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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
