Houseboats

Can any one help I am thinking of downgrading from a large house and XX large Garden and was wondering about Houseboats, the only thing that worries me do you get Rats etc on these boats, as I am terrified of even a mouse , and as there wouldnt be a Chandelier to swing from I dont think I would bother , any information as regards what I would come up against , please let me know thanks in advance

HI Elizabeth

My advice to you is to first have a weeks holiday aboard one, and you never know you may get to like the water rats.


jj

One problem with this, is in the event of you wanting credit to buy something, not having a permanent address could cause some problems. I suppose you could say good bye to the council tax, but I expect there'll be stuff like mooring fees etc.

On the marina where we have our narrow boat there are quite a few who liveaboard and love it. I have never seen rats or mice. our nephew moves on his boat in the next few weeks after fitting it out to a very high standard complete with plasma tv & computer. Some have places in Spain and return to the boat in holidays to see their grandchildren. Everyone is so friendly and helpful.

My friend kept an expensive boat near Adlington (Mrs. Manleys). Someone broke into it and totally wrecked the interior. So be careful and keep it very secure when you're not there.

the advantage of the Crook marina is the security is very good. The owner comes out if anyone she doesn`t know is on the camera at the gate. The residents also keep watch for you. There is a alarm which rings 4 numbers if it is broken into when you are not there available on ebay for £150 but we have not found it necessary where we are moored.

take a short break on one as the previous poster has sugested. should give you an insight on life afloat.

Im now called a previous poster and I though I was getting to be with the "In" crowd and a Regular

jj

hey john,nothing personal bro,how ya doing.
been doing any fishing lately.

PS
at least you aint been labelled a fascist/nazi. ya gotta go with the flow, life was never kind.
be well john,xmas is just around the corner,its just about now i become a J-WITNESS, saves me a bomb. i cant figure out what all the materialism has got to do with a man so poor, he was born in a stable and lived off the charity of his followers.there was no ear bashing of tills in those days. its ironic that those who make the most out of christmas, are those who betrayed him to the romans.

Billy
I was thinking of doing the same, but there are lots of cheap chrimbo pressies at the Boot sales now kids wont know the diference and I must say I like to see the narrow boats done up with all their fairy lights switched on

jj

i was down at the quayside cafe at adlington the other week,lovely sunny day. there was a couple there who appeared to be in heavenly bliss.they were sat on the foredeck reading, each had a mug of coffee at there side.the freeloading ducks were making their presence felt by making a noise for whatever goodies might be thrown their way.yup, everything seemed so serene.

Billy, I do wish you had asked those people whether they ever saw any rats or mice in their living quaters or anywhere on board, or are you a Shining Knight in Armour who would rescew me , if I was in dire need (MIce/Rats)

if its the kiss of life eliz, then i"m your man.
why not take a run down there yourself elizabeth?you can get first hand info on the spot.they all seem ready to talk.first nice day, get down there especialy if its sunny, seems to attract quite a few bargees out.

I saw a programme about movin from a house to a boat. Aparently you are supposed to have it took out the water, cleaned and rewaterproofed every three years at a cost of two to four grand! Plus that the value deteriorates with passing years, unlike houses. Sounds expensive to me.

there is a dry dock at Wigan Pier and its only costs £150 to lift the boat out and paint the hull. Recently a young man from Cork has moved near us to take a job at Pilkingtons his father brought him round and introduced themselves to us all. Everyone is so friendly. If I was on my own I wouldn`t hesitate selling up and buying a larger boat than we have and living aboard permanently.

Reddie8, You have given me heart reading your letter BUT you still do not answer the main question do you see Rats or Mice on board that is all I am worrying about , as \I said there wouldnt be any Chandeliers to swing from. and Dark Horse where I live they are appreciating like Mobile homes have , as property here is so expensive (Nr the Cotswolds )

Elizabeth
I was chatting to a guy and his wife at red rock canal he has a houseboat for "sale" and is moving to a 10 yr contact in minehead

its 44ft long he is asking £20,000 fo quick sale I believe is half price

let me know if you want the contact numbers

JJ

You never see rats where there is nothing for them to eat. The rule of thumb is, don't leave anything hanging about that they can eat because, if you do, they'll be there. And they never come alone.

I can honestly say I have never seen a rat near or on the boat. I cannot see how a rat could get in through the steel hull and door.

John Joseph sorry for the delay in answering but confusion reined here for a while hence delay,, please let me know the contact phone no or e mail please

Elizabeth
I will call up tonight and check with them

in the meantime check my photo link most of these boats are at Red Rock

http://picasaweb.google.com/JohnPicmaster/CanalSAndNarrowBoats

(click on Slide Show for large pics)



JJ

Elizabeth, be very careful if you come across any Hippopotamus's when you're on your houseboat. You may have to move them out of the way in order to get by. Should this situation occur, you would be safer to call Johnny Morris off Animal Magic and he will come and ask them, in a funny voice, to move over and let you past. On no account must you poke them, with a stick. However, don't let this put you off as the situation is highly unlikely on the Leeds/Liverpool Canal.

I think all that chat was great , i must admit it has given me an idea & a longing to go & inspect a longboat, sounds great,

Elizabeth

I called up to the boat owner

details are :- Billy or Marilyn
07772303121 or 07967943824 I have taken some pics if you need to see them or its tied up on the leeds and liverpool canal at red rock. right at the Crawford Arms

JJ

Thanks very much John Joseph will do. any one want to join me (to scare any hippopotamus or mice away) bit of a difference in size) thanks for the laugh, its all right you big strong VIRILE men but i should be walking about with a pair of socks over trousers bl==terrified of mice and rats. spiders I am O K thank you all for advice etc

Elizabeth

I've been thinking along the same lines myself - wonderful idea. Unfortunately the children won't leave home. Until then I've decided to go SKIing (spending the kids' inheritance).

Oh for the quiet solitude of living on my own (dream on!)

hey liz, do you know that the mooring charges have just been jacked up %200. i mean, thats some hike.

That`s for moorings on the Bridgewater canal owned by Peel Holdings. It doesn`t affect the Leeds Liverpool canal.