Comparing boating options

Here's a picture that illustrates one of the economic differences between the alternatives of renting, owning or sharing a narrowboat.

The front fender on our shared-boat Somerton needed to be replaced on a recent trip, and as we had some time to spare I bought a new one and fitted it (and took the picture including the old one to show that it was needed). As I purchased it from the marina where the boat was based, the cost of about £70 - 80 was billed to the boat's account with the boat-yard, and paid out of the annual contributions made by the 12 share-owners. Cost to us, about £6.50.

If we had been hiring a boat, the replacement would have been taken care of by the hire company, hopefully before it reached this stage of deterioration. Cost to hirer - lost in the (rather substantial) hiring rate being paid for the holiday.

Had the fender been needed on our own boat, the replacement would have been at our own expense, after due consideration and shopping around for the best deal. Boating is rarely cheap, and you realise that especially when you discover the price of some of these essential accessories.

A share of a narrowboat...

Another good method of getting afloat on the inland waterways, and in general a comparitively economical one, is to acquire a share of a boat.

There are several organisations offering shares of narrowboats - usually six, eight or twelve shares per boat. A Google search will bring up the most active organisations. We own a share in Somerton, seen here, which is 58 ft long and has six comfortable berths and two loos. It is one of many such boats operated by the 'Ownerships' organisation, but in fact belongs jointly to its group of owners, not the organisation. We have use of the boat for two summer weeks and one autumn week each year, and compared to hiring a boat of this quality it really is an affordable alternative.

Every autumn the owners group meets up to discuss and decide such matters as where to have the boat moored next year, and what needs to be done during the winter maintenance period. One of the good things about the scheme is that sharing the costs with eleven others keeps the annual expenses within reason. Even a bit of luxury can be afforded occasionally.

First time afloat...

Of course, buying a narrow-boat isn't a very sensible way to start your boating career, and like most people we got started by hiring a boat for a holiday. Middlewich Narrow Boats, from whom I borrowed this picture, supplied the boat 'Laurel', on which we made our maiden canal voyage.

Two things seem important about arranging your first narrowboat adventure (apart from the location and the quality / service of the hire company - there are many to choose from). The first is good weather, and if you can organise that you'll probably become a lifelong boating fan. The second is the opportunity to learn the operation of a lock under supervision. Locks are about the only potentially nerve-racking thing about canal boating, and not every hire-boat operator is situated near enough to a lock to provide this important hands on training. Learning from written instructions and diagrams may seem OK until you're actually faced with the real thing...

Having said that, choosing a route that includes reasonable distances without locks can be a good idea. If the weather gets dodgy, it's better if only the helmsperson is out in the elements.

Tranquillity

It was one of those delightful, mild, autumn days, with just a hint of warmth from the lowering sun. The leaves were starting to turn, and despite the brightness of its colours the boat somehow blended with the glow of the countryside...

It was a memorable day in the life of the 45ft former hire-boat we had lovingly refurbished and christened 'Summertime'. With most of the work completed and the new colour-scheme gleaming, we were ready to start a new chapter - one that would include more leisurely cruising and rather less hard work, we hoped...

To be continued.

A unique experience

Narrowboating on the inland waterways of the UK offers something that few recreational opportunities can provide. Well, not just one thing but many things. As somone has said, it is a unique blend of history, natural beauty, traditional technology, leisure, adventure, comfort and enjoyment... And many other things besides. Sometimes it's cold hands and soggy feet, blistered fingers and a bruised elbow. But given a half-decent day, there are few leisure pursuits that come anywhere near the absorbing enjoyment and relaxed activity of cruising the linear country parks that make up Britain's inland waterways.

So this is a blog on which to share experiences, savour the enjoyment, discuss the technicalities (if you must!) of narrowboating and generally promote the future well-being of our favourite pass-time. Whether you hire, own or part-own a boat (we've done all three), serve as an honorary crew member or just have aspirations, come and join us.

PS Some other blogs you may find nteresting: