Buying a canal boat can be quite daunting for newcomers. First-time buyers of canal boats have a lot to consider before making a purchase, such as how much they should spend and if the boat’s interior is sufficient for day-to-day living.
Collingwood Boat Builders breaks down all the key aspects to analyse before making a purchase.
Choosing the Right Boat for You
There’s a variety of boats that a first-time buyer can consider, such as:
- Narrowboats: The most common form of canal boat one can purchase. These tend to be 6 feet 10 inches wide and are designed for navigation on narrow canals.
- Widebeams: Unlike narrowboats, these are much wider and provide more room within the interior for comfort and storage. Roughly, these come in around 10 to 12 feet.
- Dutch Barges: The largest type of canal boats, which are typically used for cargo. The Dutch in the name will remind you that these originated in the Netherlands!
As well as the boats, you can choose from a wide variety of sterns. Here are some examples:
- Traditional stern: As the name suggests, these are a traditional option for canal boaters. These consist of a rear cabin with the engine in a different room.
- Semi-traditional stern: These withhold a somewhat enclosed stern deck and can be a compromise between a cruiser stern and traditional.
- Cruiser stern: A more modern design featuring open deck seating. These can be classed as luxury canal boats.
- Semi-cruiser stern: As the name suggests, a mixture between the cruiser stern and semi-traditional stern. These include some seating and a partially enclosed deck.
When contemplating which canal boat is best for you, decide whether you want a luxury canal boat, a modern canal boat, or a more traditional one, which the variety of sterns will provide.
Key Aspects First-time Buyers of Canal Boats Must Consider
There are a variety of aspects of buying a canal boat that not just first-time buyers must consider, such as:
Boat surveys: If a canal boat is over 20 years old, a hull survey must be conducted to understand if the boat is fit for purpose. The engine, hull and structure of the canal boat are all key areas the surveys should be focused around.
Many first-time buyers purchase second-hand boats to understand what it’s like to own a canal boat before investing in their build.
Boat safety certificate (BSS): Ensure the boat has a BSS certificate before purchase, as you won’t be able to explore the waterways without one.
Legal requirements: It’s important to note that a cruising license will be required before operating a boat within the UK, along with third-party insurance.
Ongoing costs: Be prepared for recurring costs such as:
- Maintenance costs (engine checks and seasonal maintenance)
- Repainting costs
- Consumables (such as batteries)
- BSS examination (every 4 years)
Mooring availability: Ensure locations for cruising or living are researched to understand mooring availability at desired locations.
Waterways-specific regulations: Researching local regulations is vital to understanding how to navigate a canal boat correctly in different areas of the UK.
Water management: Managing water resources on board is a critical consideration everyone must think about before venturing on the canals. Water tanks typically hold up to a few weeks’ worth of water.
Budgeting: Canal boating comes with specific cost considerations, such as:
- Council tax
- Purchase price
- Survey costs
- Licensing and insurance
These are necessary costs that protect boaters and passengers’ lives and peace of mind, and ensure the safety of people and allow for a positive experience for all
The canal boat: It’s imperative to inspect the engine for leaks, the hull for any damp, and any other damages that will affect daily life during canal boating.
By following this checklist, a first-time buyer of canal boats can feel assured that all aspects have been considered before purchasing.
How Can Collingwood Boat Builders Assist First-Time Buyers?
Collingwood Boat Builders has supplied the UK with thousands of canal boats throughout the years. Whether newcomers to canal boating or veterans of the waterways, our team always have the right solutions for the right customers.
Call us today at 0151 374 2985 for expert canal boat purchasing advice.
