Buying and living aboard in the Med!

[rustybarge]

I have been up and down several times single handing and with crew - when single handing generally the lock keepers would appreciate the problem and take my lines for me. A kind gesture as they are certainly not obliged to and will not take the lines of 'fully crewed' boats. There are of course more and more automatic locks but normally its not too difficult to get a line around a bollard try a long boat hook with (clothes hanger) hook on the end will help you loop it over. If there are other boats and you are single handed frequently they will help. It is all pretty easy as there are few currents or dangers inside a lock.

Michael

Thanks for the info.
i imagine some locks must be quite deep, so getting your rope over a bollard could present a problem if there was no other boats or a lock keeper.

should be no real problem in France, as there appears to be plenty of traffic on them in the summer.

 

[vyv_cox]

Thanks for the info.
i imagine some locks must be quite deep, so getting your rope over a bollard could present a problem if there was no other boats or a lock keeper.

should be no real problem in France, as there appears to be plenty of traffic on them in the summer.

Some are very deep, there is one in Toulouse with a rise of 7 metres and no bollards at all! When we went through there had been an instruction to lock keepers not to take lines for health and safety reasons(!) and nowhere did anyone assist us.

 

[rustybarge]

Some are very deep, there is one in Toulouse with a rise of 7 metres and no bollards at all! When we went through there had been an instruction to lock keepers not to take lines for health and safety reasons(!) and nowhere did anyone assist us.

'Clinging ' onto other boats in the lock would seem like the only option if you are single handed.

 

[Contest1]

A cockpit large enough to sleep in (or a flat area of deck) is a No.1 requirement plus, of course, a mozzy net!

I find it far too hot to sleep below in July & August.

John

The Centaur cockpit is big enough, in fact I often snooze there on a quiet day.
If I go for plan C a new bit of canvas would be in order, with a well anchored hammock.
Biggest downer for buying is the registration, not transferable and theres no Irish SSR available tho its supposed to be in the pipe line.
Thanks to all for the info, even the new option of the canal's.

Maybe it will come together for 2016. CORK here I come.

 

[Contest1]

Have most of the golden hand shake spent on the family but managed to hold back something for myself?

???

 

[milltech]

I can't resist mentioning I have a web site, see signature! Lots of boats are for sale but I've made a decision to move my life on for reasons I'm happy to share, so the boat is really for sale and whilst I won't take silly money I have a figure in my head!

 

[Contest1]

Lovely boat but am putting off decision on purchase or taking Aurora till next year.
Have booked a posh cruise in the Western Med aboard a cruise liner in May. At least I,ll see the Balerics and some of the bigger ports I didn,t expect to visit on my way to Greece.

 

[milltech]

Lovely boat but am putting off decision on purchase or taking Aurora till next year.
Have booked a posh cruise in the Western Med aboard a cruise liner in May. At least I,ll see the Balerics and some of the bigger ports I didn,t expect to visit on my way to Greece.

One truth, there's never a shortage of boats to buy.

 

[charles_reed]

Have you any experience sailing and more important living in hot climates on a boat? If not you may like to try, perhaps by chartering. Very different to northern waters and you might find a Centaur a far from suitable boat.

I'd 2nd that opinion - most boats in the Med need sugar-scoop sterns to tie up and the Centuar is excessively short of ventilation and cockpit volume (where you tend to live when aboard).

 

[Contest1]

I'd 2nd that opinion - most boats in the Med need sugar-scoop sterns to tie up and the Centuar is excessively short of ventilation and cockpit volume (where you tend to live when aboard).

No doubt you are correct but bear in mind I,m single handed and find plenty of space below for one or the occasional visitor/s. If sailing there I,m going to invest in some serious canvas to extend the living area into the cockpit while tied up.
PS, There was a Centaur with a Sugar scoop/Bathing platform added ro the stern for sale in Balbriggan 8 or 9 years ago. Went fo 10000 euro.

 

[nimbusgb]

A full cockpit tent has got to be one of the best investments for a liveaboard. If you get to Greece may I suggest one that has both canvas and plain mozzie netting for the sides. Being able to escappe the blighters is a major advantage! I've designed the sides for our tent but not got round to making them up yet.