New and Used Widebeam for sale Torquay

We have a huge selection of Widebeam for sale in and around the Torquay area. So what not come and have a browse today. With Widebeam for sale at varying price ranges and sizes you’ll be sure to find the perfect boat for your needs in Torquay

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Questions to ask when buying a Wide Beam Narrowboat

What is a wide beam narrowboat?

Wide beam narrowboats are the ideal choice for those considering living aboard full time and who are not worried about cruising every inch of the canal network.
Any wide beam with a permanent mooring and which are used a houseboat can be almost any size; but a wide beam intending to cruise the waterways must comply with size restrictions which depends upon the dimensions of the waterway.
Narrowboats are usually 6ft 10” wide but wide beam narrowboats are generally between 10ft to 14ft in width. The most obvious advantage is the additional living and storage space. The inside of a wide beam can look like and have the feel of a small apartment rather than a boat.
Wide beams are available in a cruiser, semi-traditional and traditional sterns. There are four main ‘cruising grounds’ for the wide beam owner: London and the South East, East Anglia, the Severn waterways and The Trent and North.

How much do widebeam narrow boats cost?

Wide beam narrow boats can vary wildly in price and prices will differ depending on condition, age, size and condition and what you want to use them for. The great thing about boating is there is a boat to suit every budget meaning that everyone can have the opportunity to own a narrow boat if they wish.
Think about whether you are after a restoration project, something pristine or top of the range.

What are the estimated running costs of owning a widebeam narrow boat?

Working out the average running costs of owning a wide beam narrow boat and how you plan to use it is very important. Some of the running costs that you will need to factor in when buying a narrowboat are canal and river trust licenses, Boat Safety Scheme, insurance, boat maintenance, mooring fees, council tax and fuel and heating costs.
You could also ask other boaters for their knowledge and experiences of owning a narrow and the costs that come along with it.

Where will you moor your wide beam narrowboat?

Finding suitable moorings is something a widebeam narrowboat owner can have trouble doing. Finding a mooring for these larger vessels can be tricky especially as most marinas on the inland waterways system are built to accommodate narrowboats. However, it is not impossible and our advice whether you are buying a wide beam boat or a narrowboat is to find moorings before you buy.
There are some limitations when cruising some parts of the canal system on a wide beam due to the boats width but there are many sections of the network you can travel.

Has the boat had a recent a survey?

Like with any type of boat, when buying a second-hand 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 you have peace of mind that you know exactly what you are buying.

Where can you buy a wide beam narrowboat from?

Once you have decided how much you want to spend on your narrowboat, you can start looking. The first place to go is the internet; you will find hundreds of narrowboats on sale either through brokers or by private owners.
Using a good brokerage company when buying a yacht can have many advantages. They will have lots of experience in buying narrowboats for customers, enabling them to detect a great deal when they see one. They may also have 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 or dealer. 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. Avoid private sellers and dealers without a credible reputation though.

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

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