Frequently asked questions
The simple way to buy and sell
Here are some typical frequently asked questions
Remember, these answers are provided as general guidance only, to help you when buying or selling a boat. Consult a
relevant professional to ensure compliance.
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, many people choose to live on narrowboats as their primary residences. However, it’s crucial to consider practical aspects such as mooring options, access to facilities, and the lifestyle adjustments that come with living on a boat. Research local regulations and consult with other liveaboard narrowboat owners to gain a better understanding of what living on a narrowboat entails.
The cost of a narrowboat can vary significantly depending on factors such as size, age, condition, and features. Generally, prices can range from tens of thousands to several hundred thousand pounds. It’s essential to establish your budget and prioritize your requirements when searching for a narrowboat.
Yes, you will need a license to operate a narrowboat on most inland waterways. Licensing requirements vary between different canal and river authorities. Typically, you can obtain a license for a specific duration, such as a year, and it’s important to adhere to the relevant regulations and navigation guidelines.
In addition to the initial purchase price, owning a narrowboat incurs ongoing costs such as mooring fees, license fees, insurance premiums, fuel expenses, maintenance and repairs, and periodic haul-outs for blacking (protective coating for the hull). It’s important to budget for these expenses to ensure a smooth ownership experience.
The value of your boat can be determined by considering factors such as its make, model, age, condition, and market demand. We research online boat listings, consult with boat brokers, or use valuation tools
available in boat sales.
It depends on your preferences and expertise. Selling privately may save you on brokerage fees, but it
requires more effort in terms of advertising, negotiating, and handling paperwork. Buyers much prefer for a broker to handle the entire sales process, providing convenience and industry knowledge, but we do charge a commission.
Common documents include the boat's title, registration, maintenance records, and any warranties.
Additionally, we prepare a bill of sale, transfer of ownership forms, and relevant documentation for any
financed boat.
Effective advertising involves creating a compelling listing with detailed descriptions, high-quality photos,
and accurate specifications. We utilise online platforms, social media, boating forums, and local classifieds to reach potential buyers. We even now use videos and 3D virtual tours to showcase your boat.
Popular websites for listing boats include Apollo Duck, Boat Trader, YachtWorld and local classifieds.
Utilise platforms that have a strong presence in the boating community and reach a wide audience.
Ensure your boat is clean, tidy, and in good working condition. Address any necessary repairs or
maintenance tasks. Remove personal belongings, organise storage spaces, and present the boat in its best possible condition to attract buyers.
While you offering a warranty is not mandatory, it can provide peace of mind to potential buyers and
increase the likelihood of a successful sale. If your boat is in excellent condition, you might consider this as an option.
We provide accurate information about the boat's make, year, length, engine details, features, and
condition. We also include any notable upgrades, recent maintenance or repairs, and mention whether
additional equipment are included.
We let you know to be open to reasonable offers and prepare to negotiate. Set a realistic asking price
considering the market value and the boat's condition. Consider potential buyers' offers carefully and be willing to compromise to facilitate a fair deal.
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.
You can find a wealth of information and support from various sources. Consult narrowboat forums, join boating clubs or associations, visit boat shows and exhibitions, and read books or online resources dedicated to narrowboat.
No, at the point of survey the boat still belongs to the vendor, so we can’t undertake the work on your behalf. Blacking is also a three day process and because most slipways are always busy, this needs to be booked in advance.
No, overplating is common and can add years on to the serviceable life of a boat
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.
This is the Recreational Craft Directive that applies to new boats. It’s a statement from the manufacturer that the boat meets current regulation and is safe and fi t for purpose; this also lasts for four years. It is similar to buying a new car that does not need an MOT.
The usual way nowadays is bank transfers. Buyers’ money goes into our client account. Once we are ready to complete, we pay the proceeds to you by bank transfer.
We are members of the British Marine Federation and follow the guidelines set by them. We produce a
Bill of Sale for you to sign to transfer ownership to the new owner.
As a seller, you have an obligation to disclose any known defects or issues with the boat. That way we
avoid any potential legal disputes.
If your boat doesn't sell within a reasonable period, we can reassess the pricing, improve the listing's
quality and expand our advertising reach. Alternatively, you can withdraw the boat from us to sell it yourself or give to another broker.
While not mandatory, obtaining a survey or appraisal can provide an objective assessment of your boat's
condition and value. It can offer confidence to potential buyers and facilitate negotiations. Consider the cost-benefit based on the boat's age, value, and complexity.
The average brokerage fee is currently 6% plus 20% VAT. Individually, fees usually vary from anywhere
between 5-8%.
The duties of a broker are regulated by the Estate Agents act 1979 - but charging commission is part of a contract set out by the broker, meaning the percentage they charge is completely up to them.
While not typical in the UK, some smaller or independent brokers may be willing to negotiate their
percentage. That said, it is unlikely to dip much lower than 5%. Larger, brokers are less willing, due to strict
policies they will have in place regarding commission levels.
Fees presented by traditional brokers are required by law to include VAT, but it is worth bearing in mind
that some brokers may still decide to exclude this information. If so, there will be an additional 20% to
consider on top of the advertised fee. The Boat Brokers fees are inclusive of VAT, so the price you see is the price you pay.