Two weeks ago we travelled to Northampton area, and viewed eight boats in total. There were some good contenders but with discussion we dithered and doubted, so came home again to plan our next trip.
We had thought the next trip was weeks away, and then we suddenly realised that this past weekend was doable. However, the weather could have been an issue with 'The Beast from the East' and 'Storm Emma' meeting over the U.K., but we made it again to a marina near Nottingham this time. We saw two 70 footers, both Cruiser Stern, and the first one, we thought would be great for us, there was work to be done, to put our mark on her, which would be great. We then had to travel to see the other one, which was over budget, but possible with negotiation. It was beautifully fitted out, the owner was still living aboard, so it was very cosy, and you have to be wary of buying just for that reason. It's fault was not having 240v, and no fridge, and an amazingly tiny galley, although beautiful, had no storage to speak of.
We discussed both later, and we both agreed the second one was now out of the picture, and we would ponder onwards on the first one.
On Sunday we decided to head over to a marina we had been to the previous excursion, to specifically look at a boat that we had not noticed the prior visit, or it may have been new in.
This narrowboat was 58ft, as opposed to 70ft, so having said that 55ft Trad was the minimum, this was in the right frame, and I will say right up front that I was not impressed with the photos, but without looking you don't know truly.
We didn't know until we were on her... this was it, conversation stopped and measurements were taken along with photos, and we were not on her that long. We noticed a cat flap, and being cat-less right now, it felt like a sign. We returned the key,and said we were very keen, and would go on to our next appointment: which was to confirm our spot in the marina we have chosen to be based.
As we left we looked back down over the marina, and there was a Swan preening next to the boat, a guy was there with a high visibility coat went passed and the swan stuck with preening next to the boat, so we felt it was another sign... an initial sign was that the boat is built by Nene Narrowboat Builders, and we plan to be living on a Nene Marina: so we had lots of signs, and we felt she chose us.
Having then finalised our spot on the marina, we got in the car to head for home in Wales, and we were well into Wales when the Landrover temp-gauge was fluctuating badly, and we pulled in. This seemed the perfect time to call the broker to tell them we had made our decision, details were taken and the deposit paid for what will be our new home.
We now have to wait for the paperwork to arrive, choose a surveyor, and decisions on any work that needs doing. She will become NB Ceridwen while out of the water for the survey.
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