Boat advice required

[mrpurple]

Having done a little research I am still not sure what boat to get other than I would like a cabin cruiser type, 24-32ft, for under £10k if possible.

Probably used initially for shorter overnights on river / canals initially (Avon Nr Bath / Bristol) for Mrs P and me, with the occasional guests. But then perhaps a few longer trips up the Severn to Gloucester, along the coast or even across to Wales.

Realise canal boats are not good for coastal and vice versa (engine power, draft, hull design etc) but can anyone suggest a good compromise that does not preclude either option?

Although I do have previous experience of sea boats, this was 25 years or so ago so I have a lot to re-learn before I get too adventurous (intend on doing some courses as well). Have never cruised canals / rivers although I did go up and down the Medway a few times.

It may help to know that I am semi retired (Mrs P retires next spring also) quite good with things mechanical, carpentry etc so don't mind doing the ongoing maintenance but not looking for a major project.

[Fishtigua]

Have a look at something like a Princess 25 or 32. They are in your price range and can do both canal/river and some coastal cruising.

http://www.boatshop24.co.uk/princess/25

http://www.boatshop24.co.uk/princess/32

Many had petrol engines from new and diesel ones are pricier but better.

Hope this gives a start place to search from.

[mrpurple]

Fishtigua said:

Have a look at something like a Princess 25 or 32. They are in your price range and can do both canal/river and some coastal cruising.

http://www.boatshop24.co.uk/princess/25

http://www.boatshop24.co.uk/princess/32

Many had petrol engines from new and diesel ones are pricier but better.

Hope this gives a start place to search from.

Many thanks...Know you won't believe this but these were the very boats I was looking at and like the look of...... would they be ok on canals?....thinking draft or overpowered (single / twin?)

trip back from the channel Isles could be fun.

http://www.boatshop24.co.uk/advert/princess-32-cha...

Edited by mrpurple on Wednesday 30th October 14:50

[TTwiggy]

I'm a sticks and rags man, but my uncle had a Princess 32 many years ago and used it on the Thames and Medway. Good compromise IMHO, as it's small enough to get up river while able to handle some estuary/coastal work. Nice place to be inside too, as I remember.

[Simpo Two]

Inland and offshore are chalk and cheese; I can only advise on inland river/canal use. I had a Freeman 23 and now run a Shetland 27 with Yanmar diesel.

Boats fall into two main categories, cruisers (white fibreglass jobbies) and narrowboats (6'10" beam and steel). There are also wider 'not-narrowboats', usually 10' beam. When you say 'canal boat' you probably mean narrowboats.

Canals fall into types, narrow and wide - governed by their locks. If you plan to cruise any narrow canals then your beam cannot be more than 6'10" or you can't get through narrow (7') locks. Apart from that, your options are open.

There are many many different makes and models of boat to choose from and £10K is an OK budget but you won't get a spangly 32' for it. Commenest names are Shetland, Seamaster/Viking (all of whom still extant), Freeman.

Petrol is best avoided in boats so I'd look for a diesel (assuming you want an inboard). If you're going offshore I'd want a twin, but for inland a single engine is fine, and easier and cheaper to run and maintain. Shaftdrive is the simplest.

Here is a useful link. The company is too far away for you but their website has a very useful section on all the boat makes/models. Look at 'Boats under £10K' to get a flavour of what you can expect, and 'Information on manufacturers' to see more: http://www.jonesboatyard.co.uk/boat-sales/

[mrpurple]

Many thanks for the input gents.

1 option I would have liked to keep open was going along the Kennet & Avon towards the Thames and joining other waterways but it looks like a 7ft restriction on beam prevents me going past Devizes Lock 41..

Not sure I want to do coastal in a sub 7ft boat so it looks like cruising canals will be very limited.

[Simpo Two]

Yep, I think you have to decide which is more important to you - offshore or (narrow) canal.

Offshore is a whole nother ball game (training, radios, tides, mudbanks, getting killed by supertankers) and one you need to look into properly before deciding.

[mrpurple]

Simpo Two said:

Yep, I think you have to decide which is more important to you - offshore or (narrow) canal.

Offshore is a whole nother ball game (training, radios, tides, mudbanks, getting killed by supertankers) and one you need to look into properly before deciding.

trust me to take this moment in time to show Mrs P these posts and a few boats

already started looking into getting qualified... offshore it is I think (well coastal anyway).

[Huntsman]

mrpurple said:

....thinking draft or overpowered (single / twin?)

This is PH...there's no concept of overpowered.

[spitfire-ian]

mrpurple said:

Many thanks for the input gents.

1 option I would have liked to keep open was going along the Kennet & Avon towards the Thames and joining other waterways but it looks like a 7ft restriction on beam prevents me going past Devizes Lock 41..

Not sure I want to do coastal in a sub 7ft boat so it looks like cruising canals will be very limited.

K&A is all widebeam so you can happily go from Avonmouth to London (and beyond) in something 14 ft wide.

Edited to add: Ok, 13.8 ft wide... http://canalrivertrust.org.uk/media/library/1059.p...

Edited by spitfire-ian on Thursday 31st October 09:17

[Simpo Two]

That's annoying, there are several sources that say Lock 41 is the narrowest lock on the system, but FAIL to say how narrow it is!

[spitfire-ian]

Simpo Two said:

That's annoying, there are several sources that say Lock 41 is the narrowest lock on the system, but FAIL to say how narrow it is!

What resources are these?

Edited to add: Lock 41 is what gives the max width for the K&A which is 13' 8".

IWA said:

The maximum boat size that can navigate throughout the Kennet & Avon Canal is:
length: 70' 10" (21.6 metres) - Lock 100 (Sulhamstead)
beam: 13' 8" (4.2 metres) - Lock 41 (Boto X Lock on the Caen Hill Flight)
height: 7' 10" (2.4 metres) - Bridge 83 (Hungerford Station Road)
draught: 4' 1" (1.24 metres) - cill of Lock 44 (Sir Hugh Stockwell Lock on the Caen Hill Flight)

https://www.waterways.org.uk/waterways/canals_rivers/kennet_avon_canal/kennet_avon_canal

Edited by spitfire-ian on Thursday 31st October 11:52

[mrpurple]

Simpo Two said:

That's annoying, there are several sources that say Lock 41 is the narrowest lock on the system, but FAIL to say how narrow it is!

is getting confusing!!!

http://www.waterscape.com/media/documents/20400.pd...

The maximum craft dimensions are given here for your guidance. Variations in
water levels may occur along the waterway and may affect headroom and draught.
All dimensions should not be interpreted in rectangular form. Measurements have
been set by boats of average style and shape.

Beam
Maximum beam is set by Guyers Lock 84 and Devizes Lock 41

Beam 4.12m 13ft 6in
2.13m 7ft

[109er]

mrpurple said:

Realise canal boats are not good for coastal and vice versa (engine power, draft, hull design etc) but can anyone suggest a good compromise that does not preclude either option?

You do realise that owners regularly cross the English Channel to France
in those boats/narrow boats.

Edited by 109er on Thursday 31st October 12:08

[mrpurple]

109er said:

mrpurple said:

Realise canal boats are not good for coastal and vice versa (engine power, draft, hull design etc) but can anyone suggest a good compromise that does not preclude either option?

You do realise that owners regularly cross the English Channel to France
in those boats/narrow boats.

Typical PHead me... like a bit of power under the bonnet just in case I need it

In all seriousness I have done a bit more research and the Bristol Channel, Avonmouth, Portishead,Sharpness etc and they seem like waters not best suited to amateurs like me - not adverse to challenges but having second thoughts about the coastal cruises now.

On a positive note I have just spoken to the owner of my local boatyard (Kelston Mill on the Avon) he assures me that a 25ft x 9ft Birchwood or similar can go all the way to Reading, the Thames and beyond. Being an ex superkart racer I might have difficulty adjusting to poodling @ 4mph

many thanks for all your contributions

edited to add:

I note you added pics since I started typing my reply.......I know they do the channel in these things but I am not sure I would want to...... owned a part share in a 40ft fishing boat out of Dover / Folkestone and Rye many years ago and not sure I would have the cahonas to go out in a narrowboat.......watched the Timothy Spall documentary recently and he had a few hairy moments in his barge

Edited by mrpurple on Thursday 31st October 12:25

[spitfire-ian]

109er said:

You do realise that owners regularly cross the English Channel to France
in those boats/narrow boats.

Not regularly, occasionally.

Progress, the boat in your last 2 pictures, was specifically built for the task with bolt-on covers for the well at the front, skin fittings high up in the hull, etc.

Going to sea in one not properly prepared is asking for trouble. As is the guy in the first picture with his front doors and side hatch open.

[spitfire-ian]

mrpurple said:

On a positive note I have just spoken to the owner of my local boatyard (Kelston Mill on the Avon) he assures me that a 25ft x 9ft Birchwood or similar can go all the way to Reading, the Thames and beyond. Being an ex superkart racer I might have difficulty adjusting to poodling @ 4mph

many thanks for all your contributions

A very basic map to give a rough idea where you can go. Not all the broad waterways will take something 14 ft wide.

[spitfire-ian]

mrpurple said:

is getting confusing!!!

http://www.waterscape.com/media/documents/20400.pd...

The maximum craft dimensions are given here for your guidance. Variations in
water levels may occur along the waterway and may affect headroom and draught.
All dimensions should not be interpreted in rectangular form. Measurements have
been set by boats of average style and shape.

Beam
Maximum beam is set by Guyers Lock 84 and Devizes Lock 41

Beam 4.12m 13ft 6in
2.13m 7ft

CRT do have a habit of covering their backs so I imagine both locks are 13' 8" as the document I quoted suggests but they say 13' 6" just in case.

[mrpurple]

spitfire-ian said:

A very basic map to give a rough idea where you can go. Not all the broad waterways will take something 14 ft wide.

excellent find Ian... that will help a great deal.many thanks

[Simpo Two]

mrpurple said:

http://www.waterscape.com/media/documents/20400.pd...

Beam
Maximum beam is set by Guyers Lock 84 and Devizes Lock 41

Beam 4.12m 13ft 6in
2.13m 7ft

That PDF is useless - search for 'Guylers' and it finds the text you quoted - but no other mention of it. Cretins. 7ft could be a bridge height (equally important if you choose a cruiser - see 'air draft').

The best source of real and detailed advice is here: https://www.waterways.org.uk/shop/list_products?ca... ; worth getting.

Then again for £10K you are unlikely to get a boat more than 9' wide anyway!