woman buying a commercial boat

[caro11200]

Have experience of sailboats, but not so much of motor boats, much less large engine commercial boats. Planning to buy one for continual cruising on the Thames. On this forum to solicit as much advice as possible and suggestions.
Constructive comments only, please, as very determined to go for it. Also welcome anyone who wants to come look at her.

 

[PlanB]

It would be helpful to know a bit more about the boat you are considering in order to make constructive comments.

 

[superheat6k]

Welcome to the forum.

Unless you plan to leave the river then you won't need a massive engine, assuming you are looking for something around 30'. I would expect to keep the air draft low if you wish to cruise further up towards Oxford.

Above Teddington Lock you will require a Boat Safety Certificate and I assume an annual licence too.

Something with a shallow draft and with the keel lower than the prop because the river can run low and shopping trolleys and other underwater obstructions might be encountered occasionally. Exposed props could be the first item to discover these.

There is a Thames Forum where you could also ask your question. The staff at Penton Hook Boatsales are very helpful and might be a good place to start your search as I would not rule out pleasure boats for your purpose.

 

[caro11200]

Great suggestions, much appreciated. The boat I have made an offer on (accepted) is 18m, 2 m draft and likely 4 m air draft (tbc). I am am aware of the restrictions this size would place on me and will be looking to continuously cruise between St Katherine's Dock and the estuary (Erith).

 

[Jon M]

For that area twin engines would be recommended, you will also need to be familiar with PLA requirements.

 

[Greg2]

Not much in the way of mooring opportunities in that area and that is quite a sizeable boat to fit in somewhere. Draft and air draft will also make much of the non-tidal Thames a no-go. Any particular reason you are going for this type of boat?

 

[MrB]

You can get a lot of information by joining this free club
www.boatingonthethames.co.uk/Join-the-Tidal-Thames-Navigators-Club

 

[alant]

Have experience of sailboats, but not so much of motor boats, much less large engine commercial boats. Planning to buy one for continual cruising on the Thames. On this forum to solicit as much advice as possible and suggestions.
Constructive comments only, please, as very determined to go for it. Also welcome anyone who wants to come look at her.

What, is the commercial aspect?
Are you operating commercially, or simply buying an ex-commercial vessel?

 

[superheat6k]

Great suggestions, much appreciated. The boat I have made an offer on (accepted) is 18m, 2 m draft and likely 4 m air draft (tbc). I am am aware of the restrictions this size would place on me and will be looking to continuously cruise between St Katherine's Dock and the estuary (Erith).

That area is very tidal, and 2m draft means you will need to tay away from the edges near low water. This is very much a commercial area of the river with not much in the way of places to stop for a short stay. The commercial shipping is active at all hours and more or less ignores pleasure craft, liveaboards, etc, which can mean noise and lots of wash. I would have suggested the estuary doesn't start for at least a further 15 or 20 miles until you reach Southend to the north and Sheppey - The Medway to the South.

Securing a home berth that offers decent security, comfort and facilities would be my priority. You may find your cruising time could be less than you may anticipate - the journey from Erith to St Kats takes ~ 2 - 3 hours assuming 7-8 knots. I would enquire at Limehouse Basin, Galleons Point and South Dock, but although the myriad flats enjoy a view of the River IMHO much of the scenery from the water is post industrial and not very attractive, especially when the tide is out.

 

[caro11200]

The boat has twin engines and is, in fact, in a very good shape (recent survey).

 

[caro11200]

Reasons for going for this boat:
1. good price
2. well equipped vessel, great survey
3. eminently suitable to live aboard and cruise, which is what I want
I need a mooring because I am not in London all the time and a CCL means leaving the boat some place for extended periods of time

 

[caro11200]

Thanks for the link, will definitely join

 

[caro11200]

Actually, re. PLA requirements, I am not aware of any other than not causing impediment to commercial traffic. PLA don't sadly have any moorings any longer, not even mid-stream, for anything bigger than 30'

 

[caro11200]

Hi, yes, fair comment. It is a steel hull 18X5X2 (draft), twin Wola Henschel 400 hp engines, full electronic equipment. Quite an undertaking engine-wise, I know.

 

[Seastoke]

Hi, yes, fair comment. It is a steel hull 18X5X2 (draft), twin Wola Henschel 400 hp engines, full electronic equipment. Quite an undertaking engine-wise, I know.

have the engines been surveyed ,and are you relying on some one elses survey

 

[caro11200]

have the engines been surveyed ,and are you relying on some one elses survey

 

[caro11200]

Relying on owner's survey (2016).

 

[caro11200]

Relying on owner's survey (2016)

 

[caro11200]

Just buying ex-commercial because of the amount of space it offers and also, I kind of like commercial boats

 

[Seastoke]

Relying on owner's survey (2016)

not a good idea