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Waterways World - the best-selling and first canal boat magazine.
Waterscape - official British Waterways leisure guide
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Narrowboatworld - regularly updated waterway news
If you're thinking of joining the fast-growing numbers afloat on Britain's waterways, congratulations. Buying a boat should be an enjoyable experience, and one which results in the boat of your dreams.
But don't let yourself get carried away. A new narrowboat is often the second largest investment you will make, after your house. With so many boat-builders to choose from, it is essential that you research your purchase meticulously.
A fully-fitted new narrowboat is not your only option. You can choose a second- hand craft, or a share in a boat (often one-twelfth) from one of the well- established 'shared ownership' operators. If you are an experienced craftsman, you can buy a 'sailaway' to fit out yourself, or even a bare shell. Though narrowboats are most common, you could choose a Dutch barge or river cruiser, depending on the waterways you want to cruise.
Whatever you settle for, you should always have hired a boat beforehand. You should also look for a mooring early on, even if you don't take it up immediately. Moorings are especially scarce in Southern England and the Midlands.
You can choose an off-the-peg or bespoke boat. With an off-the-peg boat, the build process will be simpler and you might save money. A bespoke boat is built entirely to your own requirements, but may be harder to resell. Narrowboat prices are roughly proportional to length.
We recommend you consider at least three builders, even if the first one you see looks ideal. Visit a boat show (the main ones are Crick at the end of May, and the IWA National Festival at the end of August) with your list of requirements; go to any open days that the builders arrange; then visit the boatyard itself, and meet the proprietors. Speak to other owners, including those having boats built at the moment, and inspect at least one of their previous boats.
If you have any doubts, don't proceed. If it looks too good to be true, it probably is.
The right contract is essential. You should use the standard British Marine Federation staged payment contract, or a variation/alternative with which you are 100% happy.
Agree the final boat design in writing at a face-to-face meeting, including the equipment to be fitted, materials to be used (e.g. steel thickness), and a plan of the layout (use a 1ft-square grid). Then sign up to an agreed price and a realistic completion date, including dates of staged payments, each to be made only after work is complete. We strongly recommend that you consider employing an independent surveyor to monitor the build.
The boat must be built to the requirements of the European Recreational Craft Directive, including full documentation. You should consider getting a Boat Safety Scheme examination, though this is not compulsory for new boats. When you're ready to cruise, you will need a mooring, a licence (usually from British Waterways or the Environment Agency) and insurance.