Canal cruisers are people who keep moving their boat around. How do I know, I live on a canal boat full time with OH. Our boat is an Aluminium Sea Otter that is fantastic, a little cold this time of year but once the heating is on its fine.
Where are you looking to keep the boat/travel? What type of boat are you looking for? GRP is great although a few scrapes and it will show although they are easy to move about.
We havet cruised much (well non actually) as its like moving your home, but a lot slower. Its quicker to go by car buts thats only cos I dont fancy tieing up on the tow path near us.
Well i'm thinking about it and have for about a year now. I have a semi rigid inflatable dinghy with a 3.3hp mercury engine. I don't live more than a mile from our local river Lee and i keep saying one day we will get the lock keys and permit, paperwork needed etc and just do it.
------------- DELTA..
aka Paul
“Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life's coming attractions.”
I used to have a 24 footer on the Broads, but I got fed up with the same stretches of river and they are expensive toys to run with moorings, river tolls and insurance.
One thing to watch for with GRP hulls is OSMOSIS
www.Thenorfolkbroads.net a website for all those who love being afloat in the area with lots of people who are boatowners/hirers and a wealth of technical information and local knowledge, well worth a read or just a place to ask your boating questions.
Julia
------------- Just love to be out amoungst Nature and Wildlife
Celebrating 37 years of Caravanning in 2019, Recently Considered Retiring, but Totally Addicted for Life!
We have a Seamaster 27 on the Lancaster canal. We've had boats on and off for about 40 years,if there's anything specific you want to ask.
We were on Lake Windermere for about 3 years with a Sea Ray Sundancer, but we're back on the canal now. We also used to own a boat hire company on the Leeds Liverpool with day cruisers and a 50 foot narrow boat.
It all depends on what you want. There are pros and cons to all of them.
If I can help just ask, but the boat will be down to your personal preference.
Better ask for a ladies windlass for Christmas, Yes the long reach is easier for those not built like bodybuilders.
Go forth and have fun.
------------- Yesterday is already a dream and tomorrow is only a vision, but today well lived makes every yesterday a dream of happiness and every tomorrow a vision of hope.
Are there any motor boat cruisers out there? Just in process of getting our first GRP boat so looking for some advice etc.
Thanks muchly
Kim =)
Post last edited on 01/12/2010 13:09:05
We've lived aboard for the last 10 years, but are here because of our love of camping. I suppose that a caravan would be a closer match to a boat, it's just our preference. As was said in another post, there are pros and cons. If your new boat can be trailered to where you want it, you get double bubble! No marina fees and very little to pay to the water authorities.
I would strongly suggest that you get your boat insured, especially if you are new to boating. The cheapest insurance I know of is from 'the basic boat insurance company'. You can find them on the 'net and the cost is I believe, £69 for the full year.
Biggest tip of the lot, if you're new to boating, is when mooring up, take your time and don't panic!
2nd tip, don't go out on your first trip if it is very windy.
3rd tip. Take someone with you to handle the ropes. On setting off make sure that bow and stern ropes have been brought to where your 'rope person' can grab them when he/she is getting off the boat.
4th tip. If a hard wind springs up, try and moor into the wind, even if this means turning round. If this happens to you, make sure the person handling the ropes nails the bow first, but not too hard to the mooring point. With the bow secure you can 'drive' the stern in without struggling. You can't do that if the bow line is too tight.
Boating is a brilliant thing to do and in the warmer months you can even take your tent!
To add to the above, always come in to moor against the tide if in tidal waters, and always without exception wear a life jacket whilst out on deck. Even if you are a strong swimmer the cold of the water can soon give you cramps or cause a cardiac arrest, and there are plenty of strong currents and undertows that can soon drag you under, sat wise and stay safe.
Julia
------------- Just love to be out amoungst Nature and Wildlife
Celebrating 37 years of Caravanning in 2019, Recently Considered Retiring, but Totally Addicted for Life!
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Motor boat cruising?
