And a Good Time was had By All
After some careful consideration and discussion with friends it has been decided that it would be really good to buy a narrow boat so that for a few weeks each year there is a chance of leaving the modern world behind.
There are now schemes whereby it is possible to buy one twelfth of a boat and a new boat, obviously depending on the length, is much more affordable. Claxton Engineering may be involved with providing engineers for these projects.
A brand new narrow boat can cost a huge amount of money but to just pay one twelfth instead of the whole amount definitely is more appealing. A boat of about sixty feet long will probably cost around £60,000-£70,000 depending on the standard of the workmanship and the number of extras which will have been excluded from the original price.
Another advantage by buying a share in a narrow boat is the maintenance or running costs. Because twelve people have collectively purchased the boat then all twelve names will be on the contract and the amount required for maintenance is likely to be around £50 per month for each person. This amount covers all fees for the year so for many people who have dreamed about owning their own boat for some years this will be a reasonable amount.
Claxton Engineering has many qualified staff members who will be able to deal with the intricacies of a narrow boat engine. A narrow boat is superb for changing the pace of life. Everyone else on their boats coming in the opposite direction always give a friendly wave and shout “hello” as they pass. It is strange because if the same people were to pass each other walking down the road, it is doubtable whether they would even acknowledge each other.
When reaching the locks it is usually a bit of a performance. We used to prefer going in a lock at the top level and then going down to the lower level round than in reverse you go into the locks at the bottom and rise to the top – somehow it felt a little claustrophobic when entering the lock at the bottom. Over the years some of the locks have been made much easier to operate, whereas some of the older lock gates can take a bit of effort to move.
There are often pubs at the side of the canal tow path so to be able to moor the boat and pop into the pub for a ploughman’s lunch and a drink could make a pleasant change. Claxton Engineering always hope that when a boat has problems that they are close to a pub – wishful thinking!