Thank you. Glad you liked it.

[@jonjon738]

So the first thing we learn is they keep the boats outside, rather than bringing them into the showroom

[@annh.8290]

Lovely.Thank you for so much information!

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

You’re welcome

[@Darren_and_Julie]

Great advice thanks for another great vlog x

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

You're welcome, thanks for watching

[@stuntcar]

Hi how much is the license for the boat? Thanks

[@stephenhughes2775]

Awesome advice.

[@abefrohman1759]

Very informative, thank you.

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

You’re welcome

[@mommahil4323]

Very interesting and helpful, thank you xx

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Thanks

[@BOTG_Adventures]

And where is this marina? Is living on a boat as a singleton really viable? Worried where to keep it in Leeds.

[@MrVinnyh]

Excellent advice given, just got back from another boat hunting trip which I think I might he found something I liked. (in-fact I put a offer in)! Also if we don't make mistakes how on earth (sorry water) are we going to learn? lol 🙂👍

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Best of luck with it.

[@MrVinnyh]

@@TheNarrowboatExperience Thank you.

[@malcolm4672]

Hi Great video, any chance you could do one on buying a brand new boat.

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Great idea, thanks

[@FirdayNightMatt]

Hello, Thanks for the video it was really helpful. I'm currently in the market to buy a boat and a list of the brokerages would be really useful. Maybe you could list them in the description.

[@carolann3444]

Would like to know about financing/loans.

[@watcher24601]

Very informative thank you. Any tips on selling a narrowboat? We have 4 weeks of shares to sell. Very true that some brokerages still rely on shows and magazines for advertising

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

I think being on social media always helps- have you tried various facebook groups?

[@robertotto3220]

2 a.m. in Alaska and waking up to two of my favorite narrowboaters. Great way to start the day! I have a question...What are the typical mooring fees for permanent moorings on the canals?

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Good question- we'll put it on the list. But, in short it depends where you moor. So check an area- google and marina and then on their page they'll have the fee.

[@chrisskelhorn5727]

I'll be honest, I only watched this because I'm in love with you two delightful young ladies! I'm not fit enough, or affluent enough to buy a boat! If I may level some criticism, there was a distinct lack of feline footage, but that's the only thing wrong! :-) It's really lovely to see your happy, smiling faces! :-) Take care girls, and hopefully catch you soon!! :-)

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

We will take your concerns to the cats.

[@chrisskelhorn5727]

@@TheNarrowboatExperience Thank you! :-)

[@suesmith6721]

Great vlog! Thank you. Is the cafe on Venetian Marina open to the public?

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Yes and it’s highly recommended and you can watch all the boats. So lovely.

[@edwardgriffin8092]

Thank you Ladies for sharing your experience with us. It sounds like very good advice. Would you advise people to take there time, and not rush in, even if they thought "That's the boat i want, and if i don't act quick i will loose it". (and as always, never buy on impulse). I love your videos, and vlog's. I should really subscribe shouldn't i? :-)

[@colleenhunter7657]

Thank you brilliant 😊

[@allankirkham3680]

Well done excellent Vlog

[@annedwards9002]

We would love our own boat again may be one day great video again girls,are you a Strictly Anna hence the painting behind you.x

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Yes I like strictly

[@annedwards9002]

@@TheNarrowboatExperience I love it never miss.x

[@barryl8857]

When a brokerage sells your boat, howis it done? Do you sell it to them directly then they sell for themselves or do you get paid only when they sell your boat?

[@garrystacey7018]

Great video 🤗👍🏻

[@therobster7761]

So we know where Shiela is from but Cath, do I detect a southern carrot crunch? Where did you originate from? I’m thinking Devon, Cornwall, or am I way off? Love your vlogs!!! Me and the wife love getting notified of a vlog

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Wales

[@cheriefletcher803]

Is the narrow boat winding down? I'm missing all the adventure with you and your fur babies.

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Still releasing once a week.

[@57629589]

Can you try before you buy? As in you have narrowed it down to 2, can you take them onto the canal for a short spin just to make sure everything works?

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

I'm not sure if you can test drive before a deposit is given- it will depend on the brokerage. But, my philosophy is it's my money so I have to be confident with the purchase- so definitely worth asking.

[@57629589]

@@TheNarrowboatExperience I have decades of bad used car buying experiences, can't even imagine trying to buy a floating home.😎

[@urbanimage]

@Keith Boles I think it depends on the brokerage and the boat owner.. I bought my boat through a brokerage but the owner of the boat was happy to take me out for a days cruise to let me get a feel for the boat.

[@elrbli]

Very interesting. I too would like information about the survey process, and then the costs that it takes to cruise. Do you have to have a boat license? Are there fees each time you change canal systems? I know sometimes there are mooring fees, how much are they? I guess I am curious as to the daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly monetary output? I assume that as cruisers who live on their boat that you no longer have a vehicle and a home on the land. Does maintaining a narrowboat compare to maintaining a home and auto? Thanks for any information. And these are just questions from curiosity as I live in the states and don't have any intention of moving to the UK :) But I never say never!

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

These are good questions thanks.

[@timyoung7561]

Hi, Can I ask why did you sell Ewart?

[@RetroRatz]

Lovely video ladies 👍😃

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Thanks

[@richardr1627]

Great advice

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Thank you

[@darkangelw8472]

I'd love to retire in one

[@rkgaustin]

I clicked on this link 50% for information on buying a boat and 50% to see beautiful ladies.

[@celticwanderer6407]

Awesome Infor Ladies , Great Enjoyable Video

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@776281]

One slight problem, I live on the other side of the world and don't have a passport let alone a visa. But I want a 58 ft, reverse layout, semi trad. Oh and swans are supposed to be black, although I have heard of white ones.

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Yes, slight problem. So- really- the vlog needed to start with how to get a visa.

[@hughcarson6837]

Thanks for the info girls, welldone

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

You're welcome

[@DodoDodo-sr2yi]

Hello got quasition for you two please first is minimum a can buy a second hand narrow boat and roughly how much will it cost me for maintenance and other fees for parking etc linence thank you

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Check out Apollo duck

[@McRambro]

I don't get the pricing system of boats the older ones seem to be more expensive than newer ones, the same size boats are different prices etc

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

It's a price system based on Hull- so who made it and how old is it and what condition is it in. Then Engine- who made it etc. Then fit out- as above. So age does come into it with a variety of other factors.

[@ianlove3]

Thank yougreat information

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

You’re welcome

[@miteor]

Just so you know: A registration document (V5) is not proof of ownership. The registered keeper should be the person who is actually using / keeping the vehicle and this is not necessarily the owner of the vehicle or the person who is paying for it. www.askthe.police.uk › content

[@silashouse1054]

Hi, I have written to you guys many times and have mentioned I want to buy a NB in your winter months,, because I have to wind down my work as a counsellor here in New Zealand first. I am on messenger and Watts-AP, regards John NZ