How much to Build a BRAND NEW Narrowboat?

Want to help me build a brand new narrowboat and win my current boat for 5 quid?? click here ➡️ raffall.com/winanarrowboat
In this episode, I take you through the costs of building a brand new boat from scratch! It's a BIG number!
If you'd like to support my channel you can buy me a coffee at:
www.buymeacoffee.com/maysayst...
If you’re interested in overcoming stress, uncertainty and finally master your mindset visit www.wellbeingonwater.co.uk/
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Instagram: / wellbeingonwater
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If you have any questions or queries you can email me: [e-mail]
With love,
May

[@DigiDiver]

For insulation: Spray foam get a professional, temperature, mix, application all require skill and correct equipment. What I would do is Cellotex/Kingspan board and vapor barrier. There are many companies that sell seconds/salvage/off cuts of Cellotex board at 50%+ discount. By far the biggest saving you could make and an easy job well within your capabilities.

[@grahamgresty8383]

My ideal boat would have: an Aluminium hull (no blacking!), have solar as the roof and sides, utilise an electric 'pod drive' (saves energy & no holes in the hull to leak), use a heat pump for heating and cooling, have an induction hot plate system (no gas required) and get a toroidal propeller for greater efficiency. Good luck with your fund raising.

[@Narrowboat.and.offgrid.living]

My narrowboat is fully alaminium no rust no blacking all that cost saved I would recomend that may gets one of those built

[@valvemonky4734]

@@Narrowboat.and.offgrid.living how does it hold up to damage as the old canals seems a rough environment for a aluminum hull ?

[@wellbeingonwater]

Thanks G!

[@memyselfandi8544]

It’s too expensive. Steel is just fine, works great for this boat. Welding large aluminum pieces is also quite challenging. Heat conducts rapidly through aluminum.

[@wonderingworld119]

That would require one hell of an extension lead. 2 packed epoxy on steel is probably better than aluminium. I would say that all new boats should come with it as standard. Chris and Shell did a video called Re-floating our Narrowboat home in the Dry Dock, in which they compared their 20yr old bitumened boat with a 40yr old 2 packed from new boat. The 40yr old boat still looked almost brand new. You have to understand how important a diesel engine is to a narrowboater. It moves us, and at the same time it generates electricity and give us hot water. It will do this no matter how short our days are in the UK in winter. A heat pump would not be needed in the summer, and there would be no way to power it in the winter. Some days in the winter solar can generate no power at all, on average in the winter a Kw of solar will generate 1kw a day. So if you went the induction hob route it would be fine except in winter when you would have to eat food that does not need cooking. A better alternative would be an electric pressure cooker and a gas hob for when there is not enough solar. We need a way to be able to heat water. Believe me we do not waste energy in winter, in the winter our lives switch from being "inconvenient" to "very hard" as sometimes we can not even get water due to taps freezing along the canal. Just to give you an idea how little sunshine we get in England in winter, during December 2023 we got on average 0.9 sunshine hours per day. The highest was in 2015 when we managed just under 2 sunshine hours per day. It would be a serious event if we relied on one single energy source in winter and it failed, this is why even electric narrowboats often have diesel generators. Remember we are in a steel tube, that is sat in water, in the middle of no where, and we have to walk, fetch and carry everything when the canal is frozen. You get constantly muddy, cold, wet, when you dry your clothes the water from them drenches everything in condensation, you can see for about 6 hours in day light and you spend the other 18 hours bumping into things between sleeps, you turn everything off you can trying to conserve electricity and you can't even have a poo because you would have to carry it 5 miles. I wouldn't give it up for anything, it is the best lifestyle ever. It's brilliant!

[@tangs167]

Oooo, you're going to do it, well done and good luck with this new venture lass.

[@wellbeingonwater]

Thanks so much!

[@shirleygreaves9650]

Good luck May, follow your dream.❤️

[@AnthonyShield-td6re]

I really hope that you realise your dream and raise enough for your new boat. Love your work and videos, very inspiring, thank you!

[@suefletcher1186]

What a brave and inspiring thing to do..I really hope that you realise your dream❤ I love following your adventure x

[@wellbeingonwater]

Thank you so much!! Appreciate the support and for being a kind lovely person 😀

[@derekford1707]

My ideal boat would have you as my captain. I love you May❤

[@martinbennett3963]

Hi from my boat Norjic Tug. This was a refit completed by myself, and launched last year, and is now my home. The complete restoration took 3 years reusing an old steel hull, full time working dragged out the project. I was lucky to know a friendly farmer who allowed the work to be done on the farm, which makes everything so easy, and I was able to live on it during the work. Having storage, main’s electric, for power tools, and parking space near by made a huge difference. The only part of the project not attempted by me was the spray foam, which is a nightmare and not a dIY thing!! Good luck with your dream, and if you want to see my work it’s moored on my farmer friends field next to the Maybush pub, Newbridge. Martin

[@garethclark5489]

visiting and chatting to an experienced person is such a good idea

[@wellbeingonwater]

Thanks for sharing! Appreciate your views 🙌

[@mayhemmayo]

THANK YOU MAY. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK

[@wellbeingonwater]

Thank you too

[@shogun666able]

First question May is WHY? Anyone one of them is a metal tub that can be lengthened or shortened and anything can be change providing you can either weld to a high standard, or know someone that can, or employ one.preferably a coded one and not a stick it together one. When you have decided what size you want, change your now one and overplate the entire thing under the under line. then you virtually have a brand new boat with all your now internals already yours and already fitted saving around 30 /40k at least. Things as your cooker are not now cheap and old ones are still serviceable. You have rust problems above the waterline all over but a good welder will make the lot disappear with new steel instead of filler, and at the same time redesign your leaking side hatch by welding water channels in which also need to go over each window. I would think about spending money on new to end up pretty much where you are already give or take even if you go for a complete new base plate. None of it is rocket science if you want to throw money at it, which would be alot less than having a new one made.

[@wellbeingonwater]

She's great as she is and she will make a family/couple/another person VERY happy while I start a new adventure! Exciting times

[@andrewlloyd2449]

We didn’t do a boat build but a 1930 bungalow refurbishment. Highly recommended adding 10-15% contingency to your budget. Would suggest exploring some of the sail away offerings, you will still have the opportunity to fit out yourself to your own design and have a stronger start to achieve your dream. Wishing you well and hope you meet your target

[@wellbeingonwater]

Thanks for your advice 😀

[@nsean479]

My friends who also live on a narrow boat ( 72 foot ) have often said to look at roughly £1000 a 1ft for a good speck boat. If this one is going to be your long term home then don't cut corners but at least you can choose the layout of the boat.

[@wellbeingonwater]

Thanks! Exactly my thoughts

[@davidrussell7837]

I think £1000 a foot is a little outdated now. I am building a 68 footer and I’m looking at £100 k and I’ve done everything myself.

[@philelliott5327]

£1000 per foot? Ahh, them were the days! 😂. Try double that figure, even for a fairly modest but solid fitout.

[@Sam-sz8fz]

When cruising at this low engine speed, the canal boat hybrid is designed to provide 7-8 kW of power generation. In normal calm canal conditions, you can drive on the electric motor for prolonged periods. How long you can go on an electric drive depends on the size of your batteries.

[@wellbeingonwater]

Sound advice

[@TatyanaValdaBelindaHill]

This is a great idea. I am rooting for you! 🚢🌻

[@julie9242]

Hi May, Great idea, I designed my narrowboat, it was a life changing time. I started with a empty boat painted and outside done. My company listened to all my ideas and did it to my budget. BRILL Time of my life and now living the life. X🐰x

[@wellbeingonwater]

Awesome!! That sounds great, thank you for sharing

[@nobreak78]

May I ask what company you used?

[@julie9242]

The company I used was Ovation, they are at the Crick boat show this year. Some things I liked went beyond my budget, so didn't have. So I did alot of looking and homework. Mapped out on paper my plan including kitchen sink. Maxed out all I wanted and then tailed it back to my budget and have added bits to make it my home since. Go and have a chat with them. Good luck to all reading😁👍

[@nobreak78]

@@julie9242 Thank you - super helpful!!

[@michaelmcnally6093]

You’re inspiring to watch. Lots of great insights and advice on healthy lifestyle which is more valuable than I imaged it would be so thank you for that. Good luck with your new build Mike

[@linamora9169]

Good luck May!

[@wellbeingonwater]

Thank you!

[@pathogan4854]

Just cae across your channel looking forward to seeing where this journey goes !! what will you do in between selling the boat and and getting the new 1 built ? best of luck with everything !!

[@Venbos-Way]

Hi May, found this through Ben & Emily also seen you before on YT & on C4. Love what you do and how you go with your heart & gut feel, spot on - I would suggest a , that was one on my items on my hit-list when purchasing 10 months ago (Not new but feels like it, 1 previous owner, complete purchase & service history). Keep going with your heart & gut 🙏

[@sheldonmartin770417]

You are such an inspiration. Never even been on a narrow boat but can't wait to watch your videos. I'm definitely going to take that Raffle hopefully my dreams could cone ture as well

[@wellbeingonwater]

Yay!! Thanks for supporting and good luck!

[@Dbonesk8]

I bought 2 tickets, I hope you get to build a nice boat. Don’t underestimate the stress of building a boat too, money is one thing but there’s a lot too it. 😅 love your work

[@wellbeingonwater]

Thanks for the tips! Good luck!

[@Gothicteacher]

I really like your videos May. In the future I would like buy a boat. Thanks for your videos.

[@wellbeingonwater]

Thanks for watching!

[@justinmichaelfrank93]

Wow, sounds amazing, will watch later

[@wellbeingonwater]

Yay!

[@flatworm00]

Go for it! Don't go cheap!!!!!

[@wellbeingonwater]

Woo!

[@TeeMac68]

OMG what the hell is with all the negativity? Some of you need to go away and sort your own lives out rather than invest quite so much energy into your opinions regarding what someone else should do with theirs. Unless someone is impacting me directly or they are a loved one who may cause themselves harm through certain actions, I couldnt give a flying eff what others do with their lives. You go girl. Do what makes your heart soar (which I know you will!) ❤

[@wellbeingonwater]

Haha right!! Some people have a lot to say. Gotta take the good with the bad. Thankfully this KZbin stuff has toughened me up !

[@claireswain9748]

From one boater to another, I totally get wanting a less heavy boat. We can't move ours solo, bloody hard work. Wow, the adventure of doing a fit out yourself. You could go old school and use sheep fleece for insulation instead of spray foam. Reclaimed floor, scaffolding planks sanded look great. I'm sure making that new build mood board will look amazing 🎉. Have purchased a ticket to help you out.

[@wellbeingonwater]

Thanks boat sis! Appreciate the ideas, love and support!

[@tmtcschannel]

Entered to support your dreams :) May they all come true

[@wellbeingonwater]

Thanks!! Good luck to you!

[@a1sjb677]

Tickets bought - good luck to everyone and you May - long time watcher, first time commenter

[@stephenspringett5954]

Hi May, just got some tickets. Hope you reach your target, and follow your dreams.....

[@wellbeingonwater]

Thank you!! Yay!

[@ianeglintine882]

Wow may can't wait to follow your new adventures amazing ....and I've sent the raffle link to my daughter's for birthday tickets 🤞🏼....may even save me purchasing a boat and it's would be a extra win as I love your engine room🤞🏼

[@markrant1460]

Dear May, You have made the first step forward CONGRATS!!! DO talk to Blue Water, they are perfectionist. In addition to that consider an electric motor not diesel. Unfortunately that is the way of the future and will save you the cost of maintenance and fuel and give you a better resale price should you need. Keep in mind how much is your time worth. Sometimes having another do the work is much more cost effective and gives you a much more stress free life. Big Hugs, Mark Alberta, Canada (currently in Wales)

[@wellbeingonwater]

thanks Mark! Great advice

[@daveyboy876]

Hey Megan good to see your video! Why not sell your boat and then upgrade to a newer boat. You can then re-model the new/ second hand one. You can find the difference in cash!

[@wellbeingonwater]

It’s deffo an option I’m not ruling out! Building is the dream there are lots of in inbetweens

[@NotMolly-jf2rh]

I have your current boat saved as my favorite boat I want to copy to create my own someday. So I AM IN!!!

[@NotMolly-jf2rh]

Just now entered! 1st! I WANT THIS!!!

[@NotMolly-jf2rh]

About to retire. What a blessing this would be. So if anyone is not entering please pray for me!

[@adrianmichell2751]

@NotMolly-jf2rh. I intend to enter but I will still pray for you winning it ! Have loads of luck !

[@wellbeingonwater]

Wooo!!

[@user-jr4yk6ld3n]

Go for it, love the idea of the raffle, have bought tickets. Don’t go cheap on the key boat stuff. It’s good to diy but on the bits that don’t matter if not quite right. 😊

[@wellbeingonwater]

Thank you 😀 good luck to you!!

[@davidboydarnott417]

Consult with a Joiner you know coz they'll advise you on the fitting schedule, like all plumbing first, fitted cupboards & wardrobes,kitchen carcasses, then electrical ,etc. Best of Luck! 😘😘

[@antonjw]

Felt if there was a self-contained “Win a Narrowboat” video on its own (with some history & background and a nice boat tour etc.) this could really go viral on its own with it being such a unique proposition (and the fact that you're getting featured on the telly to boot!).

[@wellbeingonwater]

Lets see shall we

[@243atlpac]

Great videos. Thanks

[@wellbeingonwater]

Glad you like them!

[@richardbrown7153]

Evening May 🙂 I enjoyed following your thought process about a new boat. May I make a suggestion about the Insulation? Use something like Rockwool you can cut it to size using hand tools rather than faffing about with spray foam, which can't be very environmentally friendly. I wish I did have £90,000 I'd have my own Narrow boat then 😂 But I will be buying a ticket or two to maybe win yours!

[@andrewbarnard667]

The fibres from the rock wool are not great for the environment. As insulation if it gets wet it can soak up water and spread it. Spray foam doesn't wick and keeps the steel dry.

[@RoalfW]

@@andrewbarnard667 plus you don't get air pockets which allow condensation. spray foam is the only way to go (IMHO)

[@garethclark5489]

i was thinking sheep wool but same problem i assume

[@wellbeingonwater]

My friend did her van like this. And George too for that matter! Thanks for the reminder

[@richardbrown7153]

Thank you - I stand duly corrected!😁

[@wonderingworld119]

Got to be worth a fiver. If I win I will get it surveyed and try to get some knocked off though.

[@wellbeingonwater]

haha classic

[@johnobrien403]

Hi may,how much for electric drive?

[@ciah63]

Fab idea! (Just bought 2 tickets) … even if I don’t win I celebrate & support your sense of adventure 👍😊 good luck mrs! X

[@wellbeingonwater]

Awesome! Thank you! I wish you luck!

[@englishgrandad3298]

Been dreaming of living on the canals and rivers for 2 years, love your boat would give you 5 grand. Like you i am saving for a sail away, a ways off yet.

[@wellbeingonwater]

Keep going!!

[@anvil5356]

Good luck with your with your plans for a new boat and with luck , (if I win) I'll let you borrow my boat until yours is ready :D

[@wellbeingonwater]

Well arent you lovely! haha thanks! and good luck!

[@gadgit1896]

Hi May. What a brill idea I hope it all works just for you your such a amazing young lady I purchased some tickets even if I don’t win I do hope it achieves your own wishes Keep them vlogs coming I love em Xx gadgit xx

[@wellbeingonwater]

Thanks Gadgit😀

[@gadgit1896]

May if I do win I’ll let you live on boat till new one built Xx gadgit xx

[@justinmichaelfrank93]

Dream Bigger than big, great Ms. May

[@wellbeingonwater]

Woo hoo, thanks for the support!

[@justinmichaelfrank93]

@@wellbeingonwater We might win

[@FlyRenegade_]

15:20 love it !

[@wellbeingonwater]

🙌

[@iainmccree6270]

good luck my darling ,, LOVE Merilyn x

[@wellbeingonwater]

Thanks lovely!

[@shinyperson944]

Hey May! What am exciting project - looking forward to seeing it come through! If you don't already know them, may I suggest you have a chat with Jack and Gabi from @thistinylife? They've done a very similar venture, selling their boat for a sailaway and then doing a refurb and fitout themselves, going for reclaimed materials and favours wherever they can! They might have some insights and tips to share. The very best of luck with it! X

[@wellbeingonwater]

I do know them! they are lovely! They shared much with me and i'm grateful for that! Lets see what happens ey!

[@julietwigg4414]

Try Cheshire narrow boats at Lymm Cheshire. Much cheaper than the price you were quoted.

[@wellbeingonwater]

Bit far away! But thanks for the suggestion. I'm not after 'cheap' though.

[@Narrowboat.and.offgrid.living]

What happens if the target ticket sales total is not reached do people get there money back

[@wellbeingonwater]

Winner gets 50% cash prize

[@fabricartUK]

This is for me (and my girl)!!! Is there a limit to nu ber of tickets we cam buy?

[@wellbeingonwater]

Unlimited! Go for it! 😀 best of luck to ya!

[@fabricartUK]

@@wellbeingonwater I need another thumbs up icon.....one is insufficient!

[@ShinjitsuKK]

72G put me off 😂 I'll buy it for you if the euro numbers come in! Good luck with the build, I'd love to be on the water x

[@neilfoster814]

Wow, what a truly beautiful, amazing, wonderful lady! Having spent most of my childhood holidays on the canals, and at one time owning a 44ft steel narrowboat myself, I totally get the lifestyle. Some longer narrowboats are now fitted with electric bow thrusters to help with handling in tight spaces or windy conditions. Would it be worth looking at buying a completed bare hull including engine?

[@cycledelic44]

Are you budgeting for boat security or electric/hybrid engines? Will you have the option to swap to electric later? Do narrowboats have safes for valuables?

[@wellbeingonwater]

I am indeed

[@cycledelic44]

Awesome, very envious.

[@lewisgardner1660]

If we won the boat we would let you stay on it until your new boat was ready to move onto, we would use it for holidays and weekends only so not a big issue if we won it. We admire your ambition and drive.

[@wellbeingonwater]

Well I hope you win then haha!

[@garywilde6171]

Hi May, here's a couple of features worth researching and considering, depending on your budget: 1. Hybrid drive system - electric propulsion combined with a diesel generator. 2. Bow thrusters - really help with single handling.

[@wellbeingonwater]

Thanks Gary! Would looooove bow thrusters!

[@LutherAndIsla]

@@wellbeingonwater how about remote controlled bow thrusters? :)

[@opportunisticangler9281]

Nice to meet you yesterday I was the guy fishing

[@wellbeingonwater]

Hey!

[@lewisirvine8065]

I know, raffel well! Got myself a few tickets, if anything, to support the dream!

[@wellbeingonwater]

Thank you!! good luck to you!!

[@AlFoxysNarrowboatLUNAR]

Hi May we got a new hull and are currently fitting it out. (LUNAR) some of them quotes are seriously over the top this is what we paid for some it’s ballast £500 spray foam £1500 lunar is 57’ 45’ internal. I think you can take at least 20k off your quote. But sure you will make it happen. Thanks Al & Foxy

[@wellbeingonwater]

I’m glad you got a good deal!

[@milliestravels6947]

I’m so in. Would love a little narrowboat for me and my young daughter😊Buying a raffle ticket is probably the closest I’ll get to owning one😅xx

[@rebeccadanaher1065]

I admire your out of the box thinking and how you grab life. Do you have a recent full survey of your boat to publish with the raffle info? It would not be wise to pass a boat on with issues, but I do wish you well.

[@wellbeingonwater]

She’s a fab boat! All info on the Raffall spec 😀

[@CraigDroneAdventures]

New here, but loving the channel so far. Yo have my sub ❤

[@wellbeingonwater]

Thanks Craig. Welcome aboard

[@CraigDroneAdventures]

@@wellbeingonwater have an amazing week 👍

[@Sam-sz8fz]

Great content May 😂

[@wellbeingonwater]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@Sam-sz8fz]

😂 always do enjoy your blogs May, your ace and confident. The world would be a better place if more May's were in it.

[@Pogmothoin17]

Great idea, I’ve entered!

[@wellbeingonwater]

Woo best of luck!

[@leewain5999]

good choice on colecraft mine is colecraft traditional boat very well built 👍

[@wellbeingonwater]

I’m glad you think so!

[@leewain5999]

@@wellbeingonwatervery good boats just followed you on insta some photos of mine there 👍👍👍

[@MartynDuerden]

So I am on this Journey too… it feels like a minefield! But research is guiding me hugely atm. I spoke to coalcraft but they put me off with the lack of flexibility and not shot blasting before painting the hull. The latter is a really contentious issue but I know enough to know it does actually matter. There are videos of horror stories and those that say it doesn’t matter. I have chosen my builder now, massively flexible, nothing feels like too much trouble, experts on metal prep and really understand the value of shot blasting. I won’t name them publicly because this isn’t Colecraft vs them scenario. So yes thats my biggest tip so far. Get the hull 100% shot blasted to SA2.5 before paint. I’m on fully electric 62’ Seni Crusier hull only is circa £35k delivered. Good luck!!

[@wellbeingonwater]

Thanks for the tips!

[@shortcircuit7149]

Hi may We have a 57 ft colcraft 2003 We have a beta 43 engine and its just about right. Personally i would not go lower. I do feel your figures are a bit low as reasonably good fit out for a 57 ft is around 140k. Steel prices are still high. Dont skimp on your windows. Thermal break if possible. Love the videos nd bought 6 tickets

[@wellbeingonwater]

Thanks for your views! And for supporting good luck!

[@infour44]

Love the ‘Me all over’ phrase.

[@wellbeingonwater]

😀

[@coldspring624]

The cost should only be considered after one really understands how the puzzle is properly built. After a sound understanding you are able to balance

[@wellbeingonwater]

Sound advice

[@louisemoulin4704]

You would be better off hosting a short story competition. 5iver per entry. Get a well known someone to judge. Ask around to get story published somewhere. Winner gets one week to write on your boat. Or something. Raffle boat later.

[@CatharinaKoenheim]

Entered. Would be amazing to win, but supporting a dream is great too.

[@wellbeingonwater]

Good luck!! 🤞

[@simoncoldrick8508]

Re insulation There was a very talented craftsman who fitted out his own sail away shell. He did the insulation with Thinsulate (trade name) rather than the spray foam. It may well be material wise more expensive but at least you can remove the labour cost. He doesn't actively film anymore and stopped after he finished the build, but you may find it useful as a reference the channel was Colin Jaques - Narrowboat Build. Good luck to you

[@shieldaigbencher]

Some of us out here have a shit ton of money that frankly we have no idea how we aquired it and no idea what to do with it. A few quid invested in a couple of chances made good.

[@wellbeingonwater]

Cheers me dears, appreciate you!

[@justinhambidge8811]

How much is a 1 year old preloved boat in comparison?

[@wellbeingonwater]

Depends very much on many things!

[@ktrusswell3296]

Good luck, a lot of planning, not sure if any help check out danni and Jo narrowboat

[@wellbeingonwater]

Thanks!

[@WilEngelen]

You started this episode off great with the comment that you have been listening to your inner feelings all your life. With that you say something very important. So you know that this feeling has never let you down throughout your life. It's like a child saying, I'm going to be a baby nurse when I grow up. And that child lives up as a child when a baby comes near, with whom she can cuddle or hold. Believe me that child will be a nurse. Because she believes in something and works/lives towards it. My daughter proved that to herself. The inner feeling is yours, no one can tie anything to it, because it is yours. I believe 110% in you and your life with the wishes you want to achieve. And if you go for something, the day will come when it is realized. Dear May, go for it. It is special how you approach life, your cheerfulness, your knowledge, your confidence, your perseverance and so many more qualities that make you a unique person. I am not a rich person with money, but I am a rich person because of who I am and what I have achieved. I will certainly give you some support and if I win the boat, I will give it back to you. To achieve your life goal. As a grandfather, father and as a person, I am extremely impressed by you.

[@wellbeingonwater]

Aww such an emotional, loving and kind comment. Oh man there are so many beautiful wonderful people in this world. Thank you. There are also some real nasty hateful comments I receive but thanks to you I can focus on ones like this. So much respect to you for being a superhuman ! Kindness is a superpower and you possess oodles of it! 🙏

[@WilEngelen]

@@wellbeingonwater Special people deserve special attention. I tried to buy some lottery tickets this morning. However, I cannot transfer money because I do not have a credit card. And I think many people don't have that, certainly not in the Netherlands and other European countries. Most only have a bank card. We cannot transfer money with this. If we want to transfer that money via the bank, there will be an additional 8 euros transaction costs. I'd rather give you that money than the bank. Raffall Limited only works with Credit Card or Bank Transfer. PayPal is not accepted as a method of payment. I wanted to tell you that, because who knows, there might be another option? It would be a shame if you lost these people because they cannot transfer money. I've been trying to think of another way for at least an hour.... and I keep thinking and feeling for you.

[@andrewbarnard667]

Hi may. Probably too late to do now but did you consider doing a boat swap? Must be people who would want a larger boat that currently have a smaller one.

[@wellbeingonwater]

No options have come up, maybe they will now! But seeing this through and we will see what comes of it!

[@Martyn2021]

So here is my idea if your going to your new boat built .... I am running out ideas I was going to suggest that you basically columns of all the things you can do yourself and the things you can't do.( things that need professional qualifications) But you already had that covered. And by the sounds of quite a lot else, I wish you all the luck in the world May

[@wellbeingonwater]

Thanks Martyn! Who knows what will actually happen!

[@duncanpoundcake]

Dude, what's the boat financing landscape look like. Can you get a mortgage for boats or long-term financing etc. How does it work?

[@wellbeingonwater]

No mortgages I’m afraid

[@duncanpoundcake]

@@wellbeingonwater Any specialist finance?

[@user-woolfallD]

Beautiful 👌 ❤️

[@howiesfx907]

Hi May we have just done this we used JD narowboat and got a shell we only had it for a year Luckily i'm a 12v volt electrician by trade And we'. Ve just successfully passed off first bss scary stuff

[@graemeday4195]

Surely there are already some "sailaway" hulls already built, that boatyards will want gone?? Am I wrong by saying that you can claim the VAT back, when it's your home?

[@wellbeingonwater]

That’s deffo an option!

[@timfeast6609]

I'm in!

[@wellbeingonwater]

Woo!

[@wonderingworld119]

From what I have seen over the years with new sailaways, the most important thing is get it 2 packed and painted as soon as it comes out of the builders. The amount of undercoat they put on it is the bare minimum.

[@wellbeingonwater]

Agreed !

[@RoalfW]

good luck, about 20 year ago when i was looking for a boat we were looking at about £1000 per foot of boat. obviously that has increased but i didn't expect it would be 60%. The main thing i was always told to check was the plate thicknesses that are used, using thin plate is an easy way for a builder to cut a few quid off the cost but it can be a false economy. As far as doing it yourself with some of the other stuff again it will save you some cash but it may take you far longer than a professional and you should get guarantees from their work if you feel you need them (will it matter to your insurance company). Is there a deadline for the build and if you are doing any of it yourself will it drag on and never really be finished? sorry I'm not trying to put you off but I would say you do need to consider all aspects of your next adventure so you don't get caught out. Good luck and i off to get a ticket.😊

[@wellbeingonwater]

Thanks so much for your support! And your thoughts on it all! I always enjoy reading what people write

[@jonathanwales2550]

saw u on the telly whoaaaa

[@wellbeingonwater]

woo

[@StewP-vi9cq]

If its to be your forever home make it easy on yourself especially for your later years.Consider an electric motor run on solar. Two pack paint for the hull and a must is a stainless steel water tank. If you dont subscribe already "thistinylife" are fitting out their own sailaway as an electric boat and had a great electrician. There is some good build info on the early episodes of "Foxes Afloat" the spray foam episode is a must. You can do it! Good Luck

[@Andy-G7RCU]

Simon piper is the best boat builder go and speak to him they are in Stoke on trent,there welders are the best.

[@jonbrinsmead5569]

Probably want to think about how many hours each task takes. You could split out the materials. For example would it be better use of your time to sell your yoga/wellbeing classes and then pay the boat builders to do the work which they are used to. Otherwise you are building up a massive amount of work for yourself - what happens if you get ill for example??

[@sianwarwick633]

I have another another solution to your wanting to change boats - you could swap boats with someone who wants a larger boat. Or, you can rent out your boat for part of the year. That way you gain some income towards buying the boat you want, and the person who rents it from you gains equity for the boat they want in future, beyond paying for their running costs, like rent-to-own.

[@wellbeingonwater]

That’s a great option! Let’s try this first and see what happens!

[@jamesc264]

On doing the ballasting yourself....This is critical as it is also used to help balance the boat with your appliances and fittings... Fridge/freezer, stove, microwave, washing machine....furniture fittings..yet alone balancing a FULL water tanks...black water tank if you have one, FULL diesel tank... battery weigh and engine weight......in short..balancing a narrowboat is an artform and a science...so be very careful

[@wellbeingonwater]

Thanks for the tips!

[@2KXMKR]

Would you not consider a sailaway as an option? You can pretty much fit it out as you see fit, just the engine, tanks, plumbing, gas, insulation, windows, etc, etc, etc are all done for you and come with a warranty. Think of it as a head start? Plus you won't have to pay to have the boat out of water. Just a thought as most of those things you're gonna want done right, so would probably end up paying a professional to do it anyway. Most builders will even let you decide where the windows and hatches go. As for the fit out. You're right on the money with the reclaimed stuff. I've just viewed a boat online that had a slice of actual tree, bark and all, as the dining table. I recently watched a video where a lady fitted out a widebeam and she used reclaimed scaffold boards for the floor - just sanded 'em and poured a metric crap tonne of varnish over the whole lot. Looked amazing and they doubled as ballast! Pallets! You can get pallets for next to nothing - or free, if you know what time the warehouse manager clocks off.... Definitely avoid buying any new wood as much as you can at the minute as it's pretty much tripled in price, if not more, since the world turned up-side-down a few years ago. Ridiculous prices. Either way, I hope you realize your big dream and I hope it comes true for you. I'm just gonna go to Aintree and tell them to do it for me 😂 Their 40ft Beetle is only £68k, ready to sail! Their 57ft Sailaway is £59,900. I checked for you 👍

[@wellbeingonwater]

I would! I’m considering all options. Including jetting off to Hawaii to live out my days

[@justinmichaelfrank93]

Are you located in Oxford?

[@garethclark5489]

i think she is judging by previous vids

[@nigelw512]

Iv always loved your optimism May in the past but i do worry about you on this venture .

[@wellbeingonwater]

Dont worry, about a thing, because every little thing, its gonna be alright

[@claireskinner9077]

Be careful not to take on too much yourself - it can end up being false economy as you will end up having to redo things due to not being skilled, or do a substandard job and then having more running expenses/faster replacement costs etc. Not to mention you need somewhere to move into ASAP, so you can’t have an empty/non functioning boat for months while you do it all. We’re currently doing an owner/builder house and I can understand the urge to do most of it yourself to cut costs, but having a few renovations under our belt we have learnt that paying to get the professionals in for the basics saves time and money in the long run. After all, the more time you put into the boat, the less time you have to work and earn an income yourself to fund it. Invest in the bones being new and done by the professionals - this should include the engine as well as the insulation as it will make a big difference to your comfort, maintenance and running costs to have it done well. Fit out, flooring and windows you can do yourself. If the boat manufacturer can do all the electrical I would have them do that, as it will make the fit out faster, and stop you having kinks that need to be ironed out once you have possession and are trying to live on the boat. I would also have a detailed, to scale, fit out plan including size of cabinets, shower, bed, couch etc done prior to committing to the purchase. This will make sure that you can fit everything in, know what you need to accurately quote, and give you plans for the electrical and plumbing ahead of time to make fit out easier. It also allows you to shop around for good deals whilst the boat is being built. It will be interesting to watch it all progress - I wish you luck with the raffle - if I was in the UK I would be purchasing a ticket!

[@TheHeadHombre]

Have you thought about an all electric boat, apart from the cleanliness and simplicity of the drive mechanism, the savings on diesel costs over time (admittedly batteries need replacing every 10 years - worth cost comparing) and the threat of ever more restrictive eco laws (what they do for cars may well come to boats - you would be future proofing yourself). Just a thought….silence is golden.

[@wellbeingonwater]

Yes I have! It’s something I considered after visiting crick this year

[@trevorford8332]

Having a smaller boat would be cheaper for ya. I've seen some nice ones at 30ft. If this is about the cost having smaller boat would be ideal.

[@wellbeingonwater]

Smaller and cosier!

[@gilleslacroix4255]

Yeah ! Got my 6 tickets! Hope i win ! 🎉

[@wellbeingonwater]

Amazing! Good luck to you ☺️

[@oldmanhuppiedos]

Hello May, A narrowboat is just as expensive as a house. Can you also take out a mortgage on a narrowboat?

[@wellbeingonwater]

Not possible I’m afraid

[@sianwarwick633]

Colecraft Engineering in Southam is the company Msy wants to go with, if anyone's also in the market

[@wellbeingonwater]

They built my current boat!

[@anthonyemery3953]

I've entered May, if only to help you build your dream. 😊

[@wellbeingonwater]

Aww bless you! Thank you! 🤞