Here we go Cally, It's not a widebeam but I thought I would put this up for you to look at.

This is "Conway No 2"

Built by MIDLAND CNL CTR - Length: 53 feet (16.16 metres) Beam: 6 feet 10 inches (2.09 metres).Metal hull power of 36BHP. Registered with BW number 54493 as a Powered.

http://www.jim-shead.com/waterways/index.htm

My sister Jenny and her partner Ted live on this boat full time, they have just wintered cruising the Avon and Midlands canals are now making for the Thames for summer. Jenny  downsized from a 17 bedroom hotel to escape to this.. They have a P.O. box and moorings near Sheffield where Teds sister lives. They love the life and sometimes wander up onto the L&L, whatever takes their fancy. Ted was a Master Chef in the R.A.F for 20 odd years, It's amazing what he can turn out on the tiny stove and oven. A full on three course meal for 4 is no problem at all.

Jenny's in her early 60's now and as fit as a butchers dog. She's only 5'3" but can work a  series of multi-flight locks without problem. I would'nt like to arm wrestle her!

Anyway, not the kind of thing you are looking for but a nice little boat.

I hope you find your dream.

Edited by - panbiker on 30 May 2007 11:55:54

Forgot to put the picture in!

I'm only 5' 1" but I'm sure I could cope with the locks. I'm a tough little owd begger - though I wouldn't be so rash as to challenge anyone to an arm-wrestling contest.

Edited by - Callunna on 30 May 2007 12:54:22

http://narrowboats.apolloduck.co.uk/display.phtml?aid=49854

Have emailed them for more details (ie hull spec etc).

You also have to pay British Waterways something like £500 - £600 a year (but I think they've just revised their prices).

If residential, you are liable to pay Council Tax (presumably in the cheapest band).

On top of that, you need to get your bottom blacked each year (and the boat's) plus have an inspection for a safety certificate (like a car's MoT).

So it's not a cheap alternative to a living in a house, but the idea is that we pay off our mortgage and wouldn't have that monthly outgoing.

So long as we make sure we get a boat in good general repair with plenty of insulation, our heating & maintenance costs should be quite manageable.

In my head I'm already living on the canal. We've been having a good clear out for charity shops, car boots and recycling, but still have a house heaving with books, instruments and things o' purpose.

I'd welcome people's thoughts & suggestions on what to do with all the wonderful gifts we've had from family & friends over the years - books, pictures, ornaments, etc. Obviously we haven't room for them all, but can't sell them. Do you think the giver would be insulted if we offered an item back to them? How would you react?

You lure me into addiction with tempting morsels, leaving me agog for more - then you disappear! (at least from the canal boat topic).

OK, OK - maybe a half pint of Black Sheep wasn't enough. I'll throw in a packet of crisps as well, how's that?

Hi Cally

Mu mum is 76 and has lived on her narrowboat for the past 15 years. It used to be moored on the L&L but she now has permanent moorings just off the Trent in Shardlow. She winters there and cruises the system in summer. She set off yesterday with her 82 year old best mate, Eric, down the Trent and Mersey.