Boat ideas

[Edharris]

Went to our local marina today to see what sort of boat we fancy. As much as I’d love a big sealine or something similar I don’t know how practical they would be for us. Really looking for something that has alot of space on the back for summer days with friends but also an option to put the roof up.
we did see a davinci 29er today that looked pretty good. Or were recommended a intercruiser.
Would also need it to have a toilet on board.
Any other recommendations please?

 

[Gavin E]

Wow… such a short post for such a huge decision!

I’m afraid we’ll nee much more detail before help can be given. Budget. Area of use. Previous experience, Expected use. Mooring type…… etc etc.

On the positive side, choosing a boat and finding the one for you is great fun. Good luck

 

[oldgit]

Location Location location

 

[Dino]

You must be planning to boat on the inland waterways. Those two boats you mention are Dutch sloop type dayboats. Nice for a jolly on the river but you’ll be going home that night unless you buy a bigger one with cabins.
Give us a clue on where you plan to use it and what type of usage

 

[Edharris]

Thanks for the replies. So our house has the river Kennet running through it so we are hoping to keep the boat at ours so no mooring fees. Been told it’s about 2 hours to get to the Thames. We are based just outside reading Berkshire.
I don’t think we can get anything too big as it would be hassle getting it to the Thames.
Budget max £50k
No real boating experience just the odd rental!
We would only really stay a night or two on it. Not intended for a long stay away. I’m more concerned about the outside area and having enough space for everyone

 

[harvey38]

What length and depth does the mooring have, how many people are you hoping to stay overnight, what is the average depth of the Kennet that you hope to cruise, are you confined by lock dimensions?

 

[j24jam]

How about a Saga 26 HT... will be below your budget and perhaps you can go bigger...

But they can take 6 easily in the cockpit and sleep 2 comfortably with a separate toilet.

Single engine (and ideally a bow thruster to make life easy), so cheap to maintain and run for river cruising.

 

[Edharris]

What length and depth does the mooring have, how many people are you hoping to stay overnight, what is the average depth of the Kennet that you hope to cruise, are you confined by lock dimensions?

This io still don’t know I need to do some investigation when I get back from holiday. They tend to use a lot of barges on the Kennet so I’m hoping you can get away with something bigger

 

[Edharris]

How about a Saga 26 HT... will be below your budget and perhaps you can go bigger...

But they can take 6 easily in the cockpit and sleep 2 comfortably with a separate toilet.

Single engine (and ideally a bow thruster to make life easy), so cheap to maintain and run for river cruising.

I like the look of this! A quick search nothing has come up for sale but love the layout of them!

 

[Tranona]

This io still don’t know I need to do some investigation when I get back from holiday. They tend to use a lot of barges on the Kennet so I’m hoping you can get away with something bigger

By "barges" I think you mean narrow boats. you definitely need to do some more research as to get to the Thames you may need to use the narrow (7') locks, and that is what the narrow boats are designed for. The canal sections are also very shallow, again why flat bottomed boats are popular.

 

[st599]

Whilst there may be no mooring fees (although I'm not sure that's correct as the Kennet Navigation is owned by the C&RT), you'll need to factor in the licence cost. You need to pay for access to the Kennet and Avon to C&RT and the Thames to EA - you can buy a combined Gold licence, but you're looking at around £1k pa for that sized boat.

Plus many have mentioned depth of the canal and width of locks, but don't forget the clearance on bridges.

Might be worth asking on the Thames section of the forum for navigation, licensing and mooring issues and heading to the marina in Reading to see what sort of boats are being used on that stretch. (You'll be visiting regularly anyway as it's the only pump-out for miles)

 

[Pump-Out]

Thanks for the replies. So our house has the river Kennet running through it so we are hoping to keep the boat at ours so no mooring fees. Been told it’s about 2 hours to get to the Thames. We are based just outside reading Berkshire.
I don’t think we can get anything too big as it would be hassle getting it to the Thames.
Budget max £50k
No real boating experience just the odd rental!
We would only really stay a night or two on it. Not intended for a long stay away. I’m more concerned about the outside area and having enough space for everyone

Depending on where your house is County Lock (CART) is probably your challenge:
County Lock - Wikipedia

From there one has to navigate through the shopping centre, before getting to Blakes Lock (EA) and gaining access to the Thames. Be sure to check the bridge heights, and the beam of your intended boat, otherwise your plan is pretty good.

 

[j24jam]

I like the look of this! A quick search nothing has come up for sale but love the layout of them!

PM sent

 

[Chris_d]

How about a Saga 26 HT... will be below your budget and perhaps you can go bigger...

But they can take 6 easily in the cockpit and sleep 2 comfortably with a separate toilet.

Single engine (and ideally a bow thruster to make life easy), so cheap to maintain and run for river cruising.

Thanks not going to work on the K&A its too high, good for the Thames though.