weekend canal boat

[funbobby]

im thinking of getting a canal/river boat as im only couple of mins from the grand union canal and just wondering what people would advise would be my best course of action. it needs to be big enough for 2 and a dog just as a weekend end thing. ive seen some grp stlye river boats and think these might be better rather than a narrow boat, seem cheaper if nothing else! also little unsure about mooring costs and things i need to look out for when buying a boat. any advice/website much appreciated.

[sherman]

Always used this lot for all of our boating holidays. Theres loads of different places around the UK and europe with different types of boats too

www.blakes.co.uk

[Nevin]

sherman said:

Always used this lot for all of our boating holidays. Theres loads of different places around the UK and europe with different types of boats too

www.blakes.co.uk

Don't book with Blakes if you can avoid it as the operator loses a lot of the cost of the holiday in commission. Go direct and you will often find they offer various discounts too.

Not sure who is down your way cruisers wise though.

For moosing costs, you need to be looking at what marinas are around or speaking to British Waterways or the relevant river authority.

[sherman]

Ah ok so use blakes to find what you want then and use the contact information that they handily supply to book direct with the operator.

[funbobby]

just to clarify im thinking of buying not hiring.

[Berserker LM]

All moorings are priced by the length of your boat, so if it's just a weekend escape, a little cruiser will probably be your best bet. You need to get your hands on Waterways World, and Canal Boat magazines. Also take a look at www.waterscape.comwww.boatsandoutboards.com or www.apolloduck.co.uk

[sherman]

Quite a few of the people who hire out in blakes are boat builders and if the boat looks good in the pictures there is a good chance they will either be able to build you a boat or have ones for sale.

[TimCrighton]

My parents have just bought one through Amber Boats based in Evesham - the quality of the finish is lovely. http://www.amberboats.eu/

[Rum Runner]

Something like this is your best bet http://www.boatshed.com/birchwood_25-boat-47054.ht...