The buying process
The simple way to buy & sell
the narrowboat will choose you,
rather than the other way
that get listed that suit your needs. The registration process is quick and simple.
worth getting in touch for more information e.g. service history, blacking history, previous surveys etc.
viewing and answer any further questions you may have.
usually subject to a satisfactory survey. We can give you advice on negotiations and will always communicate all offers to the owner.
the boat is taken off the market. You have a certain time period to perform checks/survey the boat.
explain what is important. We only look at boat safety, insurance issues or anything that prevents the fundamental operation of the boat. If further negotiation is required, we’ll work with you and the vendor to agree a deal that is fair and reasonable. Delve deeper for more information
balance. For this transaction we accept bank transfers (CHAPS or BACS). Please note, we require cleared funds 24 hours in advance of the completion date, before the keys are handed over and the boat becomes yours.
Buying a used boat is a significant investment, and it typically comes without a warranty. To ensure your boat is structurally sound, we strongly recommend getting a survey done before making the purchase. This will give you peace of mind and help avoid costly surprises later on.
If you’re unsure where to find a reputable surveyor, don’t worry we can provide you with a list of trusted professionals. Typically, you’ll receive the survey report within 3 to 5 days, detailing the surveyor’s findings and recommendations.
Surveys often reveal issues, some of which may be minor, but others could be more serious. Once you have the report, we encourage you to share it with us so we can discuss the findings. The survey can also be used to request repairs from the seller or renegotiate the price to account for repair costs.
Three different types of surveys exist
Hull surveys are the entry level survey for the confident buyer with experience of internal systems who requires reassuring regarding the hull integrity. The boat must be out of the water to accomplish this. They will check things like steel thickness; corrosion pitting ssessment; boat steel structure; paint – hull protection & cabin; anodes; damage or wear; hull fittings; steering; sterngear and lockers.
This survey is generally for people who are buying a fairly new craft and are confident the hull is in good condition. As it suggests., there no need to take the boat out the water.
Keys areas checked would be engine installation & operation; fuel systems; AC & DC electrical systems; LPG installation; ventilation; appliances operation; water systems; fire fighting equipment & CO and smoke alarms; general equipment.
Often the most favoured survey as it includes all points listed in the Hull and In-water surveys; a comprehensive safeguard for what is a significant investment. This is usually carried out to ensure complete peace of mind for you as the buyer whether you are new to boating and experienced alike.
Should I have a
Survey?
Do I need to insure
my boat?
The simple answer is yes!
Do I need a
License?
The simple answer is yes!
Can I get boat
finance?
The simple answer is yes!
FAQ’s about the buying process
Selecting the right narrowboat depends on various factors such as your budget, intended use, size requirements, and preferred features. Consider your cruising plans, number of occupants, and desired amenities when making your decision. It’s also beneficial to visit boat shows or consult with experienced narrowboat owners for valuable insights.
When purchasing a used narrowboat, it’s essential to thoroughly inspect its condition. Check for signs of wear and tear, examine the hull for any damage or leaks, assess the engine’s performance, inspect the electrical and plumbing systems, and ensure all necessary documents, such as boat safety certificates, are up to date. It’s advisable to enlist the expertise of a marine surveyor to conduct a comprehensive inspection.
The numbers used tell you the thickness of the steel used to build the boat. In this case, it means the bottom plate is 10mm thick, the hull sides are 6mm thick and the cabin is 4mm thick. Today’s standard specification is 10/6/4, but 8/6/4 and 6/5/3 is common on older boats; if they’ve been looked after they will still give you many years of service
Yes, there are financing options available for purchasing a narrowboat. Banks, specialized marine lenders, and narrowboat brokers can provide information on loans and financing plans tailored for boat purchases. It’s advisable to compare interest rates, terms, and conditions to find the most suitable financing option for your needs.
A boat safety certificate, also known as a BSS certificate, is a document that verifies the safety standards of a narrowboat. It ensures compliance with essential safety regulations for gas, electrical systems, ventilation, fire safety, and more. If you plan to use your narrowboat on the inland waterways, a valid boat safety certificate is generally required.
With recently built boats the engine will usually have been fi tted when the boat was built; these tend to be Vetus, Barrus, Beta or Isuzu. In older boats the engine may have come from a car or been a stationary engine driving a pump or generator, these engines have been marinised (such as BMC Perkins or Listers). Don’t worry about engine age or hours though; this isn’t critical because a narrowboat engine turns very steadily at a slow pace.
Yes, there are financing options available for purchasing a narrowboat. Banks, specialized marine lenders, and narrowboat brokers can provide information on loans and financing plans tailored for boat purchases. It’s advisable to compare interest rates, terms, and conditions to find the most suitable financing option for your needs.
A boat safety certificate, also known as a BSS certificate, is a document that verifies the safety standards of a narrowboat. It ensures compliance with essential safety regulations for gas, electrical systems, ventilation, fire safety, and more. If you plan to use your narrowboat on the inland waterways, a valid boat safety certificate is generally required.
With recently built boats the engine will usually have been fi tted when the boat was built; these tend to be Vetus, Barrus, Beta or Isuzu. In older boats the engine may have come from a car or been a stationary engine driving a pump or generator, these engines have been marinised (such as BMC Perkins or Listers). Don’t worry about engine age or hours though; this isn’t critical because a narrowboat engine turns very steadily at a slow pace.