| Author |
 Topic  |
|
|
trevork
3949 Posts |
 Posted - 27 Apr 2020 : 23:31:11
|
Anthony, via email,
I'm looking to buy a 3 or 4 berth canal cruiser to cruise uk network. I have a fair amount of experience with Narrow Boats, but am thinking to buy more of a grp cruiser. Maybe one that has some ability in sheltered coastal waters, or Scottish lochs etc.
What I'm struggling to find out is what sort of boat is possible? That its superstructure is low enough to get under bridges etc.
I can find no end of river cruisers, but what do you have that would be a canal cruiser please?
Best wishes
Anthony |
|
|
cliveshep
Thailand
1324 Posts |
Posted - 28 Apr 2020 : 02:56:20
|
What you are asking for would be a massive compromise because if you wish to cruise the canal network you'll be restricted to the "broad canals" only on a boat with a folding wheelhouse or screen so could look for something wider then 6ft 10 inches or if you want the entire canal network you are restricted to 6ft 10 inches maximum beam.
Frankly the only boat out there that comes half-way close to what you want would be the Norman 23's or later Atlanta boats with the vee bottom and if going to sea I really advise inboard/outdrive propulsion.
Calling for help because a wave has swamped your outboard won't earn you any credits. In any event you'll need a transom bracket and an auxiliary "get-you-home" engine. I advise at least a rudimentary compass and some sort of echo-sounder, plus something never used on canals - a decent anchor, at least 10 metres of chain plus 1/2" diameter nylon rope of about 20 metres - 3 times the maximum depth of water is a minimum.
If "ditch-crawling" is all you decide to do any narrow beam cruiser and crappy outboard would do, the bank is seldom far away and on most canals you could pretty much walk across them! They do take you through some pretty country-side though!
Those are my thoughts although you could see my post yesterday about using a little Norman 20 off the South Coast Solent waters almost as a taxi to and from the Isle of Wight and up and down Nab to Pompey if you like living a bit more dangerously. There is at least one being used up in the Highlands and islands that I heard of.
Finally living the dream!
|
 |
|
|
Mad Harold
United Kingdom
228 Posts |
Posted - 28 Apr 2020 : 14:06:26
|
The wider beam sea cruisers will restrict your cruising range.I believe you can get as far south (or north)as Birmingham by canal,providing the draught and airdraught are within fairly strict limits.
As Cliveshep has pointed out it will be difficult to find a boat suitable for both canals and open sea.
The Norman 23 I agree would be the best option,as it is well suited to canals and non tidal rivers,but offshore in only calm weather.
I think really it is one or the other,a suitable sea boat like a Colvic,or Hardy,or a canal cruiser from the Norman range. |
|
|
| |
Topic |
|
|
|
General canal boat advice
