Hi all!
I'm absolutely sold on narrowboats and hope to acquire my own once I've raised the necessary finances. I also need to figure out how to plan my life in such a manner that I can remain married and retain my home (the temptation to sell the house and motor off into the sunset is overwhelming but I'm not convinced my wife would follow).
My budget for the boat will be £25k and Ideally I'd like something around 50-55ft. I'm not sure how realistic that is, but would prefer to increase the budget than lose the length. I've seen boats advertised in that price region but as I'm only window shopping at the moment I'm not sure what state they'd be in. This is pretty much ideal: http://narrowboats.apolloduck.co.uk/feature.phtml?id=348504
So for the next couple of years I'll be in the planning phase. I've been reading up on narrowboat life, maintenance and what I can expect, but nothing beats being physically by a canal and at least watching (and pining) as the narrowboats go by.
I'm an IT consultant, so my work takes me all over the UK, but I spend about 50% of my time working from home writing reports. I'm planning on working from the boat rather than home on those days. Sleeping in it occasionally during the week and then taking it out for trips as often as possible. I'm sure friends and family member will also be taking her out as and when.
I'm based near Buckingham, so have been looking at mooring somewhere between Milton Keynes and Aylesbury. High on the list of priorities would be an internet connection. Ideally a decent WiFi connection, but a 4G dongle would suffice.
So, I guess this post is just me introducing myself, writing my plan down for the world to see (which will hopefully make it a bit more real) and seeing your responses.
I've been trawling this site as well as watching various youtube channels and reading books on the subject but whatever else anyone has to add would be genuinely appreciated.
This community seems very friendly and knowledgable and I'm looking forward to getting involved.
Thanks