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Questions to ask when buying a Cruiser Stern Narrowboat

What is a cruiser stern narrowboat?

A cruiser stern narrowboat offers a large expanse of external space, ideal for recreational cruising. They are often seen as the most sociable type of stern and were developed due to the increasing popularity of boating holidays. They are an ideal holiday boat as they have a back deck of between 4-8 foot in length, providing ample space on the back for several people to stand and socialise.
The cruiser is the perfect choice for those that want the best cruising experience and are not so worried about the internal space on offer. The stern usually has a safety rail, so again this is a good choice for families.

What length of cruiser stern narrowboat should you buy?

Cruiser stern narrowboats come in a variety of different lengths. The length of a narrowboat is an important factor to think about as this will determine, your mooring costs, where you can cruise, how much your insurance will be and can also affect your maintenance bills and other running costs. It is advisable to get a good understanding of all the different lengths and styles of narrowboats so you can get a good feel of the boats size.

What is your budget?

Cruiser stern narrowboats can vary in price. Prices will differ depending on size, age and condition. Think about whether you are after something pristine or top of the range or a restoration project. Do a bit of research to get an idea of what the type of narrowboat you are looking for cost. Hiring one will give you a good idea of what it is like to live on one and if it is for you before you buy and own your own.

What are the estimated running costs of owning a narrowboat?

A good way of working out the estimated running costs of owning a cruiser stern narrowboat is to ask other boaters for their knowledge and experiences. Below is a list of some of the running costs that you will need to factor in when buying a narrowboat:

Canal and river trust licenses
Boat Safety Scheme
Insurance
Canal boat maintenance
Canal and river trust licenses
Mooring fees
Fuel
Heating
Council tax
Running costs of owning a narrowboat will vary from boat to boat and boater to boater but working out the average running costs of owning a narrowboat and how you plan to use it is very useful.

Where will you moor your cruiser stern?

Cruiser stern narrowboats are allowed to moor almost anywhere alongside canal towpaths. But nearly all of these mooring places are short-term meaning that no boat can stay there for any more than two weeks at a time. To live on a boat, you need to be constantly cruising or have a residential mooring. Residential moorings can be hard to find as they are in short supply, so it is advisable to look into this before you buy.

Has the boat had a recent a survey?

If you are buying a second-hand cruiser stern or any of type of narrow boat, it is advisable to have a survey done by a qualified marine surveyor. They will advise on any faults on the hull and with the boat’s internal systems and highlight any issue the boat may have so that you know exactly what you are buying.

Where can you buy a narrowboat from?

Buying through a private seller can be have many advantages as you will always get more information on the true nature and quirks of a boat from the owner themselves and they are often more flexible.
Alternatively using a good brokerage company when buying a narrowboat can have many advantages. They will have lots of experience, a variety of boats in one location and they can help to make it as stress free as possible.

What documents and paperwork will you need to buy a cruiser narrow boat?

Having the correct paperwork in place when you buy your cruiser stern narrowboat is important. This includes ownership papers, insurance, boat safety certificate etc. Make sure you have all of these in place when you buy.

Questions to ask when buying a houseboat

What is a houseboat?

Living on a houseboat whether for vacation, as an alternative home, or for permanent residence is becoming more and more popular. Permanent residence of house boats or liveaboard boats is often an option for retirement. Houseboats and liveaboards come in different shapes and sizes and can be either stationary or motor powered.
Houseboats can by separated into two categories – Non-cruising/static houseboats or cruising houseboats.
Non cruising houseboats are not meant for travelling out to sea or on inland waterways. Most of the time, these types of houseboats are moored, anchored, or tied up to a designated spot like a marina or dock. These are the most common kind of floating home. These boats are equipped with all the necessary conveniences of a house, and they resemble barges or flatboats. But unlike a typical boat, most static houseboats cannot operate on water because they lack propelling gadgetries.
If you are looking for a houseboat that can be used for travel on water and for excursions, a cruising houseboat is a better option. These come with an engine or sail, so they rely on fuel for mobility. These types of houseboats can’t be operated in high or open oceanic seas, but only on minor water bodies. They come equipped with homely furnishings inside, and because they move, they are more of a vacationing vessel.

What are the different styles of houseboat you can get?

There are many kinds of houseboats so it is important to establish which one will be the right one for you. Knowing its purpose will help you to choose the right size, age, style and configuration of house boat to best suit your needs. Below are the different styles of liveaboard boats you can get:

Pontoon - This type of live a board is popular for its stability, practicality, and reasonable price. They are flattish boats made mostly from marine-grade aluminium, while other styles are usually made of wood, fiberglass, steel, and plastic. A pontoon is a great option for a vacation houseboat. They are safe, easy to operate, and require little maintenance. They can be ideal for exploring the waters.
Dutch Barges – Dutch barges are large boats that can either be permanently moored or moved about. A Dutch barge is the most common houseboat style because they have significant storage space and can accommodate up to 10 people. Dutch barges are wider than usual barges and can provide better accommodation due to their extra width. But because of these reasons, these kinds of barges must only be moored on rivers and not in canals.
Widebeam narrowboats – Widebeam narrowboats are an ideal choice for those considering living aboard full time and who are not worried about cruising every inch of the canal network. Narrowboats are usually 6ft 10” wide but widebeam narrowboats are generally between 10ft to 12ft in width. The most obvious advantage is the additional living and storage space. The inside of a widebeam can look like and have the feel of a small apartment rather than a boat. Widebeams are available in cruiser, semi-traditional and traditional sterns. There are four main ‘cruising grounds’ for the widebeam owner: London and the South East, East Anglia, the Severn waterways and The Trent and North.
Converted houseboat - As well as those above, any former tug, ferry, fishing vessel, lifeboat or large seagoing craft has the scope to be converted into a liveaboard provided it can be placed in the right location.

What is your budget?

Many people mistakenly believe living on a boat will be a lot cheaper than in a house.
But houseboats and the cost of living on a houseboat can vary wildly in price. Prices will differ depending on vessel size, style, age, condition, how often it is used and where it is moored. Think about how you want to use it and whether you are after a restoration project, something pristine or top of the range. Make sure to do some research to get an idea of what the sort of houseboat you are looking for costs to buy and run.

What are the estimated running costs of owning a houseboat?

The running costs of owning a houseboat will vary from boat to boat but working out the average running costs of owning a floating home and how you plan to use it is very important. A good way of doing this is to ask other boaters for their knowledge and experiences. Below is a list of some of the running costs that you will need to factor in when buying a houseboat:

Boat Survey
Boat Safety Certificate
Waterway and boa licenses
Insurance
Mooring fees
Boat maintenance
Fuel
Heating

Where will you moor your houseboat?

To live on a boat, you will need to be either ‘continuously cruising’ or have a ‘residential mooring’. A ‘home’ mooring is where you can leave your vessel when you are not out boating. I
If you wish to moor your houseboat, never buy one until you have secured a mooring, as these can be hard to come by.

Where can you buy a liveaboard house boat from?

Using a good brokerage company when buying a houseboat can have many advantages. They will have lots of experience, a variety of boats in one location and they can help to make it as stress free as possible. Alternatively, you can buy through a private seller. You will always get more information on the true nature and quirks of a boat from the owner themselves and they are often more flexible.

What documents and paperwork will you need to buy a houseboat?

Having the correct paperwork in place when you buy your houseboat is important. This includes ownership papers, insurance, boat safety certificate etc.
Traditional mortgage providers won’t lend on floating homes because they can’t be registered with the Land Registry and the owner could just sail off into the sunset with their investment. Specialist ’marine mortgages’ are available but typically require at least a 25% deposit and come with considerably higher interest rates and a shorter repayment term.
Make sure you have everything in place when you buy.

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