Grown up children and buying a fourth boat

suse

suse

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My dear children love their mama dearly, but ...

They don't want me to buy a river boat in France. 'Hire one!' is the cry - and of course they're probably maybe perhaps hmm correct..

This would very very likely be my last shot - age and money being the main reasons. I'm still in excellent working order - but who knows what the future brings?

I've had three sailboats, but these days have no wish to sail on my own - I just love the idea of having a river boat, though - I could swim ashore if things go really tits up! Oh, and the French canals link all over Yurp (yep, read the Coopers).

Just thought I'd like to do it. Or should I hire one for a few months...

S x
 
Buy one, Captain Susy !. Are you in role reversal, or something ?

You'll never want for a crew....... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif



I am considering a new career in advocating diabolical things.
 
Why pay FRENCH prices you can pick up a brand new plastic one for £0.03 .. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif .. Maybe a bit cramped and only room for one .. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
 
When you write 'river boat' do intend it for an unlocked river? I have found single handed locking, though possible, quickly palls. I have taken my (former, this one has too much draft) sailing boat through French canals and it was possible to single hand, but there wasn't much room left for safety. Things easily go wrong.
 
That's an interesting point about locks.

I'm flying out at the end of the month for a couple of days to look at one rather jolly little thing .. anyone wanna come along?

Oh, and I have ordered one of those bargain dinghies <G> - though actually I still have an inflatable left over from the sailboat days.

S x
 
I'm on your side. 'Do what you want' is the whole of the law.

You could have lots of fun, live very well on not a lot, have adventures and write about them - and get paid for 'em ( the writings! ) Do a 'Petula Mayle'......

What can you lose? What can you gain? You have thousands of friends.... folks who will come and fix things; scrub the odd bottom; tie you up in knots; take you out for meals and bring you back; commission you to check out and report on their half-abandoned boat/gite/mas.....

(Why didn't I think of that?)

Er, what sort of cat will you have?

/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif
 
Is this the boat at St Jean de Losne? If it's all ok - mechanics and plating sound etc - go for it. You will love the canals - we still do after several years cruising on them. Also, if the boat's at St Jean de Losne, you will have a wonderful trip (using the four central canals would be my choice) if you want to bring it back to the UK.
 
Mono - could you please tell me whether it's feasible to do locks single handed? Even if I'm NOT single handed, there will undoubtedly be such times.

Thanks! Oh - and if there's anything else you might like to advise - don't hesitate.

S x
 
I've never tried it alone but I know people who have without problems. Much depends on the individual lock design. Some locks - usually the larger ones - have floating bollards and that would make it very easy but some smaller locks (most will fall into this category once you leave the Saone) may require a trip up a ladder with a couple of ropes. If there is a friendly lockkeeper on hand they will usually take your ropes but some of the locks are unmanned.

The best bet would be to tag along behind another boat and get them to help you once in the locks until you get the hang of it.
 
Re: Single handed locking

Susy, I think this will be the least of your problems. If your assets are displayed as attractively as on the Beeb recently, you'll be fighting off lock keepers and their "adjoints"! They'll be fighting to provide all the hands you need <g>
As for the kids putting a damper on things, been there, done that - make'em understand that you've done the maternal contract bit, ie put them on the planet, raised 'em not to be serial killers, and now it's time for you.They will raise eyebrows, mutter in corners... as if talking about a geriatric.
Go, Susy go!
 
Re: Single handed locking

So - get the tits out, and all will be easy! Helping hands AND spare fenders, eh?

Hmm, yep, I can manage that ... hehe

Centre cleats for locking out of Ipswich were the answer on the saily boat.

S x
 
Re: Single handed locking

Might be a bit chilly this time of the year!Can be ice on the water!What boat are you going to be looking at?

If you do sail the canals ill have to cross bows with you!At least try to otherwise i could peddal past to see another forumite in the flesh!
 
What about hiring for a while to see how it all goes? You can then take the plunge (not literally, please /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif ) or walk away.
 
Buy a river canal boat, but buy carefully. Then you will either have many years of pleasure in the future, or if you decide it is not for you sell it and probably not lose any money.
 
[ QUOTE ]
Mono - could you please tell me whether it's feasible to do locks single handed? Even if I'm NOT single handed, there will undoubtedly be such times.

Thanks! Oh - and if there's anything else you might like to advise - don't hesitate.

S x

[/ QUOTE ]

I once met a guy single handing a 50 foot narrow boat through the locks near Macclesfield, and they were unmanned locks. I understand the French locks are manned, so at least you will only have to handle the mooring lines, which is what I have to do when I'm locking in/out of Chichester marina single handed.
 
When I first got my boat, it was Thames based. Single handed up and down the river through the locks, and met many others single handing as well. Not really a problem once you work out your own way of handling things.
 
Did you sail open seas with those three sailboats? And did you enjoy that?
If so, don't you fear that river cruising might become boring after a while?
This would be a case for hiring, at first.
But what do I know, actually I have a veeeery little river experience, and none in France.
Looking forward to read your feedbacks, all the best whatever route you'll decide to choose.
 
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