Tuesday 20 March 2012

The deal is done subject to survey!

Yes today we agreed terms to buy, subject to a satisfactory survey, this 50ft semi trad narrow boat. At the moment she is called Tinking but that will change to Narrow Minded once the sale is complete. She was built in 1998 by Midlands Canal Centre and has been lovingly maintained by her caring owners from new. Repainted and reblacked last year she is in excellent condition. A Beta BV 1903 engine is supplemented by a 6HP bow thruster and 3.5KW travelpack generator.

Judith is pleased that there is no dinette and that there is a macerator pump out toilet and shower. The galley has double oven, hob and washing machine so not much else needed.

The survey takes place on Wednesday 28th and we should have the report within three days.

Doesn't she look good

Tuesday 13 March 2012

The search continues

Well moving in and getting straight took longer than planned but when the new doors are fitted tomorrow to the fridge and freezer almost everything is finished. We have managed to look at a few boats and search the internet for ideas and boats. Last Friday we looked at a few at Braunston and on Sunday at a few more at Whilton Marina. A new 44 ft narrowboat built in China was quiet interesting at Whilton, but as someone has said it doesn't have any tumblehome, a great nautical phrase, but is was new and had just about everything we need albeit a little short.

At Braunston we looked a few and a 60foot traditional narrowboat called Tabaluga Too took our fancy. A Reeves hull fitted out by Kingsground, they have a good reputation, but it needs a repaint and a out of water survey. Plus the electrics need some up dating and a decent inverter. No washing machine but everything else. I think we will be going back later this week to talk about an offer and a survey, which we have to pay for even if the sale does not proceed.

On Saturday we joined the chairman and a few members of the DBA, the Barge Association, for a short cruise down the Thames at Cookham followed by lunch at the Bounty. 6 very nice barges tied up for lunch and some good banter. A great day out!

On this Thursday it's racing at Towcester and the weather is going to be excellent so a day off!