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Discussion Topic: Post your experiences
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Boat transport costs, experiences etc?|
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woodwose |
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Mardles sometimes
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What are your experiences of owning your own boat on the Broads? Why do you do it? What boats do you own? Where do you keep them? How often do you use them? Do you enter competitions?
I bought my first boat in 1990 and I have owned at least one ever since. At one time, I found that I had got 5. They just multiply if you are not careful. The boats have included sailing boats and dinghies, motor cruisers, rowing boats and canoes. Boats are easy to sell on the Broads and even easier to buy.
Last year, I sold my sailing cruiser, White Smoke and this year I bought Woodwose, a 23ft motor cruiser.
What about you?
Nigel, Ludham
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yateley |
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Knows Their Stuff
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Woodwose,your post is very opportune. After first hiring and then being in a Challenger syndicate for 2 years we decided to take the plunge and buy our own boat. For various reasons we wanted one with a low air draft and easy handling and finally settled on the 29' ex-Alpha hire craft Barracuda.
We obtained a mooring in St Olaves marina and looked forward to doing some work on the boat and enjoying relaxed cruising through 2004. Unfortunately things did not turn out that way and we have done very little cruising and spent a lot more money than planned on the boat so far.
I guess that just like buying a second hand car, there are pitfalls that are not always visible. Despite having a survey on the boat which showed a good hull, it did not cover the mechanical condition. The ultimate revelation of the very poor maintenance that Broads hire boats get has been very costly, as the engine, gearbox and stern gear were out of line and caused major problems with wear. A major repair and rebuilt was the eventual outcome.
The repair bills are now paid and I have plans to replace and update various things, which unfortunately are now running behind schedule and will have to be completed during the winter months.
Am I downhearted, not a bit! we are looking forward to some first class cruising next spring.
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woodwose |
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Mardles sometimes
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Hi Yateley. Pleased to meet you.
There is nothing cheap about owning your own boat, but it is good fun. Glad to hear the expensive bit is over and I look forward to seeing you out on the river.
Best wishes
Nigel, Ludham
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robinw |
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Its now several years since we bought our first boau, the first winter we put in 200ft of wood in the bottom, the next a new sliding roof, next new cabin sides and main cabin roof, then a new transom.
Over the years all tanks have been replaced, new water system, fitted heating fitted, and several paint jobs, has it been expensive, yes, was it worth it, yes, would we do it again? Well my wife saw this old and sad looking boat with a sign on it saying "for sale" and guess what we bought it. We have now replaced about 60% of the timber in the hull and all cabin roofs and sides 2 years down the line and it is still not in the water. Has it been worth it, in cost terms no but to bring a boat back from the dead yes it has. Woden boate have far more about them than the new plastic ones,if anybody wants more information about woden boats try this link to the Vintage Woden Boat Associationwww.vwba.org
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DanHorner |
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Not too sure if I should be posting under this topic as the only boat I ever owned was a 47ft narrowboat which I sold a few months back.
However, hopefully the main theories are the same.....they do cost a fortune to keep, it is like painting the forth bridge, you never are on top of everything - unless its a brand new boat maybe, and I think you have them for the love and fun of them rather than as a cost effective alternative to hiring.
This said, there's nothing better than being able to go for a days cruise or so at the drop of the hat.......get some nice weather and off you go!
I've had just a few months without my boat and am already missing it! I keep getting drawn to those ex hire cruisers sitting around at Stalham, some of them in a bit of a state. Still, I must be strong, as unless they moved Stockport nearer to Stalham, or I can get a job where I actually have time off I guess it's a non starter!
But to all those of you owning your own boats.....I'm jealous!!
Yateley - is your boat still called Barracuda?
All the best
Dan
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yateley |
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Hello Dan,
No we renamed it Obsession, as my wife wouldn't go with Aquaholic! Found that one on a great web site in the USA full of boat names that you can't believe people would have the nerve to use.
I've visited your web site several times, nice one but pity you don't have the boat any more. We looked at narrowboats at first, but found we couldn't get used to living in a tunnel.
Best regards,
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clive |
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Talking of boat names, seen the one (from Neatishead I think), called Sir Losis of the River?
Clive
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Richard |
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ok - I must be suffering from the same thing it took me awhile to get that !
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tadlow2 |
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Probably too many visits to the pubs. lol
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JeremyFisher |
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Nigel,
For some years we had a Seahakw 17 named Mr Toad wich we kept a Oby Duke, Thurne. We now have a Pegasus Prelude (Jeremy Fisher) at Womack and a dinghy (Tender) called puddleduck.
Has anyone had any experience yet of getting a yacht of similar size to a Prelude up to spec for the Saftey Certificate. I know I have until 2007 to comply, but really do not want to start drillig holes in hull for a Gas overflow. I use a Camping Gaz cooker on board. Any ideas welcome.
Simon, Womack
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Nov-22-2004 @ 12:29 AM
