What to look for when buying a narrowboat (5 Top Tips)

[@earlgreydionne1489]

It's always been my dream to own/live on a narrowboat. Now, I'm 50, no money, disabled and have to get my jollies watching you lovely ladies *sighs Btw, the cat looking out of the window in your bedroom made me smile Much love and thank you xx

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Thanks for watching.

[@randymack1782]

if, & thats a big IF, I ever decided to look for 1, I would probably have to have 1 built, or rebuilt, or build it myself, I am too different. and your comment on maintenance, is spot on, IF, you use a modern engine, however, a 70+ year old engine, even when in top shape will leak more, drip more than modern engines, so compartment will never be as clean unless you have someone polishing the brass once a week cleaning geek. you can tell I love the sound of the vintage engines, plus would want electric power to save on fuel costs when having multiple locks to deal with. I see no point of idling for hours, wasting fuel if could have electric available to power boat through the locks, as long as has power available for emergencies, then saving fuel could be good.

[@pastle2007]

Made it my mission to watch every video you two have made, wish me luck, just love you two.

[@Renovator26]

Brilliant as usual. Did anyone else notice your black cat (Alice?) cavorting in the room beyond? A nice distraction. John, Ontario, Canada.

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

She can't resist a vlog

[@clixbits]

Video bombing at it's finest.

[@AndreasEUR]

I heard when looking at a few sailboat buying videos to never pay the amount it's listd for. Always go in with offer 20-30% below what they ask. I have a car for sale, I've listed it for what I want for it, and I know I'm not gonna get that price. I would probably accept an offer 20% below what I listed it for. And then it's whatever faults the person looking at the vehicle can find. The worst that can happen is seller says no! THe best thing is they say yes! And I personally kinda think that if the seller says yes on the first bid, then the bid was too high. I think that realistically one wants a no on the first offer , but this is also down to what something is worth to the person making the bid. Some might go higher, others may be like "Ok, I have the money cash in hand, this is my offer, take it or leave it" Trust me, it's hard to say no to an offer when the person is standing there, money in hand, ready to buy even if it is a little below what the seller wanted.. I'm way too good at buying stuff at listed price, and selling for an offer below what I wanted. (Vehicles mainly) . I see, I want, I buy... Bit off topic, but it's true. I think another thing is "There is always more 'fish' in the sea". Don't go bananas bidding on something unless there's a very specific reason you want THAT one item/boat. There will always be more boats/cars etc to purchase. Might have to wait, but there will be more listed as time goes by. If the seller denies what you believe to be your best offer, walk away... Tell them "Ok, my offer stands until X am/pm tomorrow, call me when you're ready to sell" Especially if the item you're bidding on has been for sale for quite some time, there should be even more room to go below what they ask for it.

[@sct58]

Thanks Ladies. Always ask for a drive so you understand how the hull performs. It's also useful to know whether you are driving with a full water tank (or poo tank) so you understand the trim and how the boat is sitting in the water.

[@jackrea7857]

One thing that should've been mentioned as a step or part of the engine inspection tip is the condition of the propeller, whether or not the propeller has ever been changed, damaged. A poorly cared for propeller will cost you monies in fuel costs and engine wear and tear. Also a poorly maintained propeller will get fouled easier due to rough edges catching things as the propeller doing through the water where as a properly maintained propeller will allow the potential fouler to just slide off the edges of the propeller blades.

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Thanks for the contribution

[@roygardiner4002]

Great advice ladies, especially the bit about repair/replacement costing BEFORE survey. Brilliant thankyou.

[@drg111yt]

Thank you ladies, very useful information and charming too.

[@jjlousvet6294]

Enjoyed the video thanks. We've found the sniff test is the greatest deciding factor 😁. Just got slightly distracted after point 3 by the adorable Alice 🐈

[@klayofthemystics]

Great video although I had to watch part of it twice, I started paying attention to the Phantom down the hall.

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

She loved being in this vlog

[@thesneakypirate5190]

The most important point to assess on ANY boat before any checks can go ahead is the size, condition and level of said vessels rum store. Another quality production by the best crew on KZbin. .

[@mickyjb2003]

Thank you girls a well thought out inventory, yes I did notice Alice cavorting in the back ground.lol

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

She's a scene stealer

[@bluegram1389]

Great topic and good information it sound advice for buying a house or a caravan even a narrow boat. Love your vlogs.

[@chrish9012]

Having watched London Boat Girl and her adventures with sorting out her water tank. I think opening the inspection hatch to that is a must, as the state of it was yuk!!!!

[@feliciawalker6029]

Absolutely brilliant girls thanks once again I’m hoping to get on the cut soon with a brilliant boat well negotiated. Thanks for the great tips.

[@knibs2000]

Brilliant, love your informative vlogs

[@mignondaymond7038]

Sniff sniff sniff! Great advice for life!

[@NorthernBirdBoy]

Thank you for these awesome tips!!! We are looking to get our first boat in the next year or so. This is very very helpful! X

[@steveforde7475]

Thanks really interesting, the sniff test and the general point of not getting carried away with specs but focus on general condition is a really good point. I'm planning on getting a boat middle of next year, the last point was really useful I hadn't appreciated the negotiation post survey issue. I think I'd add battery age / condition. They can be expensive to replace if they are racing the end of their useful life.

[@TheBoatingAdventure]

Great gymnastics video Alice only slight distraction were the two ladies . Seriously though top tips thanks.

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

She's such a diva

[@01cthompson]

Good points. Never assume anything. Ask the questions. There aren't any stupid ones.

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Exactly

[@bethcross4628]

Thank you, very useful and have made lots of notes as about to go searching to buy our boat, it's very exciting!

[@simonticehurst5899]

Wow that’s a lot to take in but so useful I’ve yet to purchase my dream boat and escape the house renting trap thank you both for all your wonderful knowledge of the trials and tribulations of narrow boat buying keep up the great work

[@victorgordon3334]

Lady's thank you .I am thinking of buying a boat .this was so helpful .and you should do more .on this topic .because like you said it is so important. ☺

[@iandonachie9549]

Sound advise and well delivered... and easy to understand thank you

[@dulciebarnes6228]

Excellent vlog, can’t believe I missed this one, so helpful as we are looking to buy another one soon. Also brought things to my attention for when we sell our current boat, thanks 👍

[@paulmaynard408]

I like the LEGO paintbrush holder 😊

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Thanks, Kath made it for me as a joke, but I love it so now I use it all of the time

[@ilox11]

Thank you, ladies, and Alice, for another thought-provoking Vlog. All good information.

[@kevinrowland3]

Very useful vlog ladies, thank you.

[@pootle2768]

Brilliant! The sniff test! I love it! When you say it it makes perfect sense but how many people would think to do it? Fantastic video as always! X

[@7000bass]

This is brilliant, thanks, love everything you do 😘😘

[@MatthewHuntley1961]

Great hints and tips! Thank you. If I ever am over there and want a narrowboat, I know where to start. I also think you just need to start hosting a narrowboaters dinner party!

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Where the only rule is that we only talk about narrowboats.

[@MatthewHuntley1961]

The Narrowboat Experience is it possible to talk about anything else? I suppose of we get Michael and I in a room, we would talk about software!

[@altacat9702]

Outstanding ...thank you both for all the serious information : )

[@tammyburchett3727]

Love you guys. Great vlog.....I enjoy watching all about these narrowboats and canals and just everything. Do y'all ever get into like "Boat Jams" at the locks or just a very busy spot ? I'm sure this sounds silly,lol,. Anyway, looking forward to the next vlog.

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Some very popular parts of the canal where there are several locks in a row sometimes have hour long waits in peak times. We've always been lucky.

[@jimmclean2761]

Thank you for your incite,it will be very helpful in the future.

[@DavySwift]

Good sound advice, really enjoyed watching 👍 Thanks

[@martinduggan138]

Very informative guy's we're looking for a boat now so any advice is helpful. Thank you.

[@rickvangunten4800]

Helpful Advice. Thanks for Sharing...………...

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

You're welcome

[@ianofsjkartwork]

Great information given out well done ladies...thanks for sharing

[@martinward6066]

Very informative theirs a lotto think about be for buying a boat just wish I could to buy 1

[@MrHabilis]

Hi, Came here from David Johns vlog. Your explanation (this one and the video from 2 weeks earlier) had more practical information than many others I have watched. Plus it was entertaining, in light of the fact that I am 3,900 miles away, I will never be able to buy a canal boat myself. Perhaps you might address the possibility of gender bias in looking for a boat. Dealing with Zoe at Venetian must have been great because I am sure you could better relate to her. However, did you find any other boat sellers that figured "two girls can't know anything about boats, and bilges, and engines..."? (without naming names, of course). Thanks, - Phil K. Indianapolis USA

[@navigator902]

Brilliant service ladies.....Followed these survey type examples always.

[@widdershins2687]

Excellent tips :D ... actually, good advice for buying any sort of dwelling, on water, land, or air. :)

[@johnfineberg2112]

Hi Thank you so much for this fantastic advice it's really helped me to think about what to look for when I come to buy a boat (which will hopefully be soon) and also I believe this will greatly reduce the risk of me making a mistake. Thanks for everything that you do. Best wishes Jo

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Thank you, happy to be of some help

[@stephenhughes2775]

Super helpful girls. Thanks very much.

[@gonegoozling9034]

Brilliant tips thank you. We will be looking at some point but not just yet and these kind of tips are so useful to those of us who have never bought a boat before. Ian

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

So glad to be of help

[@sct58]

I'm quite short so even driving with a full water tank or coal on the roof helps to push the bow down an inch or so, makes it much easier for me to see.

[@johngormley2192]

Look for leaks at the dock, while running , after running, then look again.

[@paulstanding7267]

Hello both between yourselves and crushing the cut and a few other boat owners the information you all give to none boaters is immense knowledge so in future we buy a narrowboat we all will have amassed a lot of information on what to do I for one thank you all 😀😀👍👍

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

You're welcome, happy to be of help

[@mozamariner4443]

If ever I have the chance to purchase a boat, I’m going to look for you ladies, I’m probably not on my own either, I wouldn’t know where to start. Well done well presented, see you Sunday 😂

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

We do get asked a lot, that's why we are working at putting out these extra vlogs, so people can learn from our mistakes and also from the things we learnt along the way.

[@sylviapage8572]

Very useful. We’ve been put off boats because of the smell! That is a very helpful tip. I’m always disappointed by how reluctant brokers are to show the engine bay and start the engine. A couple of brokers confirmed they would only let you drive the boat if your offer was accepted and I think by then it’s a bit late. I’m enjoying these bonus midweek videos but you may be raising false expectations 😁 thanks.

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

If a broker won’t start the engine then I’d walk away. That’s a red flag. I know some brokerages will test drive for very serious buyers. But again it’s about finding the right boat. Midweek- I’m trying so hard for two vlogs a week- get your hopes up. 😂

[@Colinpowderfinger]

Great Vlog, we are always learning , and knowing more what to do and look for when we are ready to buy , thank you for passing on your experiences

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

You're welcome, happy to help

[@mikenicholls4861]

Excellent, useful tips for buying and selling. Well done.

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Thanks

[@gizmoinasia6080]

I would also ask for a new Safety Certificate 4years as part of the deal at least you know the interior of the boat has been checked and up to date.

[@miketipping1583]

I think you'd be unlikely to get that. Same as selling a car and asking for a new MOT, I'd be happy for you to pay for the car to get a new MOT prior to completing the deal but I'm not going to pay £50 to get your sale when the next buyer won't care less. A lot of boats have long BSS when they go up for sale and if the BSS worries you then these are the o0nes to go for.

[@paulfosbery6026]

Always good for new ideas from the lovely Ladies! Sound, practical advice gained from experience! Always a joy to watch!...😊...😊...! P.S...The; "sniff test"?...Ammonia?...Cat Urine?....LOL...😂...😂...!

[@miketipping1583]

I'm surprised you didn't test drive either boat. That's the fun part of looking at boats! Seriously though, different boats handle very differently and the last thing you want to be spending X thousand pounds on is a boat that won't go in a straight line.

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

It was an oversight that we will admit to.

[@marybeck5236]

Nicely done.

[@billy4072]

Brilliant. Photo bombed by that cat ; esp @5.15 when it collapses! Anyway back on topic. Yes good info,put over very pleasantly. :-)

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

She's such a diva

[@BruceJSkelly]

Tip #4 Test Drive. It would have helped to know what to look for during the test drive.

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

noted

[@the2012fad]

Thank you, ladies. Very helpful indeed!

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Glad you found it helpful

[@ae-ribae6426]

Brilliant vlog girls. Great advice, because it's quite different from buying a house. However, I did get a little distracted half way through, watching Alice up to mischief on your bed lol.

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

She can't resist

[@pascalcoole2725]

splendid !

[@russellgordon5160]

Thank you

[@mikeyjoechicago5818]

Test drive reveals systems operation and how they function under load.

[@andrewbarlow1707]

Great vlog as always, thank you ladies ✌🏻

[@traffordsfinest1137]

Another great vlog, we have just purchased a narrowboat and hopefully our paths will cross at some point, after my helmsman's course. Happy cruising.

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Excellent.

[@leighwatkins17]

Great info :)

[@alankelly8990]

Hi ,great video ...I was just wondering if i was to buy a boat in the UK could it be shipped to the Irish canals , I'm wonder if you know any information on that ..?

[@wayne2281]

Cheers ,good information girls , We're buying our first narrowboat next year.We watched your video of the new boat ( very nice ) roughly how much was your boat.Thanks

[@terryboyer1342]

Sniff test. Oh, they had cats! lol

[@johnbell7552]

Hi girls, a great blog as usual and very informative 👌 Surely, and please do correct me but, wouldn’t an offer be subject to a survey 🤔 after all, isn’t that the purpose of a survey? John, Watford

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Yes, and that's why the bonus tip is important, because unless the survey throws up major work, bss or a high level problem (hull or engine) then you may not have much wriggle room. But it is always worth asking, my advice is ask, but don't go into the purchase thinking you can negotiate a lot after the survey for cosmetic problems- most brokerages will assume you have noted them before you put in your offer.

[@joshgazzard6763]

Hi great video! Very informative to new comers like myself! When you say you will only be able to negotiate money off on a level 1 requirement, what does that mean please?:)

[@hw476]

Could you just run me through all that again because Alice distracted me. 😉😂😂 Seriously though very informative. 👍🤗

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Too funny

[@hollyslaughter5505]

Thanks for the tips, great video.

[@kendraweber8723]

We enjoy watching your KZbin videos. We have been watching a couple weeks. Scenery and music so relaxing. You don't get caught up and start taking faster. We had to laugh when one of your videos ended. I can't remember the channel, but it was a woman's video about finding God and becoming un-whatever the correct term is. So we know someone is tracking our views and decided we should be saved from ourselves. We kind of laughed, then I was offered. Anyways, keep up the good job of letting us experience the with you.

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Our ads are a bit weird. Sorry we have no choice in them.

[@kendraweber8723]

It wasn't an ad, it was a KZbin video. No need to apologise. You are awesome

[@lloydbaker7104]

Great advice ladies. Have you ever struck gold on either of your boats, like a real cool gadget or item you never thought you would need?

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Great question. The new boat has an off corridor bathroom and I simply love the extra room.

[@rachelmisc]

Would the Broker disclose past safety checks, last blacking, etc? All those records would be passed along + affect the selling price. Good info

[@paulduff3810]

What type of Survey did you get on the boat and if it was out of water did you get it blacked?

[@tomas5376]

Good tips! When buying an oceangoing sail or powerboat the buyer should always bases his/her offer on possible repairs that a survey notes. Seems strange that that same situation doesn’t appear to apply with norrowboats. 👍✌️😊🙏🏼

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Yes good to know

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

No Paul, it isn't. Please contact several brokerages and be factual.

[@tj4034]

Good video. I do miss the "Angry Wife Cam". That cracked me up.

[@WanabeHippie]

very helpful, thank you.

[@paulm1aib]

Interesting comment about the test drive and it being mentioned in the contract. we are close to completing the purchase of our boat, from the same broker yours came from, (in fact we looked at your boat ourselves online a while ago ;) ). We had made an offer and negotiated a price, but we didn't pay the deposit until we'd had a second look, during which we did have a test run, albeit a brief one around the marina. It wasn't until read the contract paperwork later in the day that I saw the actual entitlement to "sea or river trial". It's worth noting that the contract is actually a fairly standard RYA approved document, not necessarily specific to that brokerage. (who to be fair so far have been great).

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

It's interesting what you assume compared to what actually happens. Glad you got to have a test drive and that your experience with that brokerage was positive.

[@leebolton6162]

Very helpful straight forward tips,

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Good to hear. Thanks.

[@chrisskelhorn5727]

If ever I have a dinner party, you lovely ladies will be at the top of the guest list! :-) I love your vlogs, and I wish I had an intelligent question to ask you! Hell, I wish I had any question to ask you! :-O

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

That’s so kind.

[@lorithorpe3502]

Great video , very handy tips ,

[@wsatnutter9674]

very very helpful well done

[@MikeWilliams-yp9kl]

Great video lots to think about

[@garrystacey7018]

Great video

[@jamesc264]

thankyou both so much..Very useful

[@J100EHBOO]

When changing engine oil do you suck it out or can you get to sump nut ok . Bet its a full time job keeping on top of DIY jobs . I do like u boat . Looks like you chose well .

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

On the new boat it has an attachment that you pump. The sump but would empty into the bilge.

[@t.vanoosterhout233]

Good advice, it looks as if buying a nb looks rather like buying a house that is also a car. My question is: what is the usual projected lifespan of a nb? What can you do to counteract normal technical deterioration of the boat, and what kind of wear would (eventually) result in a total-loss?

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Good questions, thanks. Just in short you need to protect the hull of the boat by getting it blacked every couple of years if using bitumen and keep your engine serviced.

[@DesmondsDonders]

LOL Sniff test is important for motorhomes as well :-)

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Yes, I can imagine

[@user-kb1ir7dy8j]

What made u decide not to take your new washer to your new boat ,and how are u getting on with the little twin tub ???

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

The washing machine broke. And we really like the new twin tub.

[@hughcarson6837]

Well done girls great information

[@davidsmith1620]

Great vlog! My question is what is a marine survey and what does it entail? Is it like a mechanical fitness certificate for a car, or a home inspection for selling a house?

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

You can get three different types of surveys, full, in water and hull only- here it is explained well- www.thefitoutpontoon.co.uk/boat-certification/marine-surveys/

[@CalciteSerendipity]

A standard yacht purchase contract in the US requires deficiencies found during survey to be corrected or the price adjusted. If the contract a broker wants you to sign does not have this give them a contract you are happy with. Another standard inclusion is successful completion of a sea trial. Does the engine reach design RPM at wide open throttle? Using a temperature gun is the exhaust riser at a proper ttemperature? Is the cutlass bearing worn? Are all the cells in the batteries at the correct specific gravity? etc.

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Thank you for sharing about yacht purchasing, very interesting

[@narrowboatlane2241]

With brokerages, are there any that accept offers subject to the sale of your current boat much like a selling chain with houses? For us liveaboards not being able to go through the buying process until we had sold our current boat would be a huge stumbling block for us. 😎

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

An interesting question and one that a brokerage would answer best for you. It would be my guess that you have to sell first and buy another to free up the cash. But then where do you stay? I also think it is much easier to sell a boat that is not lived on.

[@narrowboatlane2241]

@@TheNarrowboatExperience its certainly a tricky one. I suppose were just going to have to stick with ours u til we can find a wonderfully rich benefactor.

[@miketipping1583]

My experience is that Brokerages won't take offers unless you have cash in hand. If you're selling your house you need to have exchanged before they'll take a deposit. That may depend on how long the boat has been on the market but their main interest is getting cash for the seller, so whilst you're trying to sell your boat they could have sold the boat you want several times over. Cruising the cuts broker video is worth a watch - kzbin.info/www/bejne/inWrZ5evnsmpq8U

[@cardismichael3154]

I have just traded my narrowboat through a broker and they did a part exchange.The same as you, I live aboard, and needed the sale of the old one to finance the purchase.

[@emmc9437]

Interesting video and I'm not likely to every buy a narrowboat. :) Do you feel safe sleeping with the window/door open at the head of the bed? Or with sidehatches open? A narrowboat vacation seems like a great idea, but with the summer heat can't imagine it would be comfortable without max air circulation.

[@sarahgardiner1649]

The cats would see anyone off!!

[@PNEKarl]

Alice stole the show here ladies! I've got three cats but unfortunately can't afford a boat.

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

She's such a diva

[@bassetmadness3625]

Brilliant thank you girls .. 👍

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

You're welcome