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Post by Mr Stabby on Jul 2, 2017 17:08:54 GMT
Thanks for the feedback. I rang Colecraft but they're 2500 per foot so quite a bit out of our price range. Telemachus you mention that Aintree are budget builders, so we're not expecting the world. But do you know if the basic quality is there? Provided the quality is reasonable for the price then we're happy to accept that we aren't getting a 100k + boat. Liverpool boats, Collingwood, Orchard are all from the same stable. Before I knew much about boat builds, we nearly bought an Orchard but so glad we didn't! Very shoddily built under the surface. I am not quite sure of the pedigree of Antree but I think it's a bit different (well, that's what they told me at Crick a few years ago anyway!). I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of fitout of the Aintree boat we saw at Crick, but of course it might have been a good'un for the show, and anyway it's difficult to see below the surface on a cursory walk-through. Ultimately if it's a cheap boat it's likely to be poorer quality. The perceived wisdom, with which I agree, is that it's far better to get a secondhand quality boat than a new cheap one. However I totally understand your distance predicament. But having a boat built is long winded and stressful and I'm not sure I'd want to be one the other side of the world. You might like to look at the tales of woe from your compatriots Tom & Jan: www.grannybuttons.com/files/Despicable%20Ben%20Harp%20Narrowboat%20Builders.pdfThey did eventually get their boat finished by another builder and have been happily cruising for 5 years or so. In fact I notice it's for sale at the moment. Buying second hand might still be the best option overall. Buying a new boat is not like buying a new car! Completely agree, by far the best thing for a new narrowboater to do is to buy a secondhand boat, which is ready to sail off into the sunset within a week or two of putting the money down. It's often said that you don't get the spec right until you are on your third boat, and I can understand this. |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 2, 2017 17:23:09 GMT
Thanks Gazza, I've looked at the websites and will ring them. Surprised to see that Fox still insulate with Rockwood. A little old fashioned I thought. I'd bet they would spray foam at extra cost no bother. They have a good reputation out here in the sticks. I've looked at and worked on a couple of their boats, nothing to complain about from my point of view  They used to be big on Ford XLD 1.8 engines (no bad thing) but it looks like beta is the lump of choice now. |
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Post by schooner on Jul 2, 2017 20:40:24 GMT
Hi all, I'm thinking of getting a new build. Anyone got any suggestions for a reasonably priced builder who does a nice job. Thanks Peter Hi Peter,
I'm having a boat built by Cain Narrowboats www.cainnarrowboats.com/cain_narrowboats_7_031.htm and like you was originally looking at new and used boats. Cain Narrowboats work with Lymm Marina and are able to fit out a base boat currently at £1000 per foot with all the basic utilities for living aboard or for leisure cruising. There are many additions available and great flexibility on layout and bespoke requirements. Our boat works out at £1160 per foot.
If you do visit the above-mentioned site please check out the testimonials. It has been a pleasure to work with Lainy Cain the owner and would advise that I have not had the slightest bit of stress throughout the planning and discussions. She has a 'can do' attitude, skillful and very knowledgeable about boat building.
The only down side is the wait, I put a deposit down on the boat in July 2016, and although the shell is currently being fettled at Lymm Marina the boat will not be completed until the end of December 2017.
In respect of the quality of the steelwork, ask the boat builder to provide copies of the steel certificates supplied by the steel manufacture/stockist as they have to keep an audit trail to the builder - EN10204 Inspection certificate(s). As an example, my boat has been constructed from TATA Steel to S275 JR + AR EN 10025-2:11-2004. If the builder can't provide then be suspicious.
Regards,
Garry
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Post by lollygagger on Jul 3, 2017 8:22:14 GMT
For contrst, a year ago I paid £35k for a 28 year old 50ft boat. It has lovely scumbled paintwork, virtually zero hull pitting, a bespoke fit out with no loose furniture (I hate loose furniture in a boat) diesel genny, inverter, charger, large batteries, non-walkthrough bathroom, all kinds of spares and tools, anchor and chain/rope, good cratch cover, everything really. The electrical goodies alone would have been £10k + fitting. It all adds up.
It was a fair amount for the age of it, but it's been well loved and looked after. Pretty well every other boat I looked at seemed flimsy, damp and smelly inside in comparison. A lot had stinking pump out toilets. Pump out seems a good practical idea, but I have yet to go on a boat with one that isn't whiffy.
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